Stellantis’ New Electric Car: Why It Lags Behind Tesla in 2023

Jeep is shifting towards electrification, launching the Avenger and the Wagoneer S, which will debut in Europe in 2026. However, early reviews highlight significant issues with the Wagoneer S’s infotainment system, including lag and poor visibility. Critics suggest Jeep’s technology feels outdated. Despite these concerns, the vehicle supports over-the-air updates, and its impressive performance features, such as 600 horsepower and rapid charging, position it competitively in the electric SUV market, though improvements in technology are essential.

Jeep’s Transformation: A Shift Towards Electrification

For many enthusiasts, Jeep has long been synonymous with expansive American landscapes and thrilling off-road experiences, driven by powerful combustion engines. However, that era is coming to an end as the brand, now under the Stellantis umbrella, embraces a new direction with a strong focus on electrification.

Concerns Over Infotainment Features

With the impending mandate to sell only electric vehicles in Europe by 2035, Jeep is actively evolving, as evidenced by the recent launch of the Avenger. The company has also introduced the Wagoneer S, a large SUV originally designed for the North American market, which is set to make its European debut in early 2026.

While the Wagoneer S is already making waves on North American roads, early reviews have raised some eyebrows. A recent test by Out of Spec Studios highlighted significant issues, particularly with the vehicle’s infotainment system. The reviewer encountered frustrating delays when attempting to access integrated navigation features, with a noticeable lag before maps would load.

Further complicating the experience, once the navigation was up, additional submenus and a poorly positioned keyboard obstructed visibility of crucial information. The testing journalist noted that typing on the keyboard was equally sluggish, leaving a poor impression for potential buyers.

This critical feedback has not gone unnoticed in the automotive community, with notable figures like Sawyer Merritt, a Tesla investor, commenting on social media about Jeep’s apparent stagnation in technology, stating they seem “stuck in 2015.” Such remarks are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Jeep as they attempt to modernize.

Future Updates and Charging Capabilities

Despite these setbacks, there is hope for improvement. The Wagoneer S is designed to support over-the-air (OTA) updates, indicating that the infotainment issues might be resolved through a software patch. This means that while the initial reception may be tepid, the potential for enhancement remains.

Additionally, while the Wagoneer S exhibits a commendable charging speed—reaching 80% in just 23 minutes from a 10% charge—its 400-volt architecture could be a limiting factor compared to the more advantageous 800 volts that would better complement its substantial 100 kWh battery. Still, this performance positions it competitively against rivals in the electric SUV market.

As it stands, the Wagoneer S boasts an impressive 600 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.4 seconds, with an estimated range of approximately 480 kilometers according to the EPA. However, significant strides in its infotainment system are necessary for it to effectively compete with established players like the Tesla Model Y.

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