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At Munro & Associates, we’re known for going beyond the surface—literally. Whether it’s a deep-dive teardown, design analysis, or cost review, our mission is to deliver expert insights that shape the future of lean automotive engineering. Today, we’re putting the all-electric 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S interior under review to answer one big question: does it justify its $72,000 price tag?
Let’s get into the interior engineering, design decisions, and real-world usability of this EV, from a teardown mindset.
Understated EV Styling, With Some Old-School Luggage
Unlike many electric vehicles trying to look “futuristic,” the Jeep Wagoneer S opts for a traditional SUV exterior. At first glance, it doesn’t scream “I’m electric,” and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, for engineers and enthusiasts alike, a clean and elegant design may signal confidence in core EV performance—not just aesthetics.
But even here, Munro’s teardown-trained eye caught issues: tiger striping in the paint, uneven clear coat, and a potentially flawed painting process. For a $72K vehicle, even early production units need better QA on finish.
Surface Feasibility: Design Clashes with Reality
During our inspection, a subtle yet telling flaw appeared on the rocker panel: a production-induced notch. It’s a detail likely missed by consumers but glaring to engineers. This suggests poor surface feasibility coordination between the design studio and production engineering.
In Munro’s experience, these compromises often come from late-stage geometry conflicts—like door hinge mechanics—that weren’t accounted for early in the CAD phase. This highlights the value of involving engineering early in the design cycle to avoid costly retrofits.
Frunk Design: A Missed Opportunity?
The frunk, or front trunk, is disappointingly small—barely the size of a baby carrier. And while it complies with child safety release regulations, it raises questions about packaging efficiency.
Moreover, questionable water path sealing and possibly abandoned NVH panel mounts suggest last-minute changes or incomplete planning. These “artifacts” reveal design intent that was never executed—something teardown analysis often brings to light.
Interior Material Strategy: Balanced, But Not Bold
Inside, the Wagoneer S blends cut-and-sew surfaces with bonded bolsters and textured plastics. The interior trim feels consistent with the price point, if not exceptional. Chrome inlays, real stitched components, and a suede-like headliner elevate the feel, but the execution isn’t free from critique.
Chrysler has historically over-delivered on interior quality for the cost. In this EV, they’re simply matching expectations—not exceeding them. For engineers, it’s a case study in value engineering: spending just enough to stay competitive.
Door Release Engineering: Form Over Function?
The electric door release is intuitively placed when your arm is extended—but becomes awkward when seated normally. A backup manual latch is present, but buried. So why not just stick with a traditional mechanical release?
This dual-system design may add unnecessary cost and complexity. From an engineering perspective, it highlights a misalignment between form, function, and ergonomics—a frequent theme in EVs prioritizing tech-forward features over usability.
Infotainment Lag & Learning Curves
The touch display system shows initial lag but speeds up after repeated use. Whether this is a caching issue or system warm-up isn’t clear. While not a hardware fault, it does reflect on user experience engineering—particularly in the early seconds of interaction.
Meanwhile, the passenger screen remains invisible from the driver’s perspective, supporting safety by preventing distraction. Smart design choices like this help balance high-tech features with regulatory compliance.
Center Console: Practical Innovation
The phone dock standouts as the center console’s most prominent feature—accessible even with the armrest closed. It’s a clever design that prevents the phone from sliding while offering wireless charging.
The knob-style shifter indicates Chrysler may be settling on a consistent interface across vehicles—finally addressing long-standing inconsistencies in gear selector design.
The 12V power outlet placement deep in the console, however, is less ergonomic. Functionality matters, especially in high-use scenarios like roadside repairs or inflating tires.
Ventilation, Massage Seats & More
Ventilated seats with massage for both driver and passenger are a highlight. These premium features justify part of the price tag, although the thin headrests—while visually sleek—raise questions about rear impact safety and ECE compliance.
Here’s where teardown analysis shines: it forces us to ask how these aesthetic decisions affect crash metrics, durability, and long-term comfort.
Rear Seat and Cargo: Cost-Conscious Design Choices
The second row is tighter than expected. Despite limited head clearance and solid materials, however, well-designed textures adorn the hard plastics to avoid looking cheap. This is free-in-mold styling—zero additional cost but maximized visual value. A classic lean manufacturing trick.
The cargo area impresses with multiple metal D-rings, a 12V outlet, and extra hooks. But the one-piece load floor is a misstep. A hinged or two-piece design would improve usability without inflating cost—something lean design methodologies would have flagged in development.
Final Verdict: Expected Quality, Not Exceptional Innovation
For $72,000, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S delivers a comfortable, well-trimmed interior with thoughtful (if not revolutionary) features. Chrysler isn’t pushing boundaries here, but they’re also not cutting corners. This is an EV playing it safe, checking all the right boxes, but stopping short of delight.
Paint quality issues and some questionable ergonomics highlight the need for tighter integration between design, engineering, and manufacturing. For investors, this model shows Chrysler’s entry into the EV market is cautious but credible. For engineers and students, it’s a real-world lesson in the trade-offs of vehicle development.
Key Takeaways
- Lean design matters: Poor rocker panel geometry and one-piece cargo floor show how early-stage decisions affect usability and cost.
- Interior is solid, not standout: Materials and features match the price, but don’t surpass competitors.
- Ergonomics need work: Door releases and power outlets reveal friction points in everyday use.
- Tech execution is mixed: Touchscreen lag and well-placed screens show both pitfalls and smart choices.
- Manufacturing quality is critical: Paint flaws and leftover component mounts suggest process issues that need resolution before mass production.
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