Stellantis has confirmed that the Jeep Wagoneer S will skip the 2026 model year, a strategic pause driven by a surplus of existing inventory. While the electric SUV was framed as a cornerstone of Jeep’s pivot toward electrification, current dealer stock is reportedly sufficient to meet demand through the coming year. The model is slated to return for 2027 with a suite of technical upgrades, including improved battery performance, refined software, and the adoption of the Tesla-standard NACS charging port.
In the wider EV landscape, Hyundai recently unveiled the Ioniq 3, an electric compact that echoes the design language of the discontinued Veloster. Notably, the vehicle debuts a next-generation infotainment system that pointedly retains physical buttons and knobs—a design choice that responds to growing driver frustration with touchscreen-only interfaces. Despite its refined ergonomics, the Ioniq 3 is not currently slated for the North American market.
The automotive sector’s financial and stylistic shifts continue to accelerate elsewhere. Uber has deepened its footprint in the luxury EV space, now holding an 11.5% stake in Lucid. This investment comes as traditional luxury segments face significant headwinds; a Mercedes-Benz designer recently noted the waning popularity of the station wagon, suggesting that consumer appetite for the form factor has largely evaporated. As automakers navigate these shifting tastes, the FTC is also tightening its oversight, urging dealers to report deceptive advertising practices within the industry.
With reporting from *The Drive*.
Source · The Drive
