Stellantis overhauls Jeep Grand Wagoneer lineup under turnaround plan

DETROIT – Jeep is overhauling its high-end Grand Wagoneer lineup for the 2026 model year as part of a one-year transformation plan for the quintessential American SUV brand.

Changes include updating the exterior design, introducing an upcoming extended-range powertrain, and creating a simplified, cheaper model line, all under the “Grand Wagoneer” name. Jeep will also do away with the standalone “Wagoneer” nameplate.

“This marks an important portfolio moment in evolving our flagship SUV to reach a broader audience,” Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf said during a media event.

Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have failed to live up to expectations since their launch in 2021. Initial production of the vehicles was fraught with problems, and dual nameplates for identical-looking vehicles confused consumers.

Starting prices for these vehicles could also top $111,000, which was uncharted territory for the brand known for rugged SUVs and featured a series of tiered trim levels that complicated orders.

“We confused our buyers. We confused our dealers,” Broderdorf said. “I’m here to say we got the message. We’re fixing it.”

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer will start under $65,000, including mandatory destination fees. This is similar to where the Wagoneer is currently priced, but Jeep said it includes additional features and is more in line with competitors’ pricing.

“I’m here to win,” Broderdorf said. “I want to come out very, very quickly and see what we can do to really gain some share and continue to grow the brand…that was the mission for me.”

Jeep is owned by the French-Italian-American automaker StellantisHe said he expects the Grand Wagoneer to be the first SUV with plug-in technology known as range extender, or EREV. It can operate as a zero-emission EV until its battery runs out and the onboard electric generator powered by the 27-gallon, 3.6-liter V6 engine kicks in to power the vehicle.

Stellantis’ Ram Trucks brand was expected to be the first brand to launch an EREV model, but after several delays and the brand executing its own turnaround plan, the Jeep model is expected to be the first EREV to be available starting next year.

Jeep is one of the most important Stellantis‘ 14 brands – although not the most important in North America. The refreshed Grand Wagoneer is the second of four major product announcements this summer, kicking off with the introduction of the new Jeep Cherokee SUV.

The turnaround plan also includes realigning Jeep SUV prices, which have been inflated above market norms in recent years, and re-engaging a dealer network alienated by a lack of new products and declining sales.

So far, Jeep’s US sales are trending in the right direction. Brand progresses towards reporting first sales gain year over year Since 2018, when it recorded its all-time high sales of more than 973,000 vehicles. This compares with a 40% decline from Jeep’s sales peak compared to the 587,725 units sold last year.

“Frankly, my only interest is in growing this brand and doing it in a very fun, historic Jeep way,” said Broderdorf, who took over leadership of Jeep as Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa in February.