The new Jeep Grand Wagoneer L gives the Stellantis Group the luxury full-size SUV to compete against the category leaders — and profit machines — the GMC Yukon XL Denali, its Cadillac Escalade sibling, and the Lincoln Navigator. Upon first inspection, the Grand Wagoneer delivers the goods. Inside are acres of premium leather, sleek metal trim, and vast sunroofs overhead. It’s one inch longer than a Suburban and rides on four-corner adjustable air suspension. Power comes from the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six engine that will replace the vaunted Hemi V8s in RAM 1500 pickups. This Grand Wagoneer gets the high output version rated to 510 hp and 500 ft-lb torque coming to you via an 8-speed transmission.
Is the Grand Wagoneer Still a Jeep?
This was André first drive with the Hurricane engine, and he came away impressed. Acceleration is fast and liquid smooth. The ride quality defines luxury. The top-shelf Series III edition swaddles passengers in a premium experience, down to the McIntosh sound system. Not familiar with McIntosh? They designed and built the sound system for Woodstock, and they’ve been blowing out arenas, stadiums, and living rooms with crystal clear, powerful sound ever since. There’s a 5-screen — yes, 5 screens! — entertainment system. Even the front passenger gets her own video screen to let her watch movies, one that the driver can’t see.
All this tech and luxury looks and feels great, but how is this luxo-SUV a Jeep? Well, it does pack some off-roading soul buried underneath the high-end veneer. It starts with a full-time 4WD system and, off-road mode selector (Rock, Mud, Snow, etc.). Continue with center- and rear-locking differentials, an automatic transfer case, and an adjustable height of up to 10 inches. So, yes, it can go off-road, although the 22-inch wheels aren’t ideal for the job. It can tow, as well, up to 9,800 pounds with the trailering package.
Things that make us go “hmm”
All these features, luxury touches, and the sheer size of the Grand Wagoneer make this a heavy beast. At 6,500+ pounds when carrying 26.5 gallons of premium unleaded, the Jeep weighs as much as a Ford F-150 Lightning EV pickup. This heft explains the measly 15 mpg combined EPA rating. That’s not great, especially when it requires premium fuel. This SUV is a pricey land yacht to pilot. But, perhaps that won’t matter to its target market. With a starting price of $113,000 for the Series III and $123,000 as spec’d here, this Grand Wagoneer L falls into “If you have to ask…” territory. Which is a weird place to be for a Jeep.
See whether you think this $120,000 Jeep is a knockout or something else by clicking the video below.
