Jeep® Looking At HEV Powertrains For Wagoneer S and Recon?

As the automotive industry undergoes significant shifts in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Jeep® is contemplating a strategic pivot, considering the introduction of hybrid-electric (HEV) variants for its highly anticipated Wagoneer S and Recon models. This potential shift reflects the dynamic leadership of the new Jeep® CEO, Antonio Filosa, and a commitment to adaptability in response to changing market demands.

Filosa’s tenure commenced with a flurry of strategic adjustments aimed at realigning Jeep’s offerings with evolving consumer preferences. Notably, a repricing initiative was launched, slashing the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of popular models like the Compass and Grand Cherokee. Additionally, the decision to integrate the Wagoneer sub-brand back into the Jeep umbrella reflects a strategic move towards more accessible offerings.

Originally slated as all-electric offerings, the Wagoneer S and Recon models underwent a reconsideration in response to shifting market dynamics. Filosa initially hinted at the potential inclusion of internal combustion engines (ICEs) in the Wagoneer S. But, the Jeep CEO said some pretty interesting things in recent days, showing that both the Wagoneer S and Recon vehicles could be offering HEV solutions.

Filosa emphasized Jeep’s platform versatility, citing the STLA Large architecture’s capability to accommodate various powertrain options, including ICEs, BEVs, and HEVs. He underscored Jeep’s global strategy, committing to electrification in Europe while remaining responsive to regional market nuances, such as Brazil’s focus on ethanol.

In Filosa’s own words, “We are very versatile in our platforms, and while many of our competitors are only strong on one continent, we are strong in the rest of the world.” He continued, “To maintain our strengths in those regions, we need to invest in other possibilities besides electric, and since we have these investments going on, we can adopt them immediately for other regions.”

A third new Jeep model, the next-generation Cherokee, which is slated for release sometime in 2025 is rumored to feature a HEV powertrain. A turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with direct injection and flexibility for HEV applications was announced back in August 2022, as part of a $99 million investment in North American production facilities.

This investment aligns with rumors that the next-generation Cherokee, scheduled to be produced alongside the Wagoneer S and Recon, will be offered with both BEV and HEV powertrain. The move to an HEV powertrain could be swiftly adapted to the Wagoneer S and Recon with minimal investment.

For now, both the Wagoneer S and Recon are scheduled to debut boasting a dual e-motor setup yielding 600 horsepower and a 400-volt electrical architecture shared with their platform-mate the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. While the Wagoneer S is primed for a summer release, the Recon is slated for a late 2024 debut according to Jeep.