The biggest of the full-size SUV class is getting a new challenger. In the tournament of SUV champions, Jeep is ready to toss its proverbial hat in the ring. The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models that came back to life this past fall are just the starting point. The demand for full-size SUVs with exceptional cargo room is profound, and Jeep is poised to provide the supply necessary.
What is the target class of extended Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models?
Both Jeep SUVs that wear the Wagoneer name are high-class full-size SUVs that deliver luxury packaging and exceptional off-road capabilities. With that in mind, Automotive News tells us the target for extended versions of these Jeeps will be the largest and plushest models in the market. That puts the Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Lincoln Navigator L squarely in the crosshairs of these new Jeep models.
Jeep is testing bigger versions now
2022 Jeep Wagoneer | Jeep
When a vehicle is as large as these full-size SUVs, it’s hard to keep it under wraps. Jeep may not have wanted information leaked about extended-length versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, but it’s too late. New test models have been spotted on the roads of Detroit, performing testing runs last month. Because demand for these large SUVs is so high right now, these new versions should reach the market before the end of 2022.
Isn’t the automotive market going electric?
Rivian R1S Electric SUV | Rivian
We hear news every day of new and exciting EV models heading to market in the future. If Jeep wants to take advantage of the call for large engines pushing power to the wheels of some of the biggest SUVs in the world, they need to do it now. Eventually, every SUV will use an electric powertrain, but we aren’t there yet. Jeep still has a few years to capitalize on the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer sales.
Current full-size Jeep SUVs compete with strength
The current versions of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer released in the fall take aim at an area of the market Jeep hasn’t occupied for several years. These two full-size SUVs cover the entire price range, with the Wagoneer starting at $59,995 and the Grand Wagoneer beginning at $88,995.
The main difference between these two models is the level of luxury features you’ll find. With this in mind, the Wagoneer takes aim at the Suburban, Tahoe, and Expedition. The Grand Wagoneer is pointed directly at the Escalade, Yukon, and Navigator. These two models easily have the entire full-size SUV market covered
Added premium qualities for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Interior of 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Jeep
According to Car and Driver, the Grand Wagoneer shows premium appeal with more chrome exterior elements, a black roof, fancier LED lights, an upscale hod, and more prominent fender flares. Power retractable running boards are standard on the Grand Wagoneer but not on the lower-priced Jeep Wagoneer model.
More seating found in the Wagoneer
The Wagoneer comes standard with eight-passenger seating, giving you the option of a pair of captain’s chairs in the center. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer does things just the opposite. You’ll have a standard seven-passenger layout that can include a second-row bench.
What powertrains give the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer their strength?
The more affordable Wagoneer uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with a 48-volt hybrid assist system called eTorque. This engine is attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission to give you 392 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque. The tow rating is 10,000 pounds for the Wagoneer.
Power for the Grand Wagoneer comes from a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides 472 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque for your drive. You can tow up to 9,860 pounds with this Jeep SUV. Both models include cylinder deactivation to increase the fuel mileage during normal driving.
Will extended versions put these Jeep SUVs ahead of the pack?
Until the extended models of the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer arrive, we won’t have the specifications to compare them to the rest of the class. All we can do is speculate that the reputation of the Jeep name could be enough to push two more full-size SUVs to the top of the list, but we might be wrong.
Keyword: Can the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Take on the Big Boys?