Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S

Is this really a Jeep?

For some, this is a valid question. If you think about the push at Stellantis to add electric vehicles to its North American lineup, it was at a time when (a) there was a mandate on EV sales in the next decade, (b) you had a CEO that was pushing electrification across all units and brands of this global company, and (c) because the European brands within this entity were doing it already. 

Yes, Jeep should have an EV in its lineup. The upcoming 2026 Recon is exactly right for the brand. However, the brand “needed” something that would coincide with the other EV the North American side of the conglomeration was about to introduce…the Dodge Charger Daytona. 

Thus became the 2025 Wagoneer S.

The Wagoneer name was resurrected to be a luxury sub-brand under Jeep. One that attracted more upmarket consumers that demarked it from anything Stellantis offered in North America. However, sub-brand awareness was not as strong as they hoped. Therefore, the revised 2026 Grand Wagoneer now wears Jeep badging. As does this Wagoneer S. 

It may seem puzzling that this vehicle could’ve sold alongside the bigger Grand Wagoneer under the now defunct sub-brand. However, there is a bit of logic. The Wagoneer S was supposed to be premium. From the looks of things, it was positioned to compete with other premium/luxury two-row SUV EVs. 

Then we took out the measuring tape. The Wagoneer S is about the same size as the Grand Cherokee two-row model. It is lower in overall height of several inches with an even lower ground clearance by two inches. Based on those two measurements alone, one could say that it’s not truly a Jeep…

We can talk ad nauseum about what it is versus what it is not. Yet, we need to approach the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S on its own merits. That starts with whether this is a solid two-row premium mid-size SUV is worth owning (or leasing). 

The design is very sleek compared to other Jeeps. The lower height and ground clearance are two factors towards being as such. The front end shows off the seven-slot grille profile. However, it is framed as an applique than anything functional. It also houses an LED illumination signature, flanked by the two headlamp units. Airflow comes from a grille on the bumper itself. 

The rest of the profile yields some surprises. The glass area takes up a lot of the roofline, while the doors themselves open wide. The liftgate opens up wide, as well. It is a compelling body design overall. Let's not forget about the wing spoiler our back above the rear glass.

For our Launch Edition test vehicle, we were treated to a black contrast roof, black badges, and a set of 20-inch black-finished alloy wheels. They add a cool factor combined with the blue primary paint finish. 

The interior follows the latest Jeep design elements. The dashboard simply looks the part, with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster neatly set behind the driver. A head-up display augments the in-dash screen for driver focus. On the lower center stack is yet another screen for the seat and climate controls. The switches alternate from haptic/soft touch to tactile controls. Although, the transmission knob seems a bit laggy when giving you the proper selection. And, the steering wheel offers a flat bottom and a semi-flat top. 

Infotainment starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display driven by UConnect 5. It is rather quick and offers good camera views. You can connect your smartphone device wirelessly, with a number of USB ports available if you need to be plugged in. Another screen is available for the front passenger for limited functions and playback options. You can hear your favorite content through 19 McIntosh speakers. There is a specific screen that shows a couple of VU meters for that old school bespoke audio experience. No tubes were added to this system – sorry, audiophiles. 

Seating is for five with leather upholstery across both rows. The front seats felt firm, but offered some support to lock you in. Rear seat room was spacious for up to three across. The panoramic roof will not cut into your headroom. For cargo space, you start with 37.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That expands to 61.0 cubic feet with the seats down. You also get a three cubic feet space underneath the hood up front. 

The 2025 Wagoneer S driveline consists of two electric motors – one at each axle – driving an all-wheel drive system. Standard power is rated at 500 horsepower. However, that is increased to 600 horsepower on the Launch Edition, with 617 pound-feet of torque. Both motors are “fueled” by a 100.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack fed through a J1772 CCS charging system running on a 400-volt architecture. At a full state of charge, we were able to get a consistent 250 miles of range. In our driving loop, we averaged 2.8 miles-per-kilowatt-hour. 

The high-powered two-motor driveline is pretty darn quick off the line. We clocked at 0-60 MPH run of about 3.6 seconds. The 2025 Wagoneer S is not about hot sprints. It delivers a refined and quicker drive out on the highway, too. Only if you can live with the EV dull drone from the driveline. It could also be soothing when you’re cruising along. 

The ride quality was thud solid. It was neither soft nor firm. Just solid and smooth. No drama whatsoever coming from the tires and suspension system. The advantage of an electric vehicle is its lower center of gravity. That translates into nominal roll and lean at the turns and through evasive maneuvers. 

The odd shape of the steering wheel never hindered its ability to operate effectively. Turns were accomplished with ease, while delivering a good on-center feel. The turning radius wasn’t bad, either. The brakes felt solid from the pedal downward into the rotors. In normal and panic stops, the 2025 Wagoneer S felt confident. 

For 2025, the Jeep Wagoneer S comes in two trim levels. Pricing starts from $65,200. Our Launch Edition test vehicle came with a sticker price of $72,790. 

OK…we have been curious how Jeep would offer the Wagoneer S as part of their lineup. Corporate dictums, compliance with current and future regulations, and the proviso towards earning a tax credit for the privilege of owning an EV were the factors that came into play upon the arrival of this electric SUV.

However, the 2025 Wagoneer S is a wonderful electric mid-size two-row SUV. I know George thoroughly enjoyed. I came away with positive vibes about it. The range question – I'll leave that up to you. If it is what it is, then perhaps you should actually check this out, as the EV market is now oriented in this size class, it is truly worth comparing. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Stellantis North America – our opinions are of our own

All photos by Randy Stern