Jeep® Looking At HEV Powertrains For Wagoneer S and Recon?

New Reports and Comments From Jeep's New CEO Hint Hybrid Power Could Be Coming...

Robert S. Miller April 29, 2024

As the automotive industry undergoes significant shifts in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Jeep® is contemplating a strategic pivot, considering the introduction of hybrid-electric (HEV) variants for its highly anticipated Wagoneer S and Recon models. This potential shift reflects the dynamic leadership of the new Jeep® CEO, Antonio Filosa, and a commitment to adaptability in response to changing market demands.

Filosa’s tenure commenced with a flurry of strategic adjustments aimed at realigning Jeep’s offerings with evolving consumer preferences. Notably, a repricing initiative was launched, slashing the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of popular models like the Compass and Grand Cherokee. Additionally, the decision to integrate the Wagoneer sub-brand back into the Jeep umbrella reflects a strategic move towards more accessible offerings.

Originally slated as all-electric offerings, the Wagoneer S and Recon models underwent a reconsideration in response to shifting market dynamics. Filosa initially hinted at the potential inclusion of internal combustion engines (ICEs) in the Wagoneer S. But, the Jeep CEO said some pretty interesting things in recent days, showing that both the Wagoneer S and Recon vehicles could be offering HEV solutions.

Filosa emphasized Jeep’s platform versatility, citing the STLA Large architecture’s capability to accommodate various powertrain options, including ICEs, BEVs, and HEVs. He underscored Jeep’s global strategy, committing to electrification in Europe while remaining responsive to regional market nuances, such as Brazil’s focus on ethanol.

In Filosa’s own words, “We are very versatile in our platforms, and while many of our competitors are only strong on one continent, we are strong in the rest of the world.” He continued, “To maintain our strengths in those regions, we need to invest in other possibilities besides electric, and since we have these investments going on, we can adopt them immediately for other regions.”

A third new Jeep model, the next-generation Cherokee, which is slated for release sometime in 2025 is rumored to feature a HEV powertrain. A turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with direct injection and flexibility for HEV applications was announced back in August 2022, as part of a $99 million investment in North American production facilities.

This investment aligns with rumors that the next-generation Cherokee, scheduled to be produced alongside the Wagoneer S and Recon, will be offered with both BEV and HEV powertrain. The move to an HEV powertrain could be swiftly adapted to the Wagoneer S and Recon with minimal investment.

For now, both the Wagoneer S and Recon are scheduled to debut boasting a dual e-motor setup yielding 600 horsepower and a 400-volt electrical architecture shared with their platform-mate the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. While the Wagoneer S is primed for a summer release, the Recon is slated for a late 2024 debut according to Jeep.

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patfromigh Apr 30, 2024 #1

If they can keep the price at a competitive level, a hybrid Recon would be a very desirable vehicle.

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bill burke Apr 30, 2024 #2

Things change, fact of life. Under intense pressure from environmental extremists in and out of government auto manufacturers succumbed to the pressure, spent billions of dollars on a fools mission and now reality has set in and here we are.
Check it out, myself and hundreds of others have condemned the poor judgement, outed the non-existing market and the dogmatic forces of the free market in a sincere effort to bring reality and reason to the fore. Finally reality has prevailed. HELLO !!
Yes the Wagoneer S and Recon are viable BEV products in limited numbers that MUST be brought to market with a true hybrid option that needs no plug in albatross around its neck to drive the majority of buyers to other products.
Truth be told, if it needs a plug, it’s a dud. HELLO !!!
Thankfully the SLA large platform and the new Charger engineering just might save the day. Don’t know for sure if it was me and our army of cohorts of common sense out there who shed light on the unenlightened or the bottom line logic, but hopefully good old gas will save the day and these two promising Jeeps. HELLO !

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A Archknight Apr 30, 2024 #3

This was not a surprise. I said from the moment they announced these EVs that they wouldn't be all electric, because of cost and nonprofitability. Having gas/hybrid variants of all their models is a better way to remain profitable while tinkering with BEVs. The STLA platforms having that flexibility built in will allow them to adjust their manufacturing needs accordingly. I see both Recon and Wagoneer S recieving hybrid variants of the the 2.0T and SO I6 to keep them as "electrified" versions.

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patfromigh May 01, 2024 #4

Truth be told, if it needs a plug, it’s a dud.

The full hybrid models currently offered by CDJ all have plugs. I can't speak for the Dodge Hornet because I have yet to see one, but it does have a save-charge driving mode. The Jeep 4Xe has settings to charge the batteries with the ICE and regenerative braking. (All though it does this in hybrid mode anyway). One can drive in town on battery electric power and then charge the batteries while cruising on a long distance trip. The operator doesn't need to plug the vehicle in. Our level 2 chargers at work charge a Jeep Wrangler 4Xe from 0 to a full charge in around 2 and a half hours. Electric only range in a Wrangler Rubicon 4Xe is 25 miles and 30 miles in a Grand Cherokee 4Xe. That is adequate for many commutes. Plug in at home and save the gas for the weekend and use e-save while on longer journeys.

I have no idea what the ICE offerings for these models will be, but I suspect it will be some sort of hybrid.

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bill burke May 01, 2024 #5

The full hybrid models currently offered by CDJ all have plugs. I can't speak for the Dodge Hornet because I have yet to see one, but it does have a save-charge driving mode. The Jeep 4Xe has settings to charge the batteries with the ICE and regenerative braking. (All though it does this in hybrid mode anyway). One can drive in town on battery electric power and then charge the batteries while cruising on a long distance trip. The operator doesn't need to plug the vehicle in. Our level 2 chargers at work charge a Jeep Wrangler 4Xe from 0 to a full charge in around 2 and a half hours. Electric only range in a Wrangler Rubicon 4Xe is 25 miles and 30 miles in a Grand Cherokee 4Xe. That is adequate for many commutes. Plug in at home and save the gas for the weekend and use e-save while on longer journeys.

I have no idea what the ICE offerings for these models will be, but I suspect it will be some sort of hybrid.

Frankly, taking the various opinions in their most fundamental elements, the plain fact is the public in general is not interested in pure electric vehicles for three reasons, cost, range and inconvenience. The market has peaked and is falling off a cliff and as a business case, manufactures must offer conventional gas engines and non-plug in hybrids to sell their vehicles. The STLA platforms can solve that issue and Stellantis and Jeep must use that adaptability to save the company from a huge over reach and misreading of the free market at work. This article points to the reality check being a new direction and profitability. Fundamental.

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