The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the first American full-size luxury SUV. It dates back to 1984 when it was borne out of the standard Wagoneer that had been a part of the Jeep lineup since 1963.
Now a new Grand Wagoneer makes its return. This new 2022 Grand Wagoneer, which arrives this fall and is built upon a rugged ladder frame with independent rear suspension, will compete for buyers in the premium large American SUV segment. This is a market that includes the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, and the Lincoln Navigator.
The new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer looks well prepared for this battle. A 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower powers it. It has the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system and the Quadra-Lift air suspension. It’s fitted with the most luxurious 3-row interior we’ve seen in an FCA (or Stellantis) product.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a great SUV. It has a powerful V8 engine, composed handling, and a cushioned ride. It’s a reasonably capable off-roader, and it’s easier to drive than you’d expect, given its prodigious proportions.
Inside, this Jeep has a beautiful, first-rate interior with three rows of roomy, comfortable seats. There’s plenty of cargo space, and the tech features are easy to use. The only real blemish on the Grand Wagoneer’s resume is its poor fuel economy.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Jeep 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 2022 Jeep 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 Jeep 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 2022 Jeep 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 2022 Jeep 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 a 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 2022 Jeep 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, 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 to get a more powerful 1375-watt unit with 23 speakers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Not only is the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer fitted with a suite of standard driver-assistance technology, but the luxury SUV is also 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 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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