Jeep returned the Grand Wagoneer, one particular of its most iconic nameplates, to the lineup just as a 2022 model and boy did this whale on wheels make waves. Upon arrival, several have been displeased with the styling as it does not get in touch with back to the original Wagoneer as loudly as some other modern day retro styles in current years. In addition, it began at $86,995 and for 2023 that figure is up to $91,140. That may be a challenging pill for some to swallow for something with a Jeep badge on it. 

The rugged brand has extended been identified as a comparatively economical one particular that is connected with reliability and enjoyable a lot more than wealthy leather and fancy finishes. The Grand Wagoneer is one particular main step toward altering that and it is accessible in a slew of configurations beginning at just more than $91,000. In reality, Jeep also sells a far much less posh version dubbed basically the Wagoneer. For a deeper dive into every single trim, see our explainer right here. 

Over the course of a week, we tested the most high-priced version of the Grand Wagoneer, the Series III Obsidian to discover out just what one particular can get for $114,180 from an American manufacturer. Here’s all the very good and negative, and why specifically we feel the Grand Wagoneer is the closest point to a private jet one particular can get for the open road. 

The Best Kind Of Hurricane

Our Series III Obsidian trim of the Grand Wagoneer came with the brand’s most recent and greatest powertrain consisting of a twin-turbocharged inline-six dubbed the Hurricane, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and 4-wheel drive. The engine itself is very good for 510 hp (380 kW) and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. When appropriately equipped, the Grand Wagoneer can tow up to 9,860 pounds (four,467 kg). 

Those are significant figures but they only inform portion of the story. The complete technique incorporates an air suspension that can decrease to allow simpler entry to rise to the point exactly where the Grand Wagoneer boasts some ten inches (25.four cm) of ground clearance. This 3-row, seven-passenger behemoth can ford water up to two feet (61cm) deep. Try that in a BMW X7 or Audi Q8 and let us know how it turns out.  

In addition, the 4WD technique that underpins the Grand Wagoneer is not your typical run-of-the-mill setup. It’s Jeep’s special Quadra-Trac II full with an electronically-locking restricted-slip rear differential, a two.72:1 low-variety gear ratio, and several terrain modes. No, it will not rock crawl like a Wrangler or even as nicely as the Grand Cherokee we tested final month, but it is possibly the most all-about capable complete-sized 3-row SUV on Earth. 

A Private Jet For The Parkway

Buyers who may initially balk at the cost of this SUV need to have to have a seat in it ahead of chafing as well a lot. From the extremely 1st moments with the Grand Wagoneer, it is clear that this is not your typical Jeep item. In reality, the Jeep wordmark does not seem anyplace on the inside of this car and only two extremely subtle areas on the exterior (see if you can discover them in the photographs beneath). It’s the surfaces that initially give away the good quality of the Grand Wagoneer. 

The dash, the seats, the door cards, the steering wheel, and even the commence/cease button all function intricate information that exude luxury. Real metal, true wood, and true leather are everywhere and complemented by textured composites.

The only hint of low-cost is the piano-black plastic whose manufacturer should have the very best lobbyist in the enterprise since it continues to exist in this and just about each and every other automobile regardless of quite a few complaints from critics surrounding its propensity to collect fingerprints, smudges, dirt, and dust. 

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Nevertheless, most will ignore that fly in the ointment when they turn on the massaging function in the front seats. Each chair functions a plethora of adjustments such as side-bolster firmness, seat bolster help, and thigh extension. Splitting the seats is a command-center style center console with a fixed infotainment screen measuring 12 inches. 

Just beneath it is a ten.three-inch touchscreen that homes climate and comfort controls. Interestingly, it can stow itself away which reveals a space exactly where a wireless charger resides along with a 12-volt energy outlet, 3 USB ports, 3 USB-C ports, and an HDMI input. Above the 1st two rows of passengers is a massive panoramic sunroof. 

That HDMI input beneath can send media to the rear-seat entertainment screens or just to the front passenger show, a ten.three-inch touchscreen infotainment unit straight ahead of that seat. That screen enables the front passenger to load media for the complete family members, watch some thing on their personal, load a navigation route for the driver, or even hook up a video game console and play although they’re shuttled down the road. 

They can also access the in-automobile and exterior cameras to get a far better view of the planet inside and outdoors of the Grand Wagoneer. Both front-seat occupants get access to the center console which, in most Grand Wagoneers, functions a chill box that gets seriously cold seriously quick when on. Buyers can as an alternative spec a lockable storage space there need to they choose it. 

