It was only one model year ago that Jeep debuted its biggest SUVs with the launch of the 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer three-row models, but the brand is going even bigger for 2023 with new long-wheelbase versions of both SUVs making their debut at the 2022 New York International Auto Show.
Set to arrive in the second half of this year, the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L are 12 inches longer than their regular-wheelbase siblings, resulting in significantly more cargo room behind the third row. With their arrivals, Jeep is now able to compete against mainstream SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition Max as well as luxury models like the Lincoln Navigator L and Cadillac Escalade ESV.
The Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L also come with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine instead of the choice of V-8s that the regular-wheelbase models offer, as well as a new Carbide version that adds black accents to the big SUV.
How Big Is It?
The Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L measure 226.7 inches long overall and ride on a 130-inch wheelbase that’s 7 inches longer than the wheelbase of the regular versions; that makes them 1 inch longer overall than a Suburban and nearly 5 inches longer than an Expedition Max. The Jeeps are taller and wider than either rival, too.
The Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L have the same general shape and appearance as the regular-length versions, with the biggest styling difference being longer rear-quarter windows to account for the extra length of the SUV. For the new Carbide trim, styling cues include gloss-black wheels, a black grille, black badges, a black headliner and black seats. The package arrives first for the regular-wheelbase 2022 Wagoneer before being offered for the Wagoneer L later in the year.
LED headlights are standard, and power running boards are optional. The Grand Wagoneer L gets a black roof for a two-tone look.
How Is Its Extra Space Used in the Interior?
While the Suburban gives third-row passengers a little extra legroom along with more cargo room when compared with the shorter Chevy Tahoe, the Wagoneer L’s and Grand Wagoneer L’s extra length is used to increase cargo space; third-row dimensions for the regular- and long-wheelbase Jeeps are nearly identical. Cargo room behind the third row, however, is up more than 50%, with 42.1 cubic feet in the Wagoneer L and 44.2 cubic feet in the Grand Wagoneer L, according to Jeep measurements.
Leather-trimmed seats are standard, with increasing levels of leather quality offered the higher you go in the trim level offerings (uplevel versions of the Grand Wagoneer L are fitted with a full-leather cabin). The Wagoneer L comes standard with seating for eight, but available second-row captain’s chairs drop the seat count to seven. The third-row seat reclines, and L models gain two third-row storage bins.
Tech features include up to seven screens, an available head-up display, a rearview camera mirror and an in-vehicle camera system that lets front-seat occupants check on rear-seat passengers.
Hurricane Twin-Turbo Six-Cylinder Makes Landfall
Jeep’s new twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine gets the Hurricane moniker, which was also used on a long-ago line of Jeep four-cylinder and inline-six engines. The new engine is available in standard- and high-output form that go in the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L, respectively. They make more horsepower and torque than the V-8 engines they replace, and also get slightly better estimated gas mileage than the regular-wheelbase, V-8-powered SUVs: Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions of the Wagoneer L get an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined, while the four-wheel-drive Grand Wagoneer L is rated at 16 mpg. The standard-output engine can run on regular gas, but the high-output version requires premium.
The standard-output six-cylinder that goes in the Wagoneer L makes 420 horsepower and 468 pounds-feet of torque, while the high-output version in the Grand Wagoneer L is rated at 510 hp and 500 pounds-feet of torque. Shoppers can also place an order for a regular-wheelbase 2022 Grand Wagoneer with the six-cylinder engine instead of the 6.4-liter V-8. Both versions of the six-cylinder work with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Wagoneer L is rated to tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Wagoneer L has a standard four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs, and an adaptive air suspension that offers as much as 10 inches of ground clearance is available. The air suspension is standard on the Grand Wagoneer L.
Safety Tech
Active-safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. A 360-degree camera system and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection are available.
Keyword: 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer Go Bigger With New L Versions