Driving the American SUV Legend

Wagons, in general, are not very popular anymore. However, the Jeep Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer have been legends in their own right since they were first produced back in the 60s. These trucks have been some of the most capable and powerful vehicles on the road for decades, so what makes them so special? And will they be worth buying when they’re finally released to the public in 2023? Let’s find out!

Introduction

The 2023 Wagoneer Limited and Grand Wagoneer Limited offer significant upgrades, including a longer wheelbase and powerful new powertrain, providing more comfort, space, and grunt than ever before. While we’re sure the increased power will be appreciated by many, we miss the iconic rumble of a Hemi V-8. 

Overall, these vehicles will surely be major challengers to GM and Ford full-size and luxury full-size SUVs. Compared to those vehicles, Grand Wagoneer L and the Wagoneer L are the best in the room for passengers, cargo space, technology, efficiency, power, and price.

The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be the epitome of luxury when revealed in 2022; only some people recognize that their immense size would appeal to some buyers in the full-size SUV market. According to Jeep product planners, 30% of customers in this market only consider extended-wheelbase vehicles – such as the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition Max, Cadillac Escalade ESV, or Lincoln Navigator L. With the longer wheelbase, these models provide ample space for the entire brood of six kids and additional cargo that would otherwise need to be sacrificed in the third row of a standard-wheelbase model. With their extended wheelbases, the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer fill an essential need in this market segment and provide an unprecedented combination of passenger and cargo space.

Exterior and Interior Design

The exterior styling of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer has always been a topic of great debate. With its formal cabin featuring large windows bordered by body-color trim, Jeep-style seven-slot grille, and squared-off rear end, the Wagoneer’s design is both unique and striking. Its tall front end, in particular, is a sure attention-grabber. The rear liftgate glass may look like it drops into the hatch, but it does not. This distinctive look has stood the test of time, making the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer a classic in the eyes of many.

The benefit of the stretch in the Grand Wagoneer L is clear – its cavernous interiors offer plenty of cargo space. When you put both rows of the second and third columns down, you have a flat area that can easily fit a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood and much more. With all three rows of seats up, you have 44.2 cubic feet of cargo room, which is a whopping Grand Wagoneer and offers 16 cu ft more than the regular Grand Wagoneer. A significant advantage – a regular-length Grand Cherokee has just 37.7 cubic feet of cargo room in the back. The Grand Wagoneer L is ideal for bringing many people, and their gear with you – the basketball team and their equipment will all fit comfortably.

Interior trim pieces vary between the two models, with the Wagoneer providing a well-equipped, solid assembly and stylishly designed interior with premium-level equipment. The Grand Wagoneer takes it up a notch with its genuine wood and metal appointments, extensive leather trim (both real and simulated), comprehensive visual and touch-sensitive screens for climate and passenger multimedia controls, and additional customization options for seats and settings. Professional and experienced craftsmanship combine to provide an exquisite and luxurious driving experience.

Engine and Performance

The 2023 Wagoneers are making big news with their increased size and two new engines under the hood. The powerful, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engines known as “Hurricane” are standard on the L versions of the SUVs and are a notable replacement for the vaunted Hemi V-8 engine. With this new engine choice, the Wagoneers are ushering in a new era of performance.

There is still an option for those hoping to take advantage of the legendary power of the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi V-8s. The 2023 Wagoneer will still offer the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 as a standard option in its base model but upgrade to the Series II or Series III for a high-output version of the new Hurricane engine, boasting 420 horsepower and 468 pounds-feet of torque. The 2023 Grand Wagoneer base model still comes with the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 as standard, but again, if you select the Series II or Series III trims, you can get a more highly-tuned version of the Hurricane engine roaring to life with 510 hp and 500 pounds-feet of torque. This Hurricane engine is the only engine available for the L models. Those drawn to the classic rumble of the 6.4-liter V-8 will find it an optional choice in the Series II or Series III Grand Wagoneer models, provided they also opt for the Obsidian treatment.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L offer advanced driver-assistance features to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Standard on both models is the latest iteration of Jeep’s ProTech II system, which includes Full-Speed Active Warning with Active Braking, LaneSense with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Blind-spot Rear Cross Path Detection Plus Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go & Go, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. 

Pricing and Value

The difference in price between the standard Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer and their luxury counterparts, Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L, is a considerable $3,000 across the board, as noted by Jeep. This means a base 2023 Wagoneer L will start at just over $68,000 and reach a maximum of nearly $80,000 for a fully loaded version, including a hefty $2,000 destination fee. The Grand Wagoneer L starts at just under $94,000, reaching as high as $114,000 for the Series III Obsidian trim – a substantial difference.

Drivers are prepared to pay top-dollar for luxury, full-size, truck-based SUVs like the new Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L—comparable models from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Cadillac, Lincoln, and even Land Rover and Lexus easily cost the same if not more. With luxurious appointments, superior driving refinement, and extraordinary interior space, the L models offer exceptional value for money and demonstrate why Jeep is a segment leader. After a long wait for a full-size, truck-based SUV to join the Jeep lineup, the new L models are the answer—offering superior performance and a luxurious experience.