The Jeep Wagoneer S EV is Scary... (Not in a Good way)

Quick Overview

The Jeep Wagoneer S EV is deemed "scary" in a negative sense because despite its high power (600 HP) and luxury interior, the reviewer notes a noticeable lag when hitting the accelerator pedal in Auto mode, suggesting the vehicle's engineering is not fully optimized for an EV experience, making it feel less seamless than other pure EVs it is compared against.

Key Points: The Jeep Wagoneer S EV produces 600 HP and 617 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA range of 270 miles from a 94 kWh battery pack. The starting price for the model reviewed is $73,790 USD. The reviewer points out a concerning, noticeable lag when pressing the accelerator pedal in Auto mode, which pulls the vehicle forward before accelerating smoothly. The vehicle's traction control system is noted to activate in a straight line at low speeds in Auto mode, which the reviewer finds strange for a pure EV. The interior features high-quality materials, including striking red leather, McIntosh speakers, and multiple large screens, which the reviewer considers the nicest aspect of the vehicle. The vehicle retains some gas car elements like a power button (08:05) and a physical drive mode selector (08:48), which the reviewer finds unnecessary for a pure EV. The vehicle offers good cargo space, including a decent-sized front trunk (frunk) (08:52).

Context: The video features a review of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S EV, which the presenter first encountered after learning to drive in a gasoline Jeep Grand Cherokee. The review focuses heavily on the driving dynamics and technological integration of this new electric SUV, contrasting it with traditional Jeep characteristics and other EVs like the Fisker Ocean.

Detailed Analysis

The reviewer expresses mixed feelings about the Jeep Wagoneer S EV, concluding that while it possesses premium features, certain aspects of its engineering make it feel "scary" or unrefined for an EV. Key specifications include 600 HP, 617 lb-ft of torque, a 270-mile EPA range, and a $73,790 starting price. The interior is highly praised for its luxury, featuring extensive red leather, ambient lighting, and a McIntosh sound system, as well as multiple digital screens, including one for the passenger. However, the driving experience is marred by a noticeable lag when accelerating from a stop in Auto mode, where the car lurches forward before smoothing out. Furthermore, the traction control engages unnecessarily when driving straight at low speeds. The reviewer also criticizes the retention of unnecessary gas-car elements, such as a physical power button and a physical drive mode selector dial, arguing that a ground-up EV design should omit these. Despite these flaws, the vehicle offers ample cargo space, including a functional frunk, and the ride quality is generally comfortable.