With the launch of the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, Jeep now has a new lineup-topping luxury SUV. And it has a price tag to match. But with the return of the Grand Wagoneer comes the return of the Jeep Wagoneer, too. So, do you really need to pay extra grand to get that extra ‘Grand?’

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has a few more powertrain options than the Grand Wagoneer

Size-wise, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the same, MotorTrend reports. The two body-on-frame SUVs share a platform, after all, Motor1 reports. However, there are several mechanical differences between them.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is only available with one powertrain. Specifically, a 6.4-liter V8 linked to an eight-speed automatic and 4WD with a transfer case. The V8 makes 471 hp and 455 lb-ft, and lets the SUV tow up to 9850 pounds, Road & Track reports. Plus, the Grand Wagoneer also features an electronic limited-slip differential and adjustable air suspension.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer also has a V8 engine, though not the 6.4-liter one. Instead, it has a mild-hybrid 5.7-liter V8 with 392 hp and 404 lb-ft, Car and Driver reports. And, unlike the Grand Wagoneer, it comes standard with RWD. However, the Wagoneer is available with three different 4WD systems, including the Grand Wagoneer’s system, R&T reports. The air suspension is also an optional extra, though both SUVs have fully-independent suspension regardless.

But while the 2022 Wagoneer has a less powerful engine, it actually has a higher tow rating. With its fully-integrated Class 4 hitch, it can tow up to 10,000 pounds, Automobile reports. Plus, if you want greater fuel efficiency, Jeep is developing an electrified Wagoneer 4xe, MT reports.  

How do these SUVs compare in terms of luxury features?

The ‘true’ 2022 Jeep Wagoneer base trim, the $57,995 Series I, won’t be available at launch. So, initially, the cheapest Wagoneer trim will be the Series II, followed by the Series II Premium, and Series III Off-Road and Premium. Before destination, the 4×2 Series II trim