The Jeep Grand Wagoneer roared back onto the scene in 2022, and it’s been turning heads ever since. There’s been a lot of chatter about this vehicle, often referred to simply as the “Jeep Grand Wagoneer,” even though Jeep is positioning the Wagoneer line as its own premium entity. When it first appeared in pre-production, automotive journalists were immediately captivated. This SUV makes a statement; it’s like stepping into a luxurious, leather-clad lounge on wheels, sparking dreams of epic road trips.
Those dreams became a reality when we spent two weeks and covered 2,600 miles in the Grand Wagoneer. From Texas to Florida, the reaction was consistent. At every gas stop, people were drawn to it, eager to ask questions and share their admiration. The buzz is palpable – it manages to feel both familiar and refreshingly new, with the iconic Wagoneer name boldly displayed.
Yes, the Grand Wagoneer carries a premium price tag. But focusing solely on the cost would be missing the bigger picture. This SUV offers far more than just a hefty price and a resurrected name. The real question is: does the Grand Wagoneer truly deliver on its promise of luxury and capability, and is it worth the investment? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review to find out.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series III front exterior view
2022 Grand Wagoneer Series III 4×4 Specs
| Base price (as tested): | $104,845 ($110,430) |
|---|---|
| Powertrain: | 6.4-liter V8 |
| Horsepower: | 471 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque: | 455 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Curb weight: | 6,340 pounds |
| Seating capacity: | 7 or 8 |
| Towing capacity: | 9,850 pounds (when equipped with towing package) |
| Cargo volume: | 27.4 cubic feet |
| Off-road angles: | 25° approach |
| Ground clearance: | 10 inches |
| EPA fuel economy: | 13 mpg city |
| Quick take: | The Grand Wagoneer redefines family road trips with comfort and refined road manners, rivaling RVs in its class. |
| Score: | 8/10 |
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series III side profile on road
A Nod to Nostalgia: The Grand Wagoneer Legacy Reborn
The Wagoneer name carries a significant legacy, synonymous with blending off-road prowess and upscale features for decades. Stellantis strategically revived this nameplate, and the 2022 Grand Wagoneer clearly aims to elevate the heritage of its 1993 predecessor to new heights of luxury and performance. This isn’t just a superficial makeover; Jeep has amplified the size, power, and capabilities. The modern SUV boasts almost double the towing capacity of the classic 1993 Wagoneer. This is definitively not your mother’s Wagoneer.
To emphasize this transformation and its standalone luxury aspirations, Jeep is consciously distancing “Wagoneer” from the Jeep brand itself. This strategic move mirrors Toyota’s successful establishment of Lexus as a distinct luxury arm, aiming to position Wagoneer in a similar autonomous light.
The current Grand Wagoneer is significantly larger in every dimension and boasts a robust standard 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 471 horsepower. Measuring 214.7 inches in length and 83.6 inches in width, it is slightly wider than a Chevrolet Suburban, though not quite as long. Interestingly, its wheelbase surpasses the Cadillac Escalade by two inches. In a hypothetical comparison of large luxury SUVs, the Grand Wagoneer stands out with its imposing size. Contributing to this substantial presence is a curb weight of approximately 6,420 pounds. This heft could be attributed to the sheer number of screens – a total of seven across the front and second rows – or possibly its modified Ram 1500 chassis. Impressively, the Grand Wagoneer can tow up to 9,850 pounds, making it capable of hauling substantial loads.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series III rear exterior detail
While the Wagoneer, its slightly more accessible sibling, features a 5.7-liter V8 with a 48-volt eTorque hybrid system, the Grand Wagoneer employs cylinder deactivation and variable camshaft timing to optimize fuel consumption. Fuel economy is comparable between the two models: the Wagoneer achieves a combined 17 mpg, while the Grand Wagoneer manages 15 mpg combined. The Wagoneer operates efficiently on mid-grade fuel, whereas the Grand Wagoneer, befitting its premium status, requires premium fuel. However, it’s reasonable to assume that fuel costs are likely a secondary concern for most buyers in this six-figure vehicle segment.
Despite shedding the overt Jeep branding, the Grand Wagoneer retains Jeep’s renowned off-road DNA. It offers a choice of three 4×4 systems, complete with active low range and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. Jeep claims a water fording capability of up to 24 inches, and front tow hooks are available with the optional towing package.
While venturing off-road might not be the typical use case for this luxury SUV, the capability is reassuring. While not as agile as the Grand Cherokee in rugged terrain, the Grand Wagoneer’s suspension is well-tuned, providing a composed and comfortable ride even on less-than-perfect surfaces. Speed bumps and road imperfections are absorbed with ease.
The Grand Wagoneer shares a familial resemblance with the new Grand Cherokee, yet it distinguishes itself with a more imposing and bolder front end. It also surpasses the Grand Cherokee in overall dimensions, being both wider and longer.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee side-by-side comparison
Air springs further enhance the Grand Wagoneer’s versatility, enabling the body-on-frame SUV to raise or lower by up to 3.6 inches. Power running boards deploy for easier entry and exit. The accessibility is noteworthy; even passengers with mobility challenges can comfortably access the third row. The second-row seats conveniently fold forward with a single button, simplifying access to the rear.
