In the competitive world of electric full-size luxury SUVs, Cadillac’s Escalade IQ is about to face some tough competition from Jeep. According to a UAW document outlining the union’s latest agreement with Jeep parent company Stellantis, the current Wagoneer and its more luxurious sibling, the Grand Wagoneer, will soon offer an electrified powertrain. The electrified version is expected to be available as soon as 2025, followed by a full battery electric model by 2027. This move is part of Jeep’s ambitious plan announced in 2021 to have an electrified option in all of its SUV segments by 2025.
The electrified powertrain in the Wagoneer is expected to be a series plug-in hybrid, where a smaller battery is charged on the go by a gas engine. This setup was recently announced by fellow Stellantis brand Ram for its upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger series plug-in hybrid full-size truck. The Ramcharger combines a 92-kWh battery with a 3.6-liter V6 engine acting as a generator. Ram claims a range of 145 miles with the battery alone and 690 miles with the gas engine kicking in. It is likely that a similar setup will be used in the Wagoneer.
The Wagoneer duo’s electrified and electric versions will be based on the STLA Frame dedicated EV platform for body-on-frame vehicles. The STLA Frame, one of four dedicated EV platforms announced by Stellantis in 2021, also underpins Ram’s electric 1500 REV. This platform provides a solid foundation for the electrification of the Wagoneer and ensures optimal performance and efficiency.
For those who prefer traditional gas engines, the document states that Wagoneers powered purely by gasoline will continue production up to 2028. These models will receive an initial update in 2025 and a second update in 2027, coinciding with the arrival of the electrified and electric powertrains. This shows that Jeep is committed to providing a variety of powertrain options to cater to different consumer preferences.
To support the production of the new electrified and electric versions, Stellantis’ Warren Truck plant in Warren, Michigan will undergo a $600 million upgrade. This investment demonstrates the company’s dedication to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and its confidence in the growing demand for electric SUVs.
Jeep is not stopping with the Wagoneer lineup, as they have more electric models in the pipeline. Last year, Jeep revealed a smaller electric Wagoneer, code-named the Wagoneer S. This compact electric SUV is set to go on sale next year and will target the midsize luxury segment. Its smaller size makes it well-suited for international markets, where narrower lanes and parking spots are common.
In addition to the Wagoneer lineup, Jeep plans to launch an electric Wrangler in 2028. This next-generation Wrangler, known as the J70 series, will offer both electric and series plug-in hybrid powertrains. This move reflects Jeep’s commitment to transitioning its iconic off-road vehicle into the electric era while maintaining its legendary capabilities.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, automakers like Jeep are responding by expanding their electric offerings. With Cadillac’s Escalade IQ being one of the prominent players in the electric full-size luxury SUV segment, the arrival of the electrified Wagoneer and its electric counterpart will introduce more choices for consumers and intensify the competition. It is an exciting time for the automotive industry as it undergoes a profound transformation towards electrification, and customers will ultimately benefit from a wider range of electric SUV options.
