Jeep® Wagoneer S and Recon Could Feature Gasoline Powertrains

Jeep® CEO Says Gas Models Are Being Considered, As EV Sales Slow Down...

Robert S. Miller April 18, 2024

Jeep® Recon Moab 4xe at Stellantis Dealer Meeting 2023. (Lee Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram).

After hitting its peak in 2018, just short of a million units sold, the Jeep® brand has faced five consecutive years of decline in sales, falling south of 644,000 units last year. With a recent shake-up in Jeep management, the automaker looks to change that direction.

Jeep® CEO Antonio Filosa has now taken the reins and is moving forward to bring Jeep back to greatness. His first move was to drop prices on popular models like the Compass and Grand Cherokee, but he also announced the discontinuation of the premium Wagoneer brand, moving the iconic nameplate back under the Jeep banner. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Filosa highlighted a few positive things that could be coming down the pipeline.

While the launch of two new D-segment electric vehicles (EVs) in 2024 with the premium Wagoneer S (KX) and off-road-oriented Recon (EJ), Jeep is looking to take advantage of white spaces in the market at the moment. But before the vehicles can come to market, the EV market has been on a decline in recent months in the U.S. Filosa stated that gasoline versions are being considered as well.

Both vehicles are being developed on the STLA Large architecture, the same platform as the new Dodge Charger. Thanks to that multi-energy architecture, it should be a fairly easy adjustment to adopt a gasoline powertrain for both vehicles. Both the Wagoneer S and Recon will debut with 400-volt electrical architectures upon launch, with 800-volt electrical architectures coming later in 2025.

According to Filosa, the American adventure brand could reveal its all-new 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S to the U.S. market as early as July. Production of the brand’s first all-electric model for the North American market, the Wagoneer S, is scheduled to begin in the second quarter, with the first deliveries potentially taking place in the third quarter.

The Wagoneer S is set to debut with a dual e-motor setup producing around 600 horsepower. This will allow the Wagoneer S to achieve a 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest Jeep vehicle ever. The Wagoneer S will also feature a targeted range of around 435 miles (700 km) when it arrives in dealers’ showrooms.

Joining the Wagoneer S later in the fourth-quarter will be the all-new Jeep Recon. Developed during the COVID pandemic, the Recon blends the best attributes of the body-on-frame Wrangler with a more conventional unibody SUV. As the first all-electric off-road-oriented SUV from Jeep, the company says it will successfully tackle the legendary Rubicon Trail.

Hopefully, a move back to ICE engines for these new models, which could also potentially lower the price of the vehicles, could bring more customers into the Jeep brand and boost sales.

Source: Automotive News

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James.A Apr 18, 2024 #1

A 4xE I'd imagine. What about that Hurricane 500 Jeep Wrangler that was spotted but the TFL guys? Any news on that? A Hybrid Hurricane 6?

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M Mopar392 Apr 18, 2024 #2

If AEV is testing the 4Xe Hurricane I6 HO with their Lvl.2, then it’s either coming soon with the current JL or the next generation.

Hurricane High Output JL Spotted at EJS?

Speculating a little bit here, but TFL posted pictures of what looks like an AEV Level II Hybrid JL with the Hurricane I6 HO engine in it. No pics of under the hood, but I'm assuming the HURRICANE 500 references the higher output variant of the Hurricane engine which has around 510 HP. Anyone...

www.jlwranglerforums.com

click to expand...

bill burke Apr 18, 2024 #3

I am convinced the “all electric” straitjacket policy for any brand is a road to failure, especially if these unpopular electrics are going to be offered by dozens of brands flooding the markets with few talkers. I’ve already stated both the Wagoneer S and the Recon MUST be offer in an ICE option or they will humiliate Jeep as flops. Perhaps someone was listening.
I’ve also previously offered an easy solution, since the upcoming Cherokee will essentially share its platform with the Wagoneer S and will offer a Hurricane 6 option, then all the mechanics are there for a gasoline powered Wagoneer S right out of the box. Look, this is a time for Jeep to sell vehicles, not trumpet the extremest environmental agenda that few are buying into. I’d line up for this one on gas. Bet many others will too. Launch them with ICE options please.
I want a smaller, yet just as luxurious and snooty Wagoneer to impress my friends. Snob appeal is the thing in my neighborhood, so why not join the hip crowd in a Wagoneer ? Look, is that Mopar Willy in a expensive, exclusive Wagoneer? Snob!
Jeeps are practical but upscale works better for some shopping Wagoneers for less pedestrian reasons. Rolex required with this one.
Take my advice launch these two Jeeps with ICE options. Jeep does not need a flop on its hands when their sales have already plummeted.
Are you guys at Jeep still listening?

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patfromigh Apr 18, 2024 #4

I don't think the timeline will allow an ICE option at launch. The stuff hit the fan in the EV cafe just recently. We're coming up on the Wagoneer S launch date really fast.The S doesn't look like a mainstream market product. It seems more like an exclusive niche vehicle like the Grand Cherokee Track Hawk. It won't be a great loss if we wait longer for an ICE option.

The Recon launch is further away and will be going against the Bronco and the fresh trio of the Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and Sequoia from Toyota. Hybrid power trains are standard on the Land Cruiser and Sequoia, optional on the 4Runner. Consumers are running away from full battery electric and towards hybrids. Will a hybrid Recon arrive in time?