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Jeep just revealed its 2024 Wagoneer S, the brand’s first ever full EV. In its press release, it is listing the crossover at $71,995. Which is great because it includes some normally hidden fees. But Jeep.com conveniently drops those fees and lists the same SUV at $70,200. But it might be worse: Jeep could have listed the thing at an even more dishonest $62,495.

The first fee included in the new Jeep’s advertised price is a “destination charge.” This is an increasingly common line item that is a vaguely worded combination of dealership prep services and shipping. And it’s getting out of control. In fact, the feds are going to court over this common bait-and-switch.

You will see the Chevy Tahoe listed at $56,200. But after talking you into buying it, your salesperson will jack your out-the-door price up $1,995 to $58,195 for a base model. Other full-size trucks and SUVs from GM, Ford, and Ram will have the same $1,995 hidden fee. Midsize trucks and SUVs will jump up about $1,500.

The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer by Jeep have the highest destination charges in the business: an even $2,000. The Wagoneer S’s $1,795 destination charge is on par with the rest of the market. Jeep may not be divulging this in advertising. But it is doing one thing right.

Wagoneer S EV driving down the road
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | Stellantis

According to Forbes, Jeep’s U.S.-built EV, with a locally-sourced battery, could qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. But Jeep isn’t plastering that info all over its sales pages. If it was a slimier automaker, it might even write the price “$62,495*” Then reveal this figure is after the tax credit.

This is especially dishonest because not every EV buyer will qualify. If your income is too high, or if you’ve bought another EV recently, you may not be eligible. So good on Jeep for telling it like it is. No automakers are rolling this credit into MSRP, but a few repeatedly tout the “estimated price” on their landing page.

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a series of rules titled “Combating Auto Retail Scams.” (CARS for short, get it?). This would require automakers include fees such as a destination charge in the advertised price. At the moment, dealership associations have the feds’ new rules tied up in court.

When I saw Jeep’s Wagoneer S price press release–which included the destination charge–I thought Finally someone is doing the right thing! But it looks like Jeep will hold out, with a lower advertised price, until the courts force it to change.

Next, see which vehicles are hiding the highest destination charges, or learn more about the FTC’s CARS rules in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.