2022 Jeep Wagoneer Review

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is a new full-size SUV with three rows of seating for passengers. To avoid any confusion, let's clarify first that the Wagoneer is not the Grand Wagoneer. Essentially, the Wagoneer is the standard model and the Grand Wagoneer is the ritzy version with additional standard and optional features, a more powerful standard engine and some exterior cosmetic differences.

The Wagoneer is well placed to compete against its domestic large SUV rivals: the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Expedition. Like those models, the Wagoneer has truck-like body-on-frame construction, a hefty maximum towing capacity and an abundance of interior space. Ten inches longer than the new three-row Grand Cherokee L, the Wagoneer is an option for larger families or buyers looking for greater overall capacity.

The Wagoneer boasts eye-catching design as well as respectable off-road capability. But this isn't necessarily the Jeep you want to buy if you're interested in conquering trails. There are three four-wheel-drive systems available (called Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) but Jeep says that the Wagoneer isn't "Trail Rated," so you probably won't be traversing the Rubicon with the family anytime soon. Instead, expect the Wagoneer to focus more on on-road comfort.

At launch, the Wagoneer will get a 5.7-liter V8 (392 horsepower, 404 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system called eTorque. Unlike more traditional hybrid setups where a battery alone can power the vehicle, the Wagoneer's mild hybrid system fills in the gaps between shifts, helps with the stop-start system and slightly improves overall fuel economy.

If any of that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same pairing that's available under the hood of the Ram 1500. While Jeep insists that the Wagoneer is all-new and not based on any existing platform, it certainly shares a lot of hardware with the Ram 1500 — and we're OK with that. And though Jeep hasn't confirmed any specific details about future powertrains, we expect to see multiple offerings on the horizon, including a diesel engine and potentially a hybrid. 

Whether you go with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the Wagoneer has a 10,000-pound max towing capacity with the V8. This gives the Wagoneer bragging rights over the Tahoe (8,400 pounds) and Expedition (9,300 pounds) and is sufficient for a good-sized utility or recreational trailer

Spacious and packed with modern features, the Wagoneer should be an excellent place to spend some time. Interior materials are high-quality, while the high-dollar Grand Wagoneer gets nicer materials and big-budget items such as a four-screen control center across the dashboard. The standard Wagoneer still gets quite a bit of screen real estate, including a 10.1-inch center display.

Cargo space is abundant, with 24.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. That's similar to the Chevrolet Tahoe and related GMC Yukon (both at 25.5 cubic feet) and Ford Expedition (20.9 cubes). At its maximum, with the second-row bench and third row folded, you have up to 116.7 cubic feet. That's less than the Tahoe/Yukon's 122.9 cubic feet but more than the Expedition's 104.6 cubes.