Jeep’s First EV for North America is the Wagoneer S

Jeep has unveiled its first truly global EV, the Wagoneer S, and it promises strong performance for a full-size SUV.

The new model will output 600HP through dual motors, with a claimed 0-60MPH of 3.4 seconds. It should also manage over 300 miles of range on a charge through its 100kWh battery, although the 400V architecture won’t make it as quick to charge as an 800V car like the Kia EV9. Jeep estimated the Wagoneer S would take 23 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.

The Jeep EV has a few nods to offroading, including sand and snow driving modes. With that said, it’s clearly more of a roadgoing SUV than alternatives like Rivian’s R1S.

The cabin technology is relatively advanced for the category. On top of the 12.3-inch instrument and infotainment displays, there’s a 10.25-inch front passenger screen that lets the occupant send directions to the driver. You’ll also get a 19-speaker, 1,160W McIntosh sound system.

Jeep will offer the Wagoneer S in American and Canadian dealerships sometime during the second half of the year. The price isn’t yet available, but you’ll initially have to buy a Launch Edition with a light-up front grille, 20-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

This isn’t Jeep’s first all-electric vehicle. It already sells the compact Avenger in Europe. Until now, though, North American buyers have had to be content with 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of existing cars like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.

This is also a significant move for Jeep’s parent company Stellantis. The automaker has been slow to embrace EVs compared to some of its rivals, and the ones that have arrived target smaller audiences, such as the Fiat 500e and the Maserati Grecale Folgore. The Wagoneer S is aimed squarely at mainstream (if likely still affluent) buyers who want a large electric SUV from a badge they know.

Pricing might prove crucial, however. Kia’s EV9 starts at $54,900 with three rows. While that base model only manages 230 miles of range, it might be more appealing if the Jeep EV is substantially more expensive. Tesla is even more aggressive, charging $51,490 for a Model Y Performance, although that car is both slightly slower (0-60MPH in 3.5 seconds) and shorter-ranged (279 miles).