The Grand Wagoneer’s squared-off rear design directly translates to enhanced third-row passenger space, a notable advantage over many SUVs that claim to offer seven or eight passenger capacity. Each row offers its own merits. The driver’s seat is naturally the command center. The front passenger seat offers premium features such as massage, heating, and cooling, along with an optional integrated screen. While the passenger-side screen initially seemed promising, its functionality proved less extensive than the rear passenger screens, and its operation wasn’t immediately intuitive. However, the map function is a practical addition, allowing for simultaneous navigation to different points of interest.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer interior front dashboard and screens
The second and third rows are far from afterthoughts. Optional second-row screens provide integrated access to streaming services like Netflix. Screen sharing is straightforward, allowing passengers to enjoy content together. The third row provides ample space and thoughtful amenities, including conveniently placed USB ports and numerous cupholders throughout the cabin. However, front-row USB port placement within the rolltop console above the cooler could be improved for accessibility.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer interior second row screens
Interior Majesty: Where the Grand Wagoneer Truly Excels
For extended journeys with passengers, interior comfort becomes paramount. While sedans have their place, they often fall short on long road trips. Even luxury sedans can feel confining after hours on the road. The Grand Wagoneer’s expansive interior provides a sense of spaciousness akin to a mobile lounge.
When considering seat comfort, vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica and Nissan Rogue come to mind. The Pacifica offers upright, chair-like seating, while the Rogue boasts patented Zero Gravity seats designed for pressure relief. The Grand Wagoneer’s leather-clad seats take comfort to another level with an impressive 24-way adjustability. Combined with massage features and drowsy driver alerts, the Grand Wagoneer prioritizes driver and passenger well-being on long hauls. The integrated console cooler adds another layer of convenience, keeping refreshments readily accessible.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer interior front seats and console
The center console houses Stellantis’ updated Uconnect 5 infotainment system, displayed on a prominent 12-inch vertical screen. Select Grand Wagoneer trims come standard with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, with an upgrade option to a 23-speaker configuration. The inclusion of McIntosh audio, championed by the late Sergio Marchionne, underscores the commitment to premium audio quality. The top-tier system features a 1,375-Watt, 24-channel amplifier and 23 speakers, delivering exceptional sound across various music genres.
Intuitive audio controls, conveniently located behind the steering wheel, allow for channel surfing and volume adjustments without diverting attention from the road. This thoughtful design enhances driver safety and convenience.
Road Trip Ready: The Grand Wagoneer in its Element
Over 2,600 miles, the Grand Wagoneer revealed its true character, particularly as a long-distance road trip companion.
Growing up with family road trips, the author understands the nuances of comfortable long-distance travel. While the Grand Wagoneer lacks the classic wood trim of its predecessors, it proves to be an exceptional road trip vehicle.
While some reviews suggest the Grand Wagoneer is more passenger-centric, the driving experience is also noteworthy. The robust 6.4-liter V8 engine delivers ample power for highway merging and passing maneuvers. Despite its size, the SUV feels surprisingly agile. Adjustable pedals cater to drivers of varying heights, a practical feature particularly appreciated by shorter drivers.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer driver seat and pedals
The Grand Wagoneer doesn’t feel overwhelmingly large from behind the wheel. The comprehensive camera system provides excellent visibility, mitigating blind spots and offering enhanced situational awareness. This is increasingly valuable as vehicle designs often prioritize aesthetics over outward visibility.
During the extensive road trip, the Grand Wagoneer was tested in diverse driving conditions, including heavy rain and uneven road surfaces. The combination of a truck chassis and SUV interior results in a stable and planted feel. The power steering is well-balanced and responsive, and the cabin remains remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer driving on highway
Advanced Driver Assistance: A Double-Edged Sword?
The long, flat stretches of terrain provided an ideal environment to evaluate the Grand Wagoneer’s cruise control and driver-assistance systems. The Active Driving Assist, described as “hands-on-wheel and eyes-on-road automated driving,” utilizes lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. While effective, the lane-keeping assist can feel somewhat aggressive, sometimes overcorrecting and pushing the vehicle away from lane markings more forcefully than desired. In heavy traffic situations, this can be less than ideal.
The system occasionally disengaged cruise control unexpectedly, requiring driver intervention. Curve detection also sometimes preemptively relinquished control back to the driver.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer instrument cluster and controls
The night vision system with pedestrian and animal detection, while technologically advanced, can also be distracting due to frequent pop-up alerts. Occasional “night vision sensor blocked” messages further contributed to potential driver distraction. Balancing safety alerts with minimizing driver distraction remains a challenge for such systems.
However, other driver-assistance features performed reliably. Intersection collision assist effectively detects approaching vehicles at crossroads, providing both audible and visual warnings and automatic braking if necessary. The digital rearview mirror significantly improves rear visibility, eliminating blind spots and reducing headlight glare at night.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer digital rearview mirror
Verdict: Grand Wagoneer – Luxury Worth the Investment?
The Grand Wagoneer sits at the pinnacle of Jeep’s luxury lineup, with a starting price near $90,000, including a substantial destination charge. The top-tier Series III trim, as tested, reaches over $110,000 with options like the rear-seat entertainment package. Despite the price, market demand for three-row luxury SUVs is strong, and the Grand Wagoneer is poised to capture a significant share.
Pricewise, the Grand Wagoneer aligns with competitors like the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. Its primary domain will likely be familiar suburban settings – school pickup lines, sports events, and grocery runs. However, its true strength lies in long-distance travel. The Grand Wagoneer excels in comfort, accommodating passengers of all ages with its spacious seating and thoughtful design.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer parked at a scenic overlook
Early sales figures indicate a positive market reception for the Wagoneer line. Inventory availability and custom order options suggest a healthy supply chain.
Fuel consumption will be a factor, but the Grand Wagoneer offers a respectable range, allowing for several hours of driving between fuel stops. After thousands of miles, the Grand Wagoneer remained as comfortable and impressive as initially anticipated. For those prioritizing luxurious and comfortable long-distance travel, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer presents a compelling option and is indeed worth considering.
