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The biggest and most appointed option in Jeep's lineup, the Grand Wagoneer has emerged as a clear leader in the full-size SUV segment.
In the last few years, we've witnessed the return of several iconic classic nameplates after long periods in the automotive winter. Gearheads can once again enjoy driving icons like the Chevy Blazer, Jeep Gladiator, Ford Bronco, and the Jeep Wagoneer. Until 1993, the vintage Jeep Wagoneer was the benchmark for large American luxury SUVs with their leather-doused interiors, punchy V8s, and woodgrain side panels, and are currently collector's items.
Three decades later, the Grand Wagoneer is once again Jeep's flagship model. It returned to find a more competitive modern market, with entries like the Escalade from GM and Lincoln Navigator from Ford, among other Full-size SUV contenders from Europe and Asia. Still, the new Wagoneer excels in many ways. It is the biggest and most appointed option in Jeep's SUV lineup and is pushing the boundaries of its class with award-winning form. J.D Power awarded the Grand Wagoneer the most appealing large Premium SUV of 2022, and here's why you should consider buying it.
Jeep offers the new Grand Wagoneer with a selection of Peppy engines providing plenty of power for all use cases. It comes standard with the 471hp 6.4-liter HEMI V8. For the 2023 model year, Jeep introduced the new 3-liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo 510 in line-six engine pushing 510 hp and 500lb-ft of Torque.
Both options come with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive and is strong enough for serious towing. It is also slightly more efficient than the V8, although it is still thirsty with a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined.
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Jeep went big on tech with a Grand Wagoneer, and its multifaceted infotainment system is one of its most impressive aspects. There are more than 75 inches of display area with a couple of screens on the dashboard, including the digital instrument cluster. The center console features a 12-inch main touchscreen sitting above a 10.25-inch touchscreen controlling the front and rear seat comfort features.
Passengers get interactive displays, and the wireless technology allows seamless control of entertainment and connectivity with the world around the vehicle. Also, all Grand Wagoneer trims feature a McIntosh Entertainment System, with higher trims receiving a 1375-watt unit with 23 speakers.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer comes with over 120 standard and optional safety features. This aggressive use of modern technological advancements Helps increase driver confidence and can prevent accidents or emergencies before they happen. Notably, it features Jeep's Active Driving Assist, a dedicated co-pilot enabling intuitive hands-on-wheel and eyes-on-road autonomous driving.
A network of intelligent sensors and cameras collect real-time information. They help run safety features like Pedestrian and Cycling Emergency braking, Active Lane Management System, Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. Also, there is a Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian and Animal Detection, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, and more.
The Grand Wagoneer's interior is a tasty blend of contemporary and classic styling incorporating advanced tech and authentic hand-treated materials. It is well crafted and features genuine American Walnut accents that match the metal surfaces to create a warm and cool contrast. There is four-zone automatic climate control, and you get exceptional seating comfort with the 24-way power adjustable seat with a massage feature.
Also, you will find Easter eggs inspired by the vintage Grand Wagoneer, like the classic style two-spoke steering wheel. With the door open, you see an EST 1963" inscription on the edge of the dashboard.
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The Jeep Grand Wagoneer comes in monstrous dimensions and even gets bigger with the 2023 model introducing a long wheelbase variant, the Grand Wagoneer L. It is 12 inches longer than the standard Grand Wagoneer, but these extra inches go to the cargo area as both variants have a similar amount of legroom.
The Grand Wagoneer offers multiple interior configurations with space for seven or eight-passenger and best-in-class second and third-row leg room. There are 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which rises to 116.7 cubic feet with the two rear rows folded. Jeep hasn't offered this level of versatility and comfort for big families since the discontinued Jeep Commander.
Customers get four Jeep Grand Wagoneer trim options, including Series I, Series II, Obsidian, and Series III. All come with similar underpinnings, including the standard V8, and regardless of trim, you have to pay extra for the more powerful Hurricane engine.
Differences appear in features like the 22-inch alloy wheels, Parlemo leather seats, heated and cooled second-row seats, and front passenger infotainment, which come standard on the higher trims. Prices range from $88,640 with the base Series I to $107,995 with the range-topping Series III.
Despite its gigantic dimensions, the Grand Wagoneer is quite easy to drive. It feels supple and comfy on the highways and in town driving, with the V8 helping it pull along effortlessly. It is quite agile for its size and makes for confident U-turns and backing into tight city spaces. Still, it is a big and heavy vehicle to throw around. The suspension remarkably keeps unpleasant body roll around curves in check.
It has excellent visibility with a large windshield and backup camera providing a full unobstructed view of the surroundings. Also, the wide selection of driver aids helps make the driver's job easier.
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Jeep sacrifices some of the Grand Wagoneer's on-road prowess to make it a capable off-road machine. It utilizes a rugged body on frame chassis construction derived from the Ram 1500 truck enabling it to scale all obstacles while maintaining a refined ride on paved roads. All trims come standard with the Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive, Active Two-Speed Transfer Case with Selec-Speed Control that offers great performance while climbing rugged hills. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System helps the driver gain control over different conditions.
With the standard Quadra-Lift air suspension, you can raise the ride height by 3.6 inches or lower it by half an inch. Also, the Grand Wagoneer offers 10 inches of ground clearance and up to two feet of water-fording.
The Grand Wagoneer is excellent for towing, leading the luxury SUV segment with a capacity of 9,850 pounds which is sufficient to pull a big trailer. The Cadillac Escalade's towing rating ranges between 7,300 and 8,200 pounds, with the Lincoln Navigator rated between 6,200 and 8,700 pounds.
You won't struggle with a full passenger load or trailer in tow, and it achieves this thanks to the torquey 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and the truck chassis with a fully-boxed ladder frame construction.
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The Jeep Grand Wagoneer has everything, from the comfortable plush interior to class-leading towing capacity, acres of cargo space, and off-road capability making it an excellent all-around people-mover in a relatively small pool of similar SUVs.
It packs loads of performance, feels more alert on the road, and excels as a luxury three-row Jeep. But most of its rivals, including the Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, undercut the Grand Wagoneer's base price in price. Also, unless you have full use for the extra cargo space or massive towing capacity, you are better off going for the less bulky and pocket-friendly yet capable Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.