Overview
As a lifestyle brand that thrives on rugged imagery and serious off-road capability, Jeep enters uncharted territory with the luxury aspirations of the new 2022 Grand Wagoneer. Unlike its more mainstream counterpart, the Jeep Wagoneer (reviewed separately), the Grand version has the upscale content to compete with large luxury SUVs that feature six-figure price tags. With a 471-hp V-8 and standard four-wheel drive, the big Jeep is as powerful as it is capable. Inside its upscale cabin, standard three-row seating means room for the whole family, and an abundance of high-tech features is sure to keep everyone entertained. Along with all the latest and greatest driver assists as well as the ability to tow almost 10,000 pounds, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer looks to conquer an entirely new frontier: high-priced luxury motoring.
What’s New for 2022?
Jeep resurrects the Grand Wagoneer moniker for 2022, positioning it as a more luxurious version of the also-all-new Wagoneer.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Series II trim level looks to be the best value among the Grand Wagoneer lineup, which can easily exceed six figures. The Series II comes standard with 22-inch wheels, a two-tone roof, a 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, nicer leather-trimmed upholstery, a rear-seat monitoring system, and additional driver assists such as night vision and a semi-autonomous drive mode.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Grand Wagoneer is motivated by a 471-hp 6.4-liter V-8 that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. As with its domestic rivals, the Grand Wagoneer utilizes body-on-frame underpinnings, in this case, derived from the Ram 1500 pickup truck. However, the Jeep features an independent rear suspension rather than the truck’s solid rear axle, which gives the SUV a smoother ride and better handling than the Ram. Along with several four-wheel-drive systems, the Grand Wagoneer offers an adaptive air suspension that can raise its ride height up to 3.6 inches or lower it by a half-inch. It also boasts 10 inches of ground clearance, up to two feet of water-fording capability, and a max tow rating of 9860 pounds. Our first driving impressions revealed that the largest Jeep has a relaxed and refined ride on the highway, however, its pickup-truck structure contributes to a jiggly ride on pavement that’s less smooth. Likewise, the massive SUV isn’t very agile in small spaces and suffers from notable body roll on curvy roads that is exacerbated by its light and vague steering feel.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With a 6.4-liter V-8 and standard four-wheel drive, don’t expect the 2022 Grand Wagoneer to be frugal when it comes to fuel economy. The government estimates it’ll earn 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. When we have the chance to run one on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Grand Wagoneer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With standard three-row seating and space for either seven or eight passengers, the Grand Wagoneer provides large families an opportunity to live the Jeep lifestyle, which hasn’t been possible since the old and unloved Commander was around. A pair of second-row captain’s chairs are standard, but a bench seat is available for maximum passenger capacity. As the luxury version of the regular Wagoneer, its cabin is loaded with elegant environs, such as genuine wood accents, and high-tech features, such as a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster. The interior also boasts “Easter eggs” inspired by the original Grand Wagoneer, including an old-school-inspired two-spoke steering wheel and an “EST. 1963” inscription that appears on the edge of the dashboard when you open the door. Along with customizable ambient interior lighting, this grandest of Wagoneers offers a head-up display, a camera-fed rearview mirror, and rear-seat monitoring system that displays a video feed onto the central touchscreen. The cargo area behind the third row measures 27 cubic feet and stowing it provides 71 cubes behind the second row.
Infotainment and Connectivity
One of the most dazzling aspects of the Grand Wagoneer is its multifaceted infotainment system. Even without including the digital gauge cluster, the Jeep’s dashboard is covered in screens. The main focus is the center stack, which packs a 12.0-inch center touchscreen that sits above a 10.3-inch touchscreen with controls for the HVAC system. Starting on the Series II, there’s yet another 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger. Desirable standard features include a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB ports in all three rows. Second-row passengers are also treated to another 10.3-inch touchscreen between the captain’s chairs; opting for the rear-seat entertainment system adds a pair of 10.1-inch touchscreens. Every Grand Wagoneer has a powerful McIntosh stereo, but the Series II and up get a more powerful 1375-watt unit with 23 speakers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Not only is the Grand Wagoneer fitted with a suite of standard driver-assistance technology, the luxury SUV is available with an equally wide array of additional assists. These include adaptive cruise control, a self-parking function, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection. A semi-autonomous mode that allows hands-free driving will also eventually be offered. For more information about the Jeep’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Jeep currently offers a competitive albeit unremarkable limited and powertrain warranty. However, the company does give all models three years of free maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years and unlimited miles
