REPORT: Dealers Sources Say Jeep® To Drop Wagoneer Name For 2026

After months of speculation and dealership whispers, it appears the Jeep® Wagoneer nameplate is on its way out. Multiple Jeep dealers are now confirming that the company plans to discontinue the standard Wagoneer after the 2025 model year, consolidating the lineup under the more prestigious Grand Wagoneer name for 2026.

This move aligns with Jeep’s broader strategy to simplify its model hierarchy and strengthen the Grand Wagoneer as its undisputed flagship. According to dealer briefings, the next-generation model lineup—now all wearing the “Grand Wagoneer” badge—will expand downward to cover the pricing and feature range once split between the two SUVs.

A Shift Toward a Unified Identity – 

The decision to merge both models comes as Jeep looks to sharpen its brand focus and eliminate market confusion. Since the Wagoneer’s reintroduction in 2021, the brand has used a two-tier system: the Wagoneer as a near-luxury full-size SUV, and the Grand Wagoneer as the premium, range-topping version. While the strategy initially made sense on paper, dealers say buyers often blurred the lines between the two, with many opting to stretch for a Grand Wagoneer or waiting for incentives on the Wagoneer.

By dropping the Wagoneer badge entirely, Jeep will return to a simpler and more unified brand message—one that makes “Grand Wagoneer” synonymous with American luxury and capability.

New Trims, Familiar Names – 

Our sources for the past year or so have told us that the traditional “Series I, II, III” structure will be retired for 2026. In its place, the brand will adopt trim names more in line with the broader Jeep lineup, including Limited and Summit.

In fact, a recent United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filing for the Grand Wagoneer Summit appears to confirm this direction. The move not only aligns the big SUV more closely with models like the Grand Cherokee but also gives buyers recognizable trim steps that feel consistent across the brand.

Design and Powertrain Updates Coming –

The refreshed 2026 Grand Wagoneer (WS) will receive significant design updates inspired by the newly launched all-electric Wagoneer S. Sharper LED headlamps, a more aerodynamic front fascia, and a clean, full-width LED light bar across the rear have all been spotted on early testers. These changes will help modernize the Grand Wagoneer’s look and improve efficiency without sacrificing its signature presence.

Under the hood, Jeep will continue offering the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6 engine, though more variants are expected. Jeep® CEO Bob Broderdorf has hinted at a potential return of HEMI® power down the road at the recent Cherokee (KM) media launch. While unlikely to appear at launch, either the 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter V8 could make a comeback by 2027.

Electrification Expands With 4xe –

Perhaps the biggest mechanical news is Jeep’s plan to introduce a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) version of the Grand Wagoneer under the 4xe sub-brand. Using technology derived from the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, this setup pairs a 92-kWh battery with a 130-kW generator powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.

If it carries over unchanged, buyers can expect numbers close to the Ramcharger’s (now REV’s) specs—around 663 horsepower, 615 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 690 miles of total range. That would make the Grand Wagoneer 4xe one of the most powerful and longest-range electrified SUVs on the market.

Production and Launch Timeline – 

Production of the 2026 Grand Wagoneer is set to begin in Q4 2025 at the Stellantis Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan—the same facility that has built every Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer since their modern revival.

With a new name strategy, refined styling, and expanded tech, Jeep’s flagship is being repositioned for a new era. Dealers say the transition will streamline inventory and marketing while giving the Grand Wagoneer the singular prestige it deserves.

Jeep’s plan is clear: eliminate the overlap, elevate the image, and deliver a full-size SUV lineup that feels more cohesive, modern, and—above all—worthy of wearing the Jeep name.