2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer First Look | New large luxury SUV
5The exterior design is formal, imposing even, using “timeless, iconic, legacy” elements from the old Wagoneer, notes Tim Anness, director of Jeep interior design, such as the long linear roof line, the forward-slanting grille and the trapezoidal wheel arches. And, unlike the new and smaller 2021 Grand Cherokee, which is a rear-drive-based unibody SUV, the Wagoneer and Grand ride on the Ram 1500 pickup’s body-on-frame architecture. On the outside, they are bright, shiny and laden with chrome touches, the detailing involved just in the grille itself particularly noteworthy.
In terms of external dimensions, the two models are identical, with a length of 5,453 millimetres (214.7 inches) and a wheelbase of 3,124 mm (123 inches), slightly longer than both the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade, which are clearly the competition. Engine-wise, Jeep is sticking with traditional and proven Chrysler powertrains. The Wagoneer will be powered by a 392-horsepower, 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with the eTorque mild hybrid system. The Grand Wagoneer, meanwhile, is fitted with a 471-hp 6.4L V8. Both Jeeps will need every one of their horses; all versions bend the scale’s needle with at least three tons of tarmac-crushing weight.
The engines are paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. When equipped properly, Jeep claims best-in-class towing capabilities of up to 10,000 pounds with either engine. Four-wheel drivetrains only for the Canadian market; buyers are offered a choice of Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, or Quadra-Drive II setups. Throw in Selec-Terrain — standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II — and its five settings (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Sand/Mud) and clearly the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be able to tackle more than a shopping mall parking lot. Wagoneer models with the available Advanced All-Terrain Group even come with steel skid plates to protect the front axle, transfer case, fuel tank and rear stabilizer bushing. Due to their generous dimensions, which would make bush-bashing a tad problematic, neither will be blessed with Jeep’s vaunted Trail Rated seal of approval.
Seating for up to eight is available on all models and include a third row — a first for the nameplate — one not just for kids. Getting to the back is via the second-row seat’s power release Tip n’ Slide function, which creates more space for passengers to get to their seat. Configuring the third row for passengers or cargo is easy, as the seat can both recline and fold flat. Front- and second-row captain’s chairs — another first time offering — are available on Wagoneer and standard on Grand Wagoneer.
As formal as the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are on the outside, inside is a lavishly appointed and spacious cabin rife with the finest woods, leathers, and shiny trim bits. Wagoneer models feature 12-way power front seats swathed in Nappa leather and with memory settings, power lumbar support, and four-way manual headrest. Grand Wagoneer comes with 24-way power front seats, including memory settings and massage, power lumbar support, and four-way powered headrests. Passenger memory seats are also standard. Other modern-yet-familiar options include first and second row heated/ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, memory steering column and adjustable pedals.
Wagoneer features a one-piece instrument panel, while Grand Wagoneer get a two-piece design, with an optional piano black mid-bolster that integrates the SUV’s advanced technology and connectivity. Ah, yes, “technology,” as in “how much gadgetry can we possibly stuff into 179 cubic feet of passenger space?”. Grand Wagoneer is available with up to 75 inches of total digital touchscreen area, Wagoneer with 50 inches. With up to seven screens throughout, Vince Galante, chief designer for user experience, says this provides “the opportunity to create a personalized and immersive experience for every single passenger in the vehicle.”
As an example, an available 10.25-inch passenger screen provides the front passenger with dynamic touchscreen control at their fingertips. This screen has four major functions: Co-Pilot (navigation, device management), entertainment (via HDMI or rear-seat entertainment control), Fire TV for Auto and the ability to view the exterior vehicle cameras. Passenger screens in both the front and rear feature an HDMI plug, which lets occupants connect their phone or tablet, turning the touchscreen into a mirrored extension of their device, allowing internet searches, music and app use to project through the new and more powerful Uconnect 5 system.