Auto Specs and Features: Luxury Off-Roader 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is making a comeback after the brand discontinued its production three decades ago. Jeep, a division of Stellantis, reintroduces the long-retired Wagoneer with the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer to expand the appeal of the Jeep brand to the growing SUV market. This SUV is the revival of the pioneer luxury 4×4 vehicle, Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer, introduced in 1962 and phased out in 1991. 

This opulent SUV will compete against luxury vehicles in the premium large SUV market category, such as the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer no longer bears the classic Jeep badging since it is now a standalone luxury sub-brand of the Jeep.

Body-On-Frame SUV

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a three-row body-on-frame SUV packed with powerful and luxurious attributes. It sits on an all-new platform similar to the Ram 1500 pickup trucks’ underpinnings using the improved DT platform of the fifth-generation Ram half-ton trucks. However, it features an independent rear suspension with a double-wishbone front suspension rather than a live-axle rear suspension for better dynamics.

The platform received an overhaul to reduce the overall weight while still having enhanced performance, safety, and reliability. The frame is made from high-strength low-alloy steel with high-strength aluminum closures for the body, including the doors and hood.

High-Performance Powertrain

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is powered by a Stellantis Hemi 471-hp 6.4-liter V8 engine with 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes with a new intake, exhaust manifold layout, repositioned air box, and a specific exhaust system to match the premium powertrain. It is said to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds.

It also comes with a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The fuel economy is low and not cost-effective due to the vehicle’s large body that the engine needs to move. Its rating has an estimate of 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

Off-Road Capabilities

Currently, the Grand Wagoneer doesn’t hold Jeep’s Trail Rated status since it is too massive to nail maneuverability to get the Rubicon-clearing approval. However, the SUV can still handle challenging terrains using three 4×4 systems and two off-road drive modes. It can also make quick work of the obstacles when properly equipped with Jeep aftermarket parts for off-roading.

The Grand Wagoneer includes a Quadra-Drive II 4WD System. This system consists of a rear electronic limited-slip differential and five driving modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Sand/Mud. These modes allow the vehicle to make certain adjustments to the transmission shift points, transfer case, and cruise control.

It offers an adaptive Quadrilift air suspension that can raise its height to 3.6 inches or lower it by a half-inch. This suspension uses airbags on all four corners in place of the traditional coil springs, giving the Grand Wagoneer a smoother ride and better handling. It provides 10 inches of ground clearance and up to two feet of water-fording capability. The approach, departure, and breakover angles are decent, with 25, 24, and 22 degrees, respectively. 

It also comes with the integrated Class 4 hitch for a maximum tow rating of up to 9,850lbs. The outstanding towing capacity allows you to take a toy hauler or any powersport vehicle like ATV and UTV for a trip. Features like the integrated trailer brakes and ParkView rear backup camera with hitch zoom and line-up assists make it easier and safer for the Grand Wagoneer to tow.

The Grand Wagoneer includes high-style aluminum wheels and less aggressive tires. However, you can still elevate its off-road capability by installing a rugged wheel and tire package capable of traversing harsh terrain.

Modernized Exterior

The Grand Wagoneer’s exterior includes a fresh styling with subtle nods to the design elements considered an homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer that was last sold in 1991. However, to make the design look modern it no longer has the wood paneling that has been iconic for the original Wagoneer.

The front end has an Obsidian forward-leaning seven-slot grille flanked by new LED headlights that form a classy outline to the grille. The name Wagoneer is embellished in the front right above its metallic-finished front grille.

The massive structure of the Grand Wagoneer features an upright stance, side sport vertical windows, abundant chrome trim, and a square-shaped rear end. A panoramic sky view is accessible when looking through the roof. Some essential design cues also exist to accommodate certain Jeep accessories.

Combined Technology and Luxury Interior

The interior reflects the premium luxury with all the amenities it offers. Some design elements are reminiscent of the original Wagoneer’s interior. The wood paneling returns as veneering accents throughout the dashboard and cabin to give it an exquisite finish. The vintage two-spoke steering wheel also comes back with a new look equipped with multifunction buttons. The engraving of “EST. 1963” can be seen on the edge of the dashboard when you open the door.

The three-row seating provides a wide room capable of accommodating up to eight passengers. The front seats include 12-way power adjustments and heating and cooling features. A pair of second-row captain’s chairs are standard with plenty of space for slide and recline whenever passengers want to catch some sleep during trips. A rear bench seat is available for maximum passenger capacity. Surprisingly, the bench is comfortable with more thigh support and headroom for the occupants. All the seats are made with plush Nappa leather with optional Palermo leather and massage functionality for the high-end trim levels.

The cabin is quiet and has customizable ambient interior lighting, which is perfect for comfortable long journeys. The lavish interior captures the true embodiment of luxury, which is comfort.

The cabin is also fully loaded with high-tech features with its multifaceted infotainment system. The Grand Wagoneer’s wing-shaped dashboard is covered with screens. The center dashboard highlights the 12.0-inch central Uconnect 5 touchscreen that sits above a 10.3 touchscreen with HVAC system controls. It offers co-pilot features that allow a front passenger to navigate destinations, adjust vehicle settings, and even play media so that the driver can focus on the road.

Standard features such as Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports are available in all three-row seating for convenient entertainment and media consumption. Second-row passengers can enjoy another 10.3-inch touchscreen between the captain’s chairs. It has a sync function with Amazon Fire TV for streaming services such as Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and more, to provide entertainment while traveling. Every Grand Wagoneer has a powerful 1,375-watt McIntosh sound system, a first for the company known for high-quality home stereos.

The vehicle also includes safety and driving assist features. These features consist of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, night vision with animal and pedestrian detection, and front and rear parking assist.

The Grand Wagoneer has more luggage space than its competitors, with genuinely helpful cargo volume suitable for your equipment. The cargo capacity is 27.4 cubic feet behind the third-row seats that can be expanded into 70.9 cubic feet when the third seats are folded down. This cargo capacity ensures that you can take everything you need for long trips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is already available with a retail price of $86,995 with top-of-the-line trim that costs $105,690. Those who prefer a more exclusive model can wait for the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer Obsidian, which includes black-finished 22-inch wheels and Dark Onyx metallic exterior accents. The Obsidian model will cost $98,995 for the base trim.