Jeep Wagoneer vs Grand Wagoneer:Face to Face Comparison

Jeep’s Wagoneer is a flagship model that can compete with the largest and most luxurious premium SUVs. As promised by Sergio Marchionne, the former head of the FCA concern, the new SUV debuted in two varieties – the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. They are larger than the Grand Cherokee L model (not to mention the regular Grand Cherokee ) and have a frame structure instead of a monocoque body. The Wagoneer family is unified with the Ram 1500 pickup truck in chassis and main components.

Take a closer look at this outstanding SUV and reveal the difference between the Wagoneer series with the Indy Auto Man experts.

In the US market, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models appeared in March 2021 for the 2022 model year. Both Jeep models have the same body and do not differ in size: length – 215″, width – 84″, height – 76″. The wheelbase is 116.7″. Interestingly, there are no references to the Jeep brand either on the body or in the cabin: the flagship model is positioned separately from the rest. Although, the family radiator grille with seven vertical slots has not disappeared.

The base Jeep Wagoneer starting price in the US is $58,995. It competes with the Ford Expedition , Chevrolet Tahoe , and Toyota Sequoia . The Wagoneer is a three-row SUV for seven or eight passengers: in the first case, separate seats are installed on the second row instead of a three-seater sofa.

In terms of cabin volume, the Wagoneer is noticeably ahead of the Tahoe: 5.08 cubic meters versus 4.77 cubic meters. The third row here is by no means childish and can easily accommodate three passengers. And there is still enough space for luggage with a compartment volume of 776 liters, according to the EPA.

Jeep Wagoneer has a two-spoke steering wheel, a standard 10.3-inch screen on the dashboard, and Uconnect 5 media system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. There is a block of analog keys under the display for climate control. At the same time, nappa leather upholstery is already available in the base trim.

The Jeep Wagoner’s chassis can boast a double wishbone suspension in front and an independent five-link rear, while the donor Ram 1500 has a solid rear axle. The standard suspension is spring-loaded, with a ground clearance of 8,3 inches, and for a surcharge, a Quadra-Lift air suspension is offered, which can squat in the parking lot, and in the upper position provides a clearance of 10.1 inches.

Jeep Wagoneer is equipped with a V8 5.7 engine producing 397 hp, with a starter generator. The gearbox is an eight-speed automatic. The simplest version has a rear-wheel drive, but according to the brand tradition, a whole set of AWD transmissions is provided. The base Quadra-Trac I includes a clutch in the drive of front wheels, the Quadra-Trac II is supplemented by a reduction gear, and the Quadra-Drive II also has an electronically controlled rear differential lock.

Prices for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the US start at $87,995. Its main competitors are the Lincoln Navigator , Lexus LX , and Cadillac Escalade . But there are not so many visual differences from the base Wagoneer to unequivocally recognize the premium version in the stream. For example, a slightly different bumper design, extended chrome trim, another headlight filling, and a reshaped hood. And the inscription “Wagoneer” in front is located not on the edge of the hood but on the grille.

Inside, the standard Grand Wagoneer differs from the Wagoneer in more expensive trim: wood veneer and aluminum in the finishing, and nappa leather as standard. More expensive trims flaunt improved leather. Captain chairs of the second row are basic equipment. Interestingly, the Grand’s electric front seat controls are located on the doors.

The Grand Wagoneer also differs in screen size: the instrument cluster is increased from 10.3 to 12.3 inches, and the multimedia one is 12 inches. But for a surcharge, the Grand Wagoneer can have five more displays:

• 10.3-inch screen for climate control and heating at the bottom of the center console;
• 10.3-inch screen or music and entertainment at the front passenger;
• two multimedia screens on the backrests of the front seats for second-row passengers;
• another central display for rear climate control between the second-row seats.

In addition, the Grand is equipped with a McIntosh audio system. It has 19 speakers and 950 watts of power, but the owner can install an even more advanced version: 23 speakers and 1375 watts. The basic equipment includes the Active Driving Assist system: adaptive cruise control with lane keeping function. This assistant also allows you to release the steering wheel while driving on the highway. For a regular Wagoneer, this is a paid option.

The Grand Wagoneer has a more powerful V8 6.4 engine (477 hp) and the same eight-speed automatic. A Quadra-Trac II AWD transmission with a downshift and the air suspension is installed by default. All versions of Wagoneer can pull a trailer weighing up to 4.5 tons, and the Advanced All-Terrain Package includes metal underbody protection.

In the first quarter of 2022, the cheaper Jeep Wagoneer outsold the Grand Wagoneer in the US: 7,055 to 3,169. Given the growing popularity of updated models, we can expect used Jeep Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers to be widespread in Indianapolis soon.