Jeep’s Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept Teases an All-Electric Off-Roader

Today in New York, Jeep unveiled its first fully electric SUV for the North American market. And while all attention was on the $71,995 Wagoneer S, the automaker had one more thing to show: the same EV’s off-road-capable Trailhawk Concept, sitting pretty on 31.5-inch tires.

The forest green SUV has a number of features that differentiate it from the standard Wagoneer S, including an intimidating laser-cut roof rack, 3D-printed tow hooks, lifted suspension, wheel caps and gearheads, and plenty of goodies for the Boulder lover.

Trailhawk is a trim name commonly used for Jeep’s most rugged off-road vehicles, with more durable equipment and materials. Additionally, Trailhawk vehicles are often trail rated, meaning they have passed a battery of tests for maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance. And with the Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept, Jeep is signaling its interest in expanding those capabilities into its new battery-electric segment.

The Trailhawk Concept has many of the same features as the Wagoneer S – while taking it one step further. In addition to all-terrain 31.5-inch tires, the concept sits on a raised suspension for better ground clearance. Rope hooks are embedded in the front and rear of the vehicle, and functional air extractors are intended for high-pressure environments. A hood decal is anti-glare, badging is flush with the vehicle, and the panoramic sunroof is a double panel to let in fresh air — or trail dust.

Jeep’s five drive modes for the Wagoneer S get a sixth mode for the Trailhawk Concept: Rock. The mode selector on the center console is emergency red for easy switching. And the steering wheel is octagonal in shape, with special grips at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions for particularly hairy moments.

Electric off-roading is nothing new. Ford, Chevy, GMC and Rivian all market their electric trucks as being just as capable on gravel as they are on pavement. The annual King of the Hammers off-roading competition features a division for battery-powered rock crawlers. But Jeep is a brand that prides itself on its high-powered dirt bikes, so introducing a plug-in version makes perfect sense.

The company hasn’t been involved in the production of the Trailhawk concept, but during today’s event, executives heavily hinted that the off-roader will indeed become a true EV. Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa said the Wagoneer S will have several trims, with the fully loaded launch version coming first.

Andrew J. Photo by Hawkins/The Verge