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The all-new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are getting very close to production and first availability at the dealerships. What kind of animal is this new luxurious full-size three-row SUV? Let’s take a close look at the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer and their competitors.
Although these two new models live under the Jeep brand, they are actually part of their own sub-brand. If you go to Jeep.com – there is a separate section for the new Wagoneer SUVs. The story will be similar when you go to a Jeep dealership. There will be a separate area of the dealership (if qualified) – where Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer owners and prospective customers can go to.
The Wagoneer is based on the Ram 1500 chassis and it is built at the same Warren Truck Plant in Michigan as its pickup truck sibling. Although the frame may be similar, the Wagoneer has a very unique four-corner independent suspension. This SUV does not have a solid rear axle. This is done for a smooth on-road ride and better interior space for passengers or cargo.
The Wagoneer comes standard with a 5.7-liter eTorque gas V8 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Yes, this is a very similar setup that is also available on the Ram 1500. However, in the Wagoneer the power output is 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque mild-hybrid system is there to provide the auto stop/start feature and make the acceleration nice and smooth. The eTorque system includes a 0.390 kWh battery.
The 2022 Wagoneer has a starting price of $67,995 before destination charges. When the hefty $2,000 destination charge is added the 2022 Wagoneer Series II 2WD starts at $69,995. The Wagoneer 4×4 starts at $72,995 after destination.
These starting prices mean that the Wagoneer is positioned as a premium SUV. It does not directly compete against the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, or the Toyota Sequoia. The Wagoneer is aimed at the SUVs such as the Infiniti QX80, and the GMC Yukon Denali line. Base models of the BMW X7 xDrive40i and the Mercedes-Benz GLS450 are also in this similar mid-$70K price range.
Actually, there are not many full-size SUVs with a starting price of $70K-$72K. Many other more basic SUVs start in the low $50K price range. Other luxury SUVs are in the $77K-$100K+ price bracket. This may be a good sweet spot for the Wagoneer, but we will have to wait and see how well it’s received in the marketplace.
Here is how these “base” luxury 4×4 SUVs stack up against each other.
While the Grand Wagoneer rides on the same chassis and wheelbase as the Wagoneer, it takes luxury to the next level and brings a very powerful 6.4-liter gas V8 into the mix. You will recognize this big 6.4L HEMI V8 from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and the Dodge Durango SRT. This big engine produces 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.
The Grand Wagoneer starts at $86,995 before destination charges and at $88,995 after the destination fee. A fully-optioned Grand Wagoneer Series III can reach a price of over $110,575. This puts it smack in the middle of a highly competitive large ultra-premium SUV segment. This one competes directly against the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX570, BMW X7 xDrive50i, Mercedes-Benz GLS580, and the Land Rover Range Rover (just to name a few).
Here is a look under the skin of the new 2022 Grand Wagoneer.
Here is our first look at the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Please stay tuned for many more Wagoneer coverage from the first drive event in New York.
