Text by Tom Appel
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition
Specs
Class: Premium Midsize Crossover
Country of Manufacture: Mexico
Color: Hydro Blue Pearl
Miles driven: 170
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B- |
| Power and Performance | A |
| Fit and Finish | A- |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C |
| Tall Guy | B- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 600 |
| Engine Type | Electric Motors |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capacity: 101 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 100 city/85 hwy/93 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 294 miles
Maximum Charge Rate: 200 kW
Consumer Guide range estimate (ideal conditions): 300+ miles
Charge Port Location: Rear driver-side fender
Charging Standard: CCS
Snow Performance: N/A
Base price: $70,200 (not including $1995 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($595)
Price as tested: $72,790
Audio-System Brand
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Clean and modern design, sporty handling, abundant power
The good: Upscale cabin, plenty of range
The not so good: Cramped cabin, too-firm ride
Review
In April of 2023, Land Rover announced its “House of Brands” strategy for the U.S. The plan wasn’t much of a stretch, but it did lend some clarity to the luxury-utility maker’s lineup. In short, Rover’s premium models (Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Velar, and Evoque) would be aligned under the Range Rover tag, while its more popularly priced models (Discovery and Discovery Sport) would remain Land Rovers. The real “move,” as it were, was the creation of a new sub-brand for the popular, extra-rugged, Defender, which was—and is—offered in 90, 110, and 130 configurations.
“House of Brands”
The House of Brands plan was to include a certain amount dedicated signage and space for each brand in Land Rover dealerships. We assume the store upgrades are ongoing. We mention the Lander Rover program, because Jeep is demonstrating a similar, if smaller-scale, effort as it relates to the Stellantis brand’s electric vehicles.
First Electric Jeep
Rolled out in 2024, the Wagoneer S brought Americans their first electric Jeep. Roughly the same size as the maker’s Grand Cherokee, the Wagoneer S also served a similar mission, that of premium midsize crossover. Note that the 2-row electric crossover was not the first Jeep EV. European consumers have had access the compact Jeep Avenger EV since 2023, though that model, not offered with AWD, was not considered for U.S.-market Jeep customers.
(Note that the Avenger is now offered with gasoline and gas/hybrids in additional to the original all-electric setup.)
Wagoneer S
The sleekly hewn Wagoneer S is more carlike that most Jeep products, and approximates the Ranger Rover premium look and feel philosophy. Though not as pricey as Range Rover models, the Wagoneer S defaults on the luxury side of the coin, with upscale cabin appointments, and a generally premium feel.
Recon
Coming soon is the Jeep Recon SUV. This rugged-looking Jeep is an electric analog for the storied Wrangler, and will feature serious off-road chassis and suspension equipment, as well as removable doors. Interestingly, base prices for the Wagoneer S and Recon are very similar.
As Jeep is looking to expand its lineup with hybrid models moving forward, we think it unlikely another EV will join the maker’s lineup in the near- or midterm. So, Jeep folks, pick your EV poison: Classy and sophisticated (Wagoneer S) or seriously trail ready (Recon)?
As we’ve yet to experience the Recon, we will focus today on the former.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week with the first of Jeeps new EVs, a 2025 Wagoneer S in Launch Edition trim finished in extra-cost Hydro Blue Pearl. All told, our test car came to $72,790.
Launch Edition
For 2025, the Wagoneer S is offered in Limited and Launch Edition trim levels. For ’26, only the limited will be made available. In addition to some content, the Launch edition also enjoyed a bump from 500 to 600 horsepower. For the 2026 model year, the Limited will be offered with a Propulsion Boost Package that includes the same power bump. All Wrangler S models are powered by two electric motors and as a result come standard with AWD.
Power and Performance
As for power, we seriously doubt anyone will miss the extra 100 ponies, as the Wagoneer S is seriously fast. Launches from a stop are rocketlike, and the power never levels off. On-ramp sprints are drama free, as are merging and passing maneuvers. And like most EVs, the Wagoneer S delivers power in a hushed and refined manor.
Ride and Handling
We cannot say the same for the ride, however. The S’s suspension is seemingly tuned for performance over ride quality, and the tradeoff is a surprisingly firm ride which may not appeal to most EV intenders.
On the plus side, the Wagoneer S is among the best handling crossovers we’ve driven in recent months, and the steering is correspondingly hefty and engaging. The ride itself is too firm for placid long-haul highway trips, however. We also found the brakes a little difficult to modulate at low speeds, making stop-and-go driving something of a chore.
Cabin Appointments
The Wagoneer S cabin is nicely finished, and will look familiar to folks who’ve spent time in the big Wagoneer and/or Grand Wagoneer. The interior is a sort of Jeep moderne, bridging the design gap between more traditional crossovers, and more progressively fashioned vehicles including the Lucid Air and Polestar 3. The Jeep cabin feels small, however.
Room and Comfort
Though the Wagoneer S and the 2-row standard-length Jeep Grand Cherokee are similar in exterior size—mostly with an inch or so most dimensions—the S cabin is considerably less roomy. Front-seat shoulder room, and rear-seat headroom are both wanting in the S, limiting to some extent the electric Jeep’s utility for long-haul trips. This large editor felt cramped in the driver’s seat, largely finding the area too narrow for comfort. Head and legroom upfront, however, were ample.
Value
We like the Wagoneer S, and applaud its sporty character and sexy profile. Pricing, though high by absolute standards, comes in well below that of premium-brand crossovers, especially those seen in Range Rover showrooms. Additionally, Jeep is discounting the Wagoneer S enough to make its purchase at least a compelling option for serious EV intenders. The Wagoneer S is not as roomy or passenger friendly as many EV crossovers, but its sleek and sporty, and if that matters to you, we seriously recommend you give this first Jeep EV a lengthy test drive. Of course, if off-roading is more your thing, the Recon hits Jeep stores early next year.
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2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
