Jeep Wagoneer S EV Not Jeep-y Enough? Check Out the Off-Road Trailhawk Version
The brand's first electric SUV in America looks sporty—but how would it look... if it were more rugged?
With the launch of the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S, the Jeep brand begins crawling along its path to full electrification. Just to hammer home that this all-electric Wagoneer S SUV is a real Jeep—or at least capable of looking like one—the automaker debuted a new Trailhawk concept that will push the sleekly styled, clearly pavement-focused EV beyond the paved mall parking lots its likely to visit the most. This is what a production Jeep Wagoneer S Trailhawk trim level could look like—one that lines up with the Trailhawk versions of existing Jeeps like the Grand Cherokee and Compass—if the company decides to add such an off-road-focused model to its first-ever EV's lineup.
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More Than Just A Badge And Paint
The first thing you notice about the Wagoneer S Trailhawk concept is that it’s unafraid to embrace its off-road aims. This starts with a new suspension that lifts the EV SUV higher off the ground, along with a set of Falken Wildpeak A/T tires in 265/65R18—31.8 inches in diameter and 10.5 inches wide. Those all-terrain tires are fitted to a set of 18-inch wheels with a multi-piece design, but don’t appear to be beadlock capable. They do sport hex-head fasteners around the “points” of the five-point star face design.
The Trailhawk concept's more aggressive and rugged-looking front and rear fascias are yet more deviations from the regular Wagoner S. Taken together, the changes transform the Wagoneer S EV SUV's sleek, modern, and pedestrian visage into a more rough-and-ready off-roader, visually, at least. The lower portion of the nose is even angled up where it meets the fenders to allow for additional tire clearance while the slats just above provide a more brutish design to flow front air for the tire air curtain. This is matched by lower fog lights that appear to be machined out of an aluminum bumper but with a modern industry look with is partially hexagonal pattern. Just below the iconic seven-slot Jeep grille is the “Jeep” logo to help prove the new Wagoneer isn’t hiding its Jeep-ness anymore, and there are even red-painted tow hooks.
Out back, the Wagoneer S's wild integrated hoop-style wing remains on the Trailhawk, but below it, the body crease at the taillamp now sports a large grille opening thanks to a reshaping of the rear bumper cover. This reshaping includes more departure clearance over the regular Wagoneer S and joined by another pair of tow hooks protruding from the lower fascia. You’ll also find the Trailhawk badge on the passenger side of the lift gate along with the “4xe” logo to define this as an electrified Jeep. Up top, you’ll find more functionality with its laser-cut aluminum roof rack, but you’ll also get an open-air experience as the rack doesn’t interfere with the view out of the dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
Bruce'd and Almighty Ruggedness
The exterior of the Wagoneer S Trailhawk is shot in "Bruce" paint with accents in metallic Storm Gray and textured black. The hood is covered by an anti-glare black decal save for the red hood slat on the passenger side. You’ll also notice that all the badging is flush, taking inspiration from modern aircraft.
The Wagoneer S Trailhawk concept is driven by the same battery and motor system as the standard Wagoneer S, but there are specific improvements that are unique to the Trailhawk. The standard Selec-Terrain system remains but includes a new “Rock” mode for enhanced traction control in low-speed environments, even with its instantaneous torque thanks to its all-electric powertrain. This is joined by a driver-selectable electronic rear axle locker to drive both rear wheels together in any grip adverse terrain.
A Meteorite-Like Trim
This go-anywhere vibe extends to the interior of the Wagoneer S Trailhawk. The soft surfaces are wrapped in synthetic Mantis Green material and accented in “meteorite-inspired” real stone veneer. Storm dark metallic accents and Radical Red anodizing contrast these rather wild interior materials. To add to this radical use of surfaces, the concept features an instrument panel with a crossbar for passenger stability while off-roading. We see this in the Jeep Wrangler, but the Wagoneer S Trailhawk features exposed fasteners and 1/4-20 threaded inserts to mount accessories like trail gear, devices, and potentially action cameras.
Cargo Capable Beyond The Liftgate
Further, the door cards and center console feature a modular cargo management system with re-configurable elastic straps. This presents a unique opportunity for occupants to hold a wide variety of gear without the limitation a hard surface would lock you into. Also, being an EV with a flat floor atop its battery, the Wagoneer S Trailhawk makes use of the flat space by incorporating a large open storage bin. There also is a wireless phone charger and multiple USB outlets to power modern tools and accessories you’ll bring along on your adventurous, possibly unpaved path.
For the driver, the steering wheel isn’t the traditional round design, but instead is an octagonal shape that still gives the driver the options of hand-over-hand or push-pull steering inputs, unlike a butterfly or yoke shape. This, according to Jeep, will also allow the driver to lock into their preferred hand position for precise steering control. There are “tactical-inspired” grip sections at the nine- and three-o’clock positions. The Trailhawk seats are aggressive, but still feature the sport-luxury balance of the standard Wagoneer S. This means they are still heated and ventilated using Mantis Green synthetic material with a chevron pattern perforation. There are also Ultraviolet accent stitching along with textile decorative piping where materials join.
When Can We Have One?
For the time being, the Jeep Wagoneer S Trailhawk is a concept without a planned launch date nor an estimated price tag. We’re willing to bet that it won’t remain a mere show vehicle for long. While some of the features are likely not to make it to your local Jeep dealership floor, this concept is very close to production-looking and not outside the realm of possibility. After all, Jeep's Trailhawk formula is well worn by now, having appeared on the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade SUVs. For cost, expect to tack on another $5,000 to $10,000 to the $73,790 price tag of the 2024 Wagoneer S for this off-roadier version. If it happens, of course.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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