2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Review: Is This Electric SUV a True Jeep or a Luxury Imposter?

 

When you think of a trail-conquering, mud-slinging Jeep, the image of a sleek, all-electric SUV rarely comes to mind. Jeep is boldly stepping into the future with the 2025 Wagoneer S, a vehicle that aims to redefine the brand for the electric age. This isn’t the massive, body-on-frame, three-row SUV that battles the Chevy Suburban. Instead, the Wagoneer S is a midsize, two-row luxury electric SUV built on an all-new platform.

The big question on everyone’s mind is: Can a low-slung, high-tech electric vehicle truly live up to the legendary Jeep badge? We spent time with the 2025 Wagoneer S Launch Edition to find out. This review will dissect its styling, performance, interior, and technology to help you decide if this is the electric SUV you’ve been waiting for.

First Impressions & Exterior Styling: A Departure from Tradition

The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S makes an immediate visual statement, and it’s one that diverges sharply from Jeep’s traditional, rugged identity.

  • The “Frunk”: Like any good EV, the Wagoneer S features a front trunk. Accessed via an electronic release, it offers a modest but useful 1 to 1.5 cubic feet of storage—perfect for storing the mobile charger or keeping dirty items out of the main cabin.
  • The Iconic Face, Reimagined: The signature seven-slot grille remains, but as it doesn’t need cooling, it’s a sealed panel. It’s flanked by a trendy full-width LED light bar that illuminates for a distinctive nighttime signature. The headlights are aggressive and slim, featuring full LED projectors for low beams.
  • Aerodynamic Profile: With a length of 192.5 inches, the Wagoneer S is similar in size to a Grand Cherokee. However, its coupe-like SUV silhouette, low 6.5 inches of ground clearance, and gloss-black aerodynamic wheels signal a focus on efficiency over rock crawling. The flush door handles and steeply raked rear glass further enhance its slippery profile.
  • The Rear End: A massive spoiler dominates the rear view, complemented by another full-width LED light bar. A controversial omission is the rear window wiper, which Jeep claims is unnecessary due to the aerodynamic design—a claim that may frustrate drivers in snowy or rainy climates.

Overall, the exterior design is modern and handsome, but it leans more towards a luxury Chrysler or Dodge aesthetic than a traditional, rugged Jeep.

Powertrain & Performance: The Quickest Jeep Ever Made

Forget the Hellcat—the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S is now the brand’s performance king. This is where the electric transition pays massive dividends.

SpecificationDetails
ArchitectureSTLA Large (Battery-First)
Battery Pack105 kWh (94 kWh usable)
DrivetrainStandard Dual-Motor AWD
Horsepower600 hp (Launch Edition)
Torque617 lb-ft
0-60 mph3.4 seconds (Jeep Claim)
Top Speed124 mph
Towing Capacity3,400 lbs
Curb WeightJust under 6,000 lbs

The powertrain is an absolute powerhouse. The instant torque from the dual motors launches the Wagoneer S with ferocity, making it the quickest accelerating vehicle Jeep has ever produced. It’s even faster than the legendary Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Power is sent to all four wheels through a one-speed reduction gear transmission, providing permanent all-wheel drive, though it lacks the mechanical locking differentials of traditional off-road Jeeps.

It’s important to note that the lower-tier Limited trim produces 500 horsepower, with a $2,500 software upgrade available to unlock the full 600 hp.

Charging, Range, and Efficiency

The 2025 Wagoneer S is built on a 400-volt architecture and comes equipped with the CCS combo charging port.

  • Range: The EPA estimates a range of 294 miles on a full charge. This is a slight decrease from the 2024 model’s 303-mile rating.
  • DC Fast Charging: The vehicle can accept up to 175 kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 23 minutes.
  • Level 2 Charging: With an 11 kW onboard charger, a full charge from empty will take roughly 12 hours using a Level 2 home charging station.

Interior & Technology: A Lavish, Screen-Filled Cabin

Step inside the 2025 Wagoneer S, and you’re greeted by a cabin that prioritizes luxury and technology, creating an environment unlike any other Jeep.

  • Materials and Comfort: The optional red leather interior ($1,000 extra) is stunning, with high-quality hides, contrast stitching, and real aluminum trim. The doors close with a solid, if not the most thunderous, thud. The 16-way power-adjustable seats are heated, ventilated, and feature a multi-mode massage function for both driver and passenger.
  • An Avalanche of Screens: The dashboard is dominated by no less than five screens:
    • 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster
    • 12.3-inch Central Infotainment Screen
    • 10.25-inch Passenger Display
    • Digital Rearview Mirror
    • Head-Up Display

    The system runs on Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While feature-rich, the interface can be slow to respond and is prone to glare and reflections from the extensive use of piano black trim.

  • Practicality: The cargo area offers 31 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. This is less than many midsize SUV competitors, a sacrifice made for the sleek roofline. There is generous underfloor storage, but no spare tire is included.

Driving Dynamics: On-Road Refinement Over Off-Road Prowess

The driving experience of the 2025 Wagoneer S is defined by its staggering acceleration and composed on-road manners.

  • Blistering Acceleration: The 0-60 mph claim of 3.4 seconds feels entirely believable. The launch is instantaneous and brutally quick, pinning you to your seat.
  • On-Road Handling: The independent suspension provides a comfortable and controlled ride. However, the standard tires (235/50/R20) are optimized for efficiency and lack ultimate grip, leading to traction issues when accelerating hard, especially with traction control off.
  • A Note on Drive Modes: The drive mode selector offers Eco, Snow/Sand, and Sport modes. A notable quirk is that engaging Sport mode automatically disables traction control, which is not advisable given the power and tire setup.

Verdict: Is the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S a True Jeep?

The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S is a compelling, luxurious, and breathtakingly fast electric SUV. It excels as a high-tech, comfortable, and immensely powerful cruiser. The interior is a lovely place to spend time, and its straight-line performance is unmatched in the brand’s history.

However, the question remains: Is it a true Jeep?

With its low ground clearance, road-focused tires, and lack of serious off-road hardware, the answer is a resounding no. The Wagoneer S leverages the premium connotations of the Wagoneer nameplate to justify its luxury and price, but it abandons the core, go-anywhere ethos of the Jeep brand.

Final Conclusion: Think of the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S not as a traditional Jeep, but as a brilliant first attempt at a luxury electric SUV from Stellantis. It’s a vehicle that would have felt perfectly at home wearing a Chrysler badge. If you’re seeking a stylish, tech-filled, and explosively quick EV with a hint of American luxury, the Wagoneer S is a fascinating and highly capable option. But if you’re looking for a Jeep to tackle the Rubicon Trail, you’ll need to wait for the upcoming, more off-road-capable Trailhawk version or look elsewhere.

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