Jeep’s entry into the American EV market arrives in the form of the 2024 Wagoneer S, a battery-electric SUV positioned as both a performance machine and a family hauler. Offered in two trims, the Limited starts at $66,995, while the Launch Edition commands $71,995. Both employ dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, but output differs: the Limited delivers 500 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque, while the Launch Edition pushes to 600 horsepower and 617 lb-ft. Power comes from a 100.5-kWh battery pack, with an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles.
That estimate didn’t hold up under Edmunds’ standardized EV Range Test. Conducted over a cool, cloudy 59-degree day, with a driving mix of 60% city and 40% highway at an average 40 mph, the Launch Edition managed 276 miles before depletion. This methodology, designed to reflect real-world conditions rather than constant-speed highway cruising, revealed efficiency of 37.6 kWh per 100 miles—worse than the EPA’s 35 kWh/100-mile figure. In EV metrics, lower consumption numbers indicate greater efficiency, so the shortfall was notable.
Performance, however, is not in question. At 5,736 pounds, the Wagoneer S Launch Edition still delivered a blistering 3.6-second 0–60 mph sprint and an 11.5-second quarter mile at 121.4 mph. That’s only a tenth slower to 60 mph than Dodge’s all-electric Charger Daytona, and it actually edges the Dodge by a tenth in the quarter mile. Launching requires little finesse—just a firm press of the accelerator. The front tires will spin for roughly 90 feet before the vehicle hooks up, underscoring the sheer torque on tap.
Yet the driving experience reveals weaknesses in braking and handling. Panic stops from 60 mph took 136 feet at best, with distances increasing as heat built in the brakes and tires. The SUV’s mass is well-masked during acceleration but becomes apparent under deceleration and cornering. Brake dive is pronounced, with the nose dipping sharply, and the chassis feels unsettled in quick maneuvers.
Handling feedback is similarly lacking. In high-speed corners, body roll is significant, and coordination between the front and rear electric motors appears inconsistent. At times, the front end pushes wide; at others, the rear steps out unexpectedly. This variability erodes driver confidence and diminishes engagement. The lateral grip figure of 0.81 g reflects a balance more in line with traditional SUVs than with performance-oriented EVs.
From an engineering standpoint, the Wagoneer S demonstrates how raw acceleration can be achieved through motor tuning and torque delivery, even in a heavy platform. However, energy efficiency and dynamic control remain complex challenges. The discrepancy between EPA range estimates and real-world results highlights the sensitivity of EV performance to temperature, driving style, and load. Likewise, brake and suspension tuning must account for the unique weight distribution and regenerative braking characteristics of electric drivetrains.
Jeep has acknowledged that a gasoline-powered variant of the Wagoneer S is in development. For those attracted to the styling and interior packaging but unconvinced by the current EV execution, that option may hold appeal. As tested, the electric Wagoneer S offers headline-grabbing straight-line speed but falls short in efficiency and driver engagement—critical areas for competitive standing in the growing electric SUV segment.