2022 GMC Hummer EV vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer: American Icons With a Twist
It’s not just a tease anymore: the 2022 GMC Hummer EV is finally here. And the anticipation has been so high, the ‘Edition 1’ models are already sold out. But it’s not the only classic American nameplate that’s making a modern comeback. Jeep is bringing back the Grand Wagoneer, and it too has some significant upgrades over the original. So how do these high-price slices of Americana stack up?
2022 GMC Hummer EV vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer: pure electric vs. hybrid powertrains
Although the first Hummer and original Grand Wagoneer were exclusively fossil-fuel-powered, their new versions have an electric touch.
As its name implies, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV is purely electric. The pickup truck will be available with several battery pack options, Car and Driver reports…eventually. For now, the electric ‘super-truck’ is only available in its range-topping form, Road & Track reports.
That means a 200-kWh battery pack and 3 electric motors giving 1000 hp, Roadshow reports. That 11,500-lb-ft torque figure, though, is a bit misleading, R&T explains. That’s torque at the wheels; the motors themselves produce 1000-1100 lb-ft. Still, with standard four-wheel drive and launch control, that’s enough to give the 2022 GMC Hummer EV a 3-second 0-60-mph time, Car and Driver reports.
As of this writing, less is known about the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s powertrains. However, we do know that the luxury SUV will be available as a plug-in hybrid, Roadshow reports. Mild-hybrid and ICE-only powertrains, though, will likely also be available, Motor Trend reports. And, like the GMC Hummer EV, it will come standard with 4WD.
How do the 2022 GMC Hummer EV and Jeep Grand Wagoneer compare on luxury and features?
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV’s off-road features go beyond 4WD, though.
Its electric motors give it 4-wheel steering, which comes in handy for ‘Crab Mode,’ which lets it drive diagonally, R&T explains. The rear motors also function as a ‘virtual’ locking differential. Plus, the electric truck has adjustable air suspension that gives it 15.9” of ground clearance and a 32” wading depth, R&T reports.
On top of that, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 has rock rails, underbody cameras, and hill-descent control, Car and Driver reports. It also has a removable roof with T-tops.
Plus, the Hummer EV and 2022 Bolt EV are the first non-Cadillac to come standard with GM’s Super Cruise ADAS suite, Car and Driver reports. The suite now offers an automated lane-change feature. Rounding out the Edition 1’s features are GMC’s MultiPro tailgate and a 13.4” touchscreen, Hagerty reports.
As with its hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s luxury and off-road features are still somewhat unknown. We do know it has 4-wheel independent air suspension, Roadshow reports, and unlike the Hummer EV, 3 rows of seats.
It will also have a total of 7 digital screens, including a 12.1” central touchscreen, a 10.3” front-passenger display, and separate 2nd-row passenger screens. That’s in addition to interior real-wood trim and a panoramic glass roof, MT reports. Jeep also claims the Grand Wagoneer is “theoretically capable” of towing up to 10,000 pounds, MT reports.
Which one is the better buy?
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 starts at $112,595; though again, it’s sold out. However, trims with fewer motors and smaller battery packs will arrive for the 2023 model year. The cheapest starts at just under $80k, Car and Driver reports. The 2023 MY is also when an SUV version will launch.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be cheaper, R&T reports. Fully-loaded models will sticker at over $100,000. However, the base version is expected to start at $60,000.
Despite somewhat-similar price tags and some similar features, these two vehicles don’t necessarily compete directly. The 2022 GMC Hummer EV is an electric factory ‘bro-dozer’ with a focus on off-road capability. And while the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has off-road features, like the original, it’s less a Hummer competitor than a Range Rover rival. So, picking between them is a matter of personal choice.
Still, it goes to show you can teach old dogs new tricks.
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