When Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee L, it was just the beginning of the brand's upscale SUV lineup. In 2022, Jeep will launch the capable, premium off-road Wagoneer and the luxurious, ritzier go-anywhere Jeep Cherokee Grand Wagoneer.
Many former owners of the Wagoneer remember hauling lots of stuff and people in the wagon-like body of their ‘63 model, sport-utility Wagoneer with four-wheel drive and automatic transmission. Jeep later set the gold standard with 1984 Grand Wagoneer by including leather seats, air conditioning, and woodgrain-paneled accents on the body before discontinuing the Wagoneer in 1991.
After three decades, Jeep will renew the Wagoneer nameplate with the introduction of the 2022 models this fall. The idea is to make the Wagoneer a dedicated luxury brand to broaden the line of stellar off-road Jeep vehicles. According to SAE International in the article, "After a 30-year Hiatus, Jeep Remakes the Wagoneer", by Paul Seredynski, the all-new 2022 luxury Jeep SUV interior "should be a pleasant place to spend time."
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will come in one wheelbase on a body-on-frame platform with 5-doors and 3-seat rows for carrying 7 or 8 passengers. Although the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have different V8 engines, both Wagoneer models transfer power with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and have a maximum tow rating of 9,860 pounds. The Wagoneer will complete with Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and the Ford Expedition in median-priced large SUV market, while the Grand Wagoneer will take on the higher-priced market of Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Land Rover's Range Rover.
Universal Features of Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
The large body-on-frame platform is "essentially all-new" in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, although it is a derivation of the Ram 1500 frame. To stiffen the frame, the side rails are fully boxed and the cross-members are double-sheer welded to the inside and outside of the frame. The Class-4 hitch is fully integrated through the boxed frame rails with four 360-degree welds. The body panels are steel, except for the aluminum hood and doors, as well as the composite hands-free power liftgate.
Both models are designed as big, upright vehicles with large U-shaped windows for the open-road experience and available in three trims: Series I, Series II, and Series III. The re-creation of the Wagoneer original-like two-spoke steering wheel and 7-continent grill, along with toe hooks and skid plates, give the Wagoneer the off-road spirit. The Wagoneer logos on the front and back, plus sides (with the American flag) and "EST. 1963" inside by the instrument panel distinguish the sub-brand vehicles as Jeep, even without the logo. Both models will be available in seven exterior colors, including:
- Diamond Black
- Bright White
- Luxury White
- Silver Zynith
- Baltic Gray
- Velvet Red
- River Rock Blue
Cars.com "2022 Jeep Wagoneer Review: Our Expert's Take" by Aaron Bragman reports, "… [T]he Grand Wagoneer's badge is integrated into the chrome (grille). The Grand Wagoneer gets a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof." The Wagoneer has black trim around the windows, and the Grand Wagoneer has chrome trim almost everywhere.
According to Jeep executives, both Wagoneer models come with best-in-class overall passenger volume, third-row headroom, second- and third-row leg room, and cargo volume behind the third row as compared to shorter-wheelbase competition. Captain's chairs are standard in the second row; however, a bench seat is optional to go from 7 to 8 passengers. Cargo space behind the third-row is 27.4 cubic feet for both vehicles. Roberto Baldwin of Car & Driver reports in "2022 Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer Are Packed with Screens and Tech", that space behind the second-row is 70.8 cubic feet in the Wagoneer and 70.9 in the Grand. Total space behind the first row is 116.7 and 94.2 cubic feet for the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer, respectively.
Wheel choices are 20 or 22 inches, depending on the option package for the trim models. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency breaking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and Active Lane Management (lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist).
A Carbuzz Review article, "2022 Jeep Wagoneer First Look Review: Bring It On", by Jay Traugott, points out that Jeep is offering more than 120 standard and optional advance safety features on both Wagoneer models. Available options include a fully-digital rearview mirror, a Surround View Camera that provides a 360-degree screen view of the vehicle (standard on the Grand Wagoneer), Active Driving Assist, Hands-free Driving Assist Drowsy Driver Detection, self-parking function, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection.
