2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer were highly anticipated by Jeep fans for a long time. After the Commander left in 2010, Jeep was missing a three-row SUV model in its lineup - until now. With the Wagoneer's return, Jeep also introduces their very first luxury flagship.
What’s in a name?
Jeep has never created a vehicle as large and luxurious as the Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer, and it certainly makes an impression with its grand size. They started with Stellantis’ award-winning Ram pickup truck as the platform for this line of SUVs, and added an independent rear suspension to ensure a smoother ride.
While they use the same body, the trim differences give the Grand Wagoneer a more premium appearance befitting the “Grand” nomenclature versus the Wagoneer. The former stands out with chrome trim, a black roof, LED lighting accents, a different hood, and fender flares. Power-retractable running boards are also standard on the Grand Wagoneer for extra luxury.
Jeep is targeting the Grand Wagoneer to compete with more upscale offerings including the Infiniti QX80, BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator. Meanwhile, the Wagoneer takes aim at the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon and Nissan Armada.
Technology and Luxury
When it comes to seating capacity, the Wagoneer is set up as an eight-passenger SUV with a bench seat in the second row (captain's chairs are available as an option). The Grand Wagoneer offers a 7-passenger layout with a bench seat as an optional feature.
Whichever way the big Jeep is configured, all passengers in the three rows of seating will enjoy the Grand Wagoneer’s cabin’s attractive materials and upscale features throughout. There are expanses of wood trim, leather-covered surfaces, and both piano-black, chrome/satin-finished details. It’s all executed in a way that can only be described as American luxury, as it is distinctly different from its European competitors.
Unique to the Grand Wagoneer’s options list is a four-zone climate control system, 24-way power seats and a higher-end McIntosh audio system with additional speakers. The Grand Wagoneer also provides larger infotainment screens on the dash and in the back seat compared to its sister model, the Wagoneer. There is even a front passenger screen with novelty easter eggs such as a virtual fireplace or aquarium. But it also functions as a secondary infotainment system which can only be seen by the front passenger.
While Jeep’s mix of physical levers/sliders and capacitive-touch controls are welcome compared to an all-software approach, some drivers may find it overly complicated at first blush.
As far as the infotainment system is concerned, Stellantis’ Uconnect5 system is one of the easiest to use, despite its new digs in the big Grand Wagoneer. The large main screen has large buttons and text, while the lower 10.25-inch screen is dedicated for just climate and seat controls use. The touchscreens are delightfully responsive, though there is a lot of screen real estate here to keep clean of fingerprints. Keep that micro fibre cloth handy because you’ll definitely need it. I love that Jeep has borrowed the interior camera system from its Chrysler minivans.
Thanks in part to these large screens, navigating this big vehicle was easier than expected when you add in the surround-view cameras and plethora of active safety systems. There is even a night vision camera system to help with forward visibility in poorly lit areas. I particularly appreciated that almost all of the cameras had some sort of washer fluid cleaning system.
The Grand Wagoneer features the requisite advanced driver assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. While not a Level 3 autonomous system, in some ways it goes a step beyond the Super Cruise system found in the Cadillac Escalade in that it can be used on all roads with appropriate lane markings - not only highways. A green surround behind the main instrument panel denotes when the system is available. Overall it’s a clever and unique way of showcasing the technology while making it unintrusive.
There are some differences that are worth noting. Specifically, the Grand Wagoneer does not have a driver-monitoring camera system like Super Cruise and relies on sensors instead to detect if a driver is holding the steering wheel.
How does it drive?
Like other large SUVs and trucks, navigating tight parking lots and urban/suburban streets in the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer can be a challenge, due to its large size and wide turning radius. Unsurprisingly, I had to park further away than normal for more space, also taking extra time to fit into smaller spots.
Underneath its hood, is a 6.4-liter V8 producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque, able to propel the Grand Wagoneer from 0-100 km/hr in only 6.0 seconds.
This naturally aspirated motor is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver eager acceleration from the slightest press of the pedal. Surprisingly, despite its luxurious intentions, the Grand Wagoneer has a distinctively rumbly exhaust note.
One of the main disadvantages of the V8 powerplant though, is poorer fuel economy compared to other smaller SUVs. The eTorque system from the Wagoneer’s 5.7L V8 is not available with the larger engine.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer also features Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension system, allowing up to 3.6 inches of ride height adjustment for off-road use or access needs (1.6 inch drop). The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps as well as good body control when on the road - better than what we experienced in the Cadillac Escalade.
Four Wheel Drive is courtesy of Jeep’s full-time QuadraDrive system with high and low range.
With proper equipment fitted, this SUV can pull weights up to 9,860 pounds (or 10,000 pounds with the 5.7L V8).
Interior space
The interior of the 2022 Grand Wagoneer offers a generous amount of space. The driver and passenger seats provide plenty of legroom, headroom, and hiproom. The front seats feature a variety of massage programs, heating and ventilation, perfect for long road trips. Despite its width, the centre console surprisingly does not impinge on knee room.
The second row offers lots of room for two occupants, while the third row is even more impressive. Despite the Grand Wagoneer’s 123-inch wheelbase is between that of the Chevrolet Tahoe (121 inches) and Suburban (134 inches), its third row is larger than both competitors. Two adults can comfortably sit in this back seat without feeling cramped for long journeys.
The main reason for this is that bottom cushion in the third row offers ample thigh support combined with an angled design to allow feet to rest properly. Even with the third row raised, there is still sufficient some storage space for luggage and belongings. For those who need even more storage space, Jeep offers the Grand Wagoneer L with a 7 inch longer wheelbase and 12 inch longer total length.
Final thoughts
While it may have taken a couple of decades for the “Wagoneer” name to be revived, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a competitive large SUV, combining leading edge technology, comfort and rugged capability.
It exudes luxury and power, and its vast dimensions are complemented by a stage-of-the-art tech package. It is truly an impressive statement on the road, rivalling that of the Cadillac Escalade, though to this author’s eyes, the Escalade is a bit more attractive with it’s more raked back styling.
With seating for up to eight passengers and the most overall passenger volume in its class, the Grand Wagoneer takes Jeep squarely into the high-ticket premium large SUV segment, and its customers into new territories of style, comfort and adventure.