The rear-seat entertainment screens are largely fixed in location on the back of the front-seat headrests but they do swivel to accommodate diverse viewing angles. Each one particular demands a WiFi connection to operate appropriately but with it, they have native access to streaming solutions like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and a lot more. There are even clever car apps like “Are we there yet” which let rear-seat passengers to monitor how extended it’ll be till the car reaches a location set in the navigation. 

Second-row passengers also appreciate a third rear-seat touchscreen amongst the captain’s chairs to handle the climate and heated seat functions. They also have access to their personal center storage location, cupholders, and person USB energy ports to hold issues charged up on the go. Both seats also advantage from manual adjustments that move the seat forward or back and let for some reclining. 

That’s virtually comical when one particular considers that the third row virtually has it far better with energy-reclining seatbacks. There are cupholders, climate vents, and a pair of USB energy ports for every single outboard third-row passenger as well. Oh, and just for very good measure, there’s a static sunroof for the third row as well. Put basically, there’s not a negative seat in the Grand Wagoneer no matter how extended the trip is. 

Every passenger also advantages from a beautiful McIntosh sound technique that is the only one particular in my life that was so very good to listen to that I resisted acquiring out at destinations just to hear songs finish. In case all of that luxury is not sufficient, there’s area behind the third row for storage as well. The version we tested had 28.four cubic feet of cargo area behind the third row. There’s an even bigger version of the Grand Wagoneer, the aptly named L which has 44.two cubic feet back there. If that is not sufficient, do not overlook that this point can tow just about something you may need to have. 

Piloting A Jet For The Road

Finally, we’re to the point exactly where massive SUVs virtually often look to disappoint: the way they really feel to drive. Somehow the Grand Wagoneer manages to eschew that stereotype even though. I personally day-to-day drive a Ford Flex Limited particularly for its potential to combine 3-row seating with what is nimble handling for the class. The Grand Wagoneer may be this automotive generation’s version of that. 

No, it is not as sharp as some thing that is decrease and lighter like the Flex, but taking into consideration its weight and greater center of gravity it is virtually a ballerina on 22-inch wheels. It soaks up bumps more than the road but also manages to really feel steady and straightforward to direct accurately. The steering really feel is tight and weighty but communicative and clear about exactly where this beast is pointed. 

The pedals are extremely linear in their functionality. The somewhat steep brake pedal understanding curve we knowledgeable in the Grand Cherokee is gone in the Grand Wagoneer which is fantastic taking into consideration that some versions weigh more than 3 tons. Don’t get me incorrect, this is not anyplace close to as sharp as a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes at the leading of the on-road functionality spectrum. 

No automobile is ideal and the Wagoneer is not either. The most significant situation with it is one particular that it basically can not steer clear of provided that weight: poor fuel economy. Over the course of seven days with the Grand Wagoneer, I drove it in the city, on the highway, and more than a total of 245.9 miles. During that time, I averaged just 12.1 mpg. Suffice it to say, I didn’t try to hypermile this monster but that is nonetheless a extremely low figure. Again, this is like a private jet for the road and these who personal private jets most likely will not care as well a lot about acquiring such poor fuel economy and they can afford it with no a lot consideration. 

Punching Up Into A New Segment

Jeep clearly desires to make the Grand Wagoneer its personal segment of the brand. That’s not straightforward and demands a fantastic deal of work for two major motives. Firstly, rivals like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, and Lincoln have several years of constructing brand recognition and loyalty. Secondly, no matter how higher or low a brand costs its supplying, the content material has to meet or exceed expectations. 

In our eyes, the Grand Wagoneer does that in virtually each and every way. The only 3-row SUVs that can in fact go toe to toe with it in terms of luxury, on-road handling, and off-road capability are from Land Rover and the truth is that Jeep has pulled off a a lot more luxurious interior with the Grand Wagoneer. Every other rival is missing a piece of that triangle. In addition, each and every Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer comes with 3 complete years of complimentary upkeep. 

The one particular massive caveat is that several rivals supply a a lot a lot more functionality-primarily based on-road encounter with one particular trim or one more. In truth, that is exactly where the vast majority of all 3-row SUV purchasers will commit their time. For these who program to go off-road at all, we’d advocate the Grand Wagoneer. 

Cleared For Takeoff

Here’s the point about a private jet. Most folks can not genuinely inform one particular from one more but these who can afford them know what’s what. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a sincerely exceptional 3-row luxury SUV for the cash but to make a true effect it’ll need to have to snatch away industry share from massive brands with an even larger presence in this space.

Can it do that at this stage in the game? Buyers will need to have to accept trade-offs like sub-par fuel economy, much less than planet-class on-road behavior, and possibly an exterior design and style that is much less attractive than some rivals. If they do accept these caveats they’ll appreciate a planet-class interior and the functions that come with it. 

Images: Stephen Rivers for Carscoops