2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Up Close: Reimagining the Trackhawk

Jeep has made strides electrifying its lineup with 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, but it hasn’t had a fully electric SUV — until now. The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S, a new two-row SUV, fills that void, but unlike some 4xe versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee that have considerable off-road capability, the Wagoneer S’ focus is on-road performance — at least for the Launch Edition trim level that arrives in the fall. I had the chance to check out the new electric SUV in person ahead of its reveal.

Takin’ It to the Streets

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2024 Jeep Wagoneer S | Cars.com photo by Jon Simon

That emphasis on pavement over trails aligns the Wagoneer S with one of the rowdiest SUVs ever made: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Jeep’s super-SUV was sold from the 2018-21 model years and was powered by a 707-horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. With “just” 600 hp and 617 pounds-feet of torque, the Wagoneer S doesn’t have quite the Trackhawk’s output, but it is slightly quicker to 60 mph, with a time of 3.4 seconds, according to Jeep.

Where the Trackhawk was a boxy brute, the Wagoneer S is more svelte — sort of like a Jeep version of the Land Rover Range Rover Velar. Signature Jeep design cues remain, but they’ve been updated for the EV age: Up front, there’s a slim, illuminated version of Jeep’s seven-slot grille. The back of the SUV gets a large roof spoiler that’s just one of a number of aero-inspired cues that help the Wagoneer S get the best drag coefficient — 0.29 — of any Jeep to date.

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The Wagoneer S’ street focus is also evident in some of its specs. It has 6.4 inches of ground clearance, which is decent, but not the 10.9 inches of maximum clearance that air suspension-equipped Grand Cherokees offer. The Wagoneer S’ approach, breakover and departure angles (19.2, 14.0 and 23.4 degrees, respectively) also aren’t suitable for serious off-roading. If any brand was going to build an off-road-capable all-electric SUV, you’d think it’d be Jeep. Right now, though, brands like GMC with the Hummer EV SUV and Rivian with the R1S are the ones doing it — though Jeep also showed a Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires and other off-road-oriented details during the production SUV’s debut.

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Upscale Interior Accommodations

Uplevel trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and gas-powered Wagoneer come with luxurious interiors to go along with their hefty price tags, and the Wagoneer S Launch Edition has the same combination of premium materials, amenities and tech features. Perhaps the most prominent design element is its raft of screens — four in total — for the instrument cluster, infotainment system, climate controls and the front passenger. It makes for a screen-heavy dashboard that also includes its share of touch-sensitive controls, but you do get volume and tuning knobs for the Uconnect 5 infotainment system.

The Wagoneer S’ driving position feels very similar to that of the current Grand Cherokee: comfortable overall, but not the most expansive views forward due to the angle of the windshield. The red interior of the Wagoneer S that Jeep had on display is quite striking, and it’s paired with premium accents like metal trim. The Launch Edition also has customizable LED ambient lighting with 64 colors. Backseat space and comfort are decent for taller adults, and there’s a big open cargo area behind the rear seat to go along with a front trunk.

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Less Expensive Than You Might Think

Now, with a starting price of $71,995 (including destination), the Wagoneer S Launch Edition isn’t inexpensive, but when you consider its amenities and performance versus other electric SUVs, it starts to look like a more reasonable value. (Consider, for a minute, the $74,305 sticker price of the 2024 Kia EV9 that Cars.com recently purchased as a long-term test vehicle.) The Wagoneer S Launch Edition features include a hands-free power liftgate, dual-pane panoramic moonroof, head-up display, front and rear heated and ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera system and a McIntosh premium sound system.

Oh, and it’s also around $20,000 less expensive than the 2021 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was when new. Just sayin’.

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Source: Cars.com