Can Jeep’s first EV compete with Tesla in the US? Ahead of its official debut, Jeep is already comparing its Wagoneer S electric SUV to Tesla’s best-selling Model Y in a new teaser video. With 600 horsepower and over 300 miles range, is the electric Jeep up to the challenge?
Jeep is launching its first fully electric vehicle in the US this year as it looks to revamp the brand. The first to roll out will be the Jeep Wagoneer S, a premium all-electric SUV.
Based on the Stellantis STLA Large platform, Jeep says its EV is “lightning fast,” with a 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
Leading up to its debut, Jeep has teased the Wagoneer S several times. Its signature elements, like a new seven-slot grille and aerodynamic design, have been updated for the modern era.
We got our first look at the electric SUV’s interior earlier this year. Jeep included a tech-rich interior with plenty of controls and screens. Jeep equipped the EV with a custom driver control center and its Selec-Terrain toggle with Sand, Snow, Eco, Auto, and Sport modes.
It also features a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio sound system.
Jeep Wagoneer S takes on Tesla Model Y in new video
In its latest teaser, Jeep aims to “take on America’s best-selling EV brand.” Jeep shows off a pre-production Wagoneer S lined up against a Tesla Model Y.
The two electric SUVs are shown racing head-to-head as Jeep highlights key specs, including a 0 to 60 mph time (with rollout subtracted) in 3.4 seconds, 600 hp, 617 lb-ft of torque, and +300 estimated driving range.
Jeep claims the “real competition is ourselves,” as a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk joins in. However, the Wagoneer S still accelerates quicker than the TrackHawk (3.4 vs 3.5 sec 0 to 60 mph time).
Jeep’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, believes the Wagoneer S can compete with the best, including Tesla’s Model Y.
Filosa said its EV can attract buyers who “want something more sophisticated” than the Tesla Model Y.
Like Tesla, Filos sees the brand attracting young, high-earning consumers. “It’s a very iconic product that needs to fight against other competitors that in the US and elsewhere are doing well,” Jeep’s CEO explained.
Jeep will launch the Wagoneer S this fall. Check back for more details closer to its launch.
Electrek’s Take
Several automakers are aiming to compete with Tesla’s best-selling Model Y with new electric SUVs hitting the market.
Top comment by Scott MacEwen
I'm confused by the positioning of this product...Wagoneer leads me to believe it'll be meaningfully larger than a Model Y. Further, given the current ICE Wagoneer in (in Canada, w/ all the trimmings) is about $130K - is comparing to a (all dressed Y) $70K vehicle might be the wrong tactic...as a consumer, I'd ask myself, is spending +$65K more than a Model Y worth .1 second of zero to 60? I think more info is needed. Nice to see they're doing something at Jeep though...let's hope the QC on this is better than their current lineup (most of which show up on assorted least reliable lists).
Can Jeep’s first EV stand out among an increasingly competitive segment (Chevy Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Honda Prologue, Hyundai IONIQ 5, etc.)? The brand is hoping the Wagoneer S can help turn things around.
After the Wagoneer S, Jeep is launching its second EV in the US, the Recon. The Jeep Recon is a rugged electric SUV that carries the spirit of the iconic Wrangler with options like removable windows and doors.
Jeep is also expected to launch an electric Grand Cherokee in 2027 and a Wrangler EV in 2028. However, by then, there will be significantly more competition.
Can Jeep’s first EV compete with Tesla’s Model Y? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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