At Jeep showrooms, certified Wagoneer sales consultants will greet customers and offer a premium dealer experience. According to Jim Morrison, vice president of the Jeep brand in North America, customers can also arrange for a remote showroom test drive and delivery. After purchasing a Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer, customers can use VIP online service scheduling, and when needed, will be given a quality loaner vehicle. Wagoneer vehicles will be cleaned after every service, plus owners will receive 24/7 customer support, five years of complimentary maintenance for unlimited miles, and roadside assistance. Wagoneer customers who prefer to wait for service will be provided with concierge support Wi-Fi, phone charging, beverages, and snacks.
Premier Design of the Jeep Cherokee Grand Wagoneer
The Wagoneer is powered by the eTorque mild hybrid 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that generates 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. The Wagoneer features independent front and rear suspension for a smoother ride and a mechanical limited-slip differential with a drive ratio of 3.21:1. The normal ride height is 8 inches with the steel coil suspension.
The Wagoneer is a very capable off-road vehicle even though it cannot be "Trail Rated by Jeep." Journalist Alisa Priddle of the MotorTrend's Car Reviews reports in the article, "2022 Jeep Wagoneer First Look: A Slightly Less Grand Full-Size Three-Row SUV", the Wagoneer "offers three transfer cases (two of which include low-range gearing), two off-road modes, a 25-degree approach angle, 24-degree departure angle, and 22-degree breakover angle." Moreover, Quadra-Lift is good for raising ground clearance to 10 inches. Hill-Ascent/Descent Control are available options on the Wagoneer.
The Wagoneer is standard with rear wheel drive, but available with one of three AWD systems.
- Quadra-Trac I: A single-speed transfer case with 40/60% front/rear torque split.
- Quadra-Trac II: A two-speed case that can route 100% available torque to the wheel with the most traction and adds an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
- Selec-Terrain: Offers five driving modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Sand/Mud).
The interior of the Wagoneer looks premium and acts high tech. The driver's digital instrument panel is 10.25 inches and the central Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen is 10.1 inches. Dual 10.1-inch screens, with a third 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate and seat controls between the second row captain's chairs, are optional on the Wagoneer.
Luxurious Comfort of the Grand Wagoneer
The Grand Wagoneer is only available with a 6.4-liter V8 that produces 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Wagoneer comes standard with 4WD and has a drive ratio of 3.92:1. The spacious vehicle prioritize ride comfort while providing respectable off-road ability using a version of Jeep's Selec-Terrain system, featuring Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Sand/Mud driving modes. Adjustable air suspension, which raises and lowers the vehicle's height automatically depending on the driving environment, is standard on the Grand Wagoneer. The Quad-Lift air suspension provides clearance to 10 inches, which is enough for fording 24 inches of water.
The Grand Wagoneer interior is special in every way with "upscale content to compete with large luxury SUVs that feature six figure price tags," emphasizes Eric Stafford of Car & Driver in "2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer" review. The Grand Wagoneer interior also includes "lots of soft leather and warm wood" to set the tone for the most luxurious off-road Jeep ever offered, according to Paul Seredynski of SAE International. The dashboard and upholstery are accented with premium wood and aluminum materials, a metal rotary shifter, and air vents. The door handles, dash buttons, and other controls are all of the deluxe variety. A pair of second- and third-row captain's chairs is optional on the Grand.
Several front seats options are available, including 24-way adjustability, massage functions, and heating and ventilation. The diamond-patterned stitching and perforation of the Palermo leather throughout all rows and the amenities of the Grand Wagoneer will attract buyers expecting the best quality.
The Grand Wagoneer offers the potential for almost 45 inches of touchscreen space in the front seats alone. These include a 12-inch digital driver's cluster, a center 12-inch top touchscreen, and a 10-inch lower screen to control seats and climate, plus a 10.25-inch front passenger screen. Dual 10.1-inch screens for the second row seats and a third 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate and seat controls between the second row captain's chairs are also standard on the Grand Wagoneer.
Mark Takahash's Edmunds article, "2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Our First Drive Doesn't Disappoint", says, Jeep is aiming this Grand Wagoneer at discerning buyers who expect top-notch equipment at every turn." The new Uconnect 5 Android-powered system operates more like a mobile device and can process information five times quicker than previous iterations. It allows for over-the-air updates of firmware and maps, has Amazon Alexa integration, enables two wireless phone connections simultaneously and supports Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A McIntosh MX1375 stereo with 23 speakers, 24 channels and 1,375 watts of power is optional on the Grand Wagoneer in place of the standard MX950 with 19 speakers with a 10-inch subwoofer, 17-channel, 950-watt amplifier.
Quality Ride of Grand Cherokee L
In 2021, Jeep introduced the first third-row seating Grand Cherokee L that is 15.1 inches longer and about 13 percent larger overall on the outside than the current two-row models. According to Off-Road.com author, Patrick Rall, in "2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review" article, "The Grand Cherokee L (Summit Reserve) doesn't feel like a huge three-row SUV in narrow city streets. The steering system is sharp and visibility is great for a vehicle of this size, so getting through the tight city streets was no problem."
The active front-to-rear torque distribution with front-axle disconnect of the three available transfer cases also provides improved fuel economy. Front rotors and calipers have an 8 percent increased pad area and the rear braking pad area has been enlarged by 14 percent over previous models for improved stopping distances.
The Off-Road.com author also reports that the Grand Cherokee L Overland was the largest vehicle he had ever taken through tight trails. He says, "…[T]he Grand Cherokee L was surprisingly nimble in the tight spaces, feeling more like two-row models than any other three-row vehicles on the market." With the Quadra-Lift air suspension set to its highest level, the Overland had no trouble traveling over slippery log piles, muddy paths and wet rocks with the Quadra-Drive II 4WD and Terrain Management drive mode system.
The approach, breakover, and departure angles are only slightly less than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee Overland, but with standard suspension model the measures drop 5.6, 0.8 and 2.5 degrees as compared to the two-row version. In off-road frame-twist situations, the articulation and traction of the Grand Cherokee L are impressive compared to other three-row SUVs, especially with aggressive off-road tires and skid plates.
The Grand Cherokee L comes standard with Chrysler's universal 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, but is available with a 357-hp 5.7-liter V-8 option. The axle ratio with the V-6 is 3.45:1while the ratio of the V-8 is 3.09:1. The tow rating of the Grand Cherokee L is 7,200 pounds.
The "2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L First Drive: Respect Earned" article by MotorTrend author, Frank Markus, states, the Grand Cherokee L "instantly comes across as the quieter, suppler-riding and more refined of the two," when comparing the Dodge Durango to the newer three-row Jeep.
The Jeep Laredo Grand Cherokee L has a soft-touch, molded instrument panel upper surface and cloth seats, but has cut-and-sew trim on the dash and armrests. The Limited, Overland, and Summit trim levels each rachet up the interiors with Capri, Nappa, and Palermo leather, respectively. The standard 8.4-inch infotainment screen has a big black frame that allows for installation of the optional 10.1-inch upgrade screen. All models of the Grand Cherokee L feature a fully digital and reconfigurable 10.1-inch instrument cluster.
The MotorTrend writer further reveals, "The top-shelf Summit Reserve strives for the Bentley-level grandiosity with diamond stitching on the door panels and the bolsters and of its perforated Palermo leather seats, waxed walnut wood veneers on the dash and door panels, and an over-the-top 950-watt, 17-channel, 19-speaker McIntosh sound system." An intermediate nine-speaker, 506-watt Alpine audio system is standard.
In Conclusion
The utility of the luxury and high-tech features of the new three-row Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Grand Cherokee L can be augmented even more with factory-backed Mopar Vehicle Protection Plan service warranties. Whether you drive the open road with your family, tow a boat or trailer, or go off-road with these high-quality Jeep SUVs, you will have greater peace of mind with Maximum Care, Added Care Plus, and Powertrain Care Plus protecting your transportation investment.
You can learn more about these Mopar Vehicle Protection Plans by clicking the Quick Quote Calculator or by speaking with a Zeigler Auto Group expert at 269.685.3557 today.
9-27-22