As more buyers opt for SUVs than traditional cars, Dodge needs to expand its current lineup, and maybe another SUV is the answer. While the Dodge Hornet is nothing more than a rebadged Alfa Romeo, Dodge needs something to fit directly between it and the popular full-size Durango, and the all-new Jeep® Wagoneer S could be the basis for such a vehicle.
The Wagoneer S is perfectly sized to balance out its lineup with a D-segment SUV positioned between. Dodge hasn’t had a D-segment SUV since the discontinuation of the Dodge Nitro in 2011. The D-SUV segment is one of North America’s most competitive and best-selling vehicle classes. Today, the market is aligned with names like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Equinox.
Jeep has just unveiled the all-new Wagoneer S, an all-electric performance SUV, and its numbers are impressive. With 600 horsepower, all-wheel drive (AWD), and a blistering 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, the Wagoneer S is only 0.1 seconds slower than the top-tier Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2.
What’s even more notable is that the Wagoneer S, which is about 200 lbs. lighter than the Charger Daytona, offers better range, making it a strong competitor even within Stellantis’ own lineup. With the shift in consumer preference toward SUVs, could Dodge benefit from its own version of the Wagoneer S?
Dodge Styling and Performance Focus –
For Dodge to make this SUV work, it needs to ensure it carries the brand’s unmistakable muscle-car DNA. A more aggressive, muscular design with widebody styling, functional hood scoops, and a driver-focused cockpit would make it a true Dodge. Enhanced performance tuning, sportier suspension settings, and track-capable handling would further differentiate it from the Jeep model, making it a compelling choice for American performance enthusiasts.
A Closer Look at Performance –
The Wagoneer S seems like the most realistic foundation for creating an SUV that matches the performance of the new Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2. Just take a look at the numbers—600 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, making it only 0.1 seconds slower than the Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 while also offering better range and weighing about 200 lbs. less.
| Specification | Jeep® Wagoneer S | Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 600 HP | 670 HP |
| Torque | 617 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 sec | 3.3 sec |
| Weight | 5,650 lbs | 5,850 lbs |
| Range (est.) | 303 miles | 260 miles |
Adding an Internal Combustion Option –
While the Wagoneer S is an EV, Dodge has the opportunity to expand its lineup with an internal combustion engine (ICE) version. Many buyers are still hesitant to go fully electric, and a high-performance SUV with an ICE powertrain could be a game-changer.
Dodge could incorporate one of its upcoming powerplants, such as the GME-T4 EVO or the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter GME-T6 HURRICANE I6. This would provide the punch Dodge fans expect while giving them a more practical option in today’s SUV-dominated market. The new EVO is expected to have over 300 horsepower, while the HURRICANE I6 can make up to 550 horsepower.
The SUV Market is Booming –
A Dodge-branded D-segment performance SUV could attract customers who love muscle cars but need something more practical. By leveraging the Wagoneer S platform, Dodge could create a high-powered SUV that aligns with its performance legacy while offering the versatility that today’s buyers demand.
Dodge has a prime opportunity to transform Jeep’s Wagoneer S into a performance SUV that appeals to electric and gas-powered enthusiasts. Such a vehicle would expand Dodge’s reach while staying true to its high-performance heritage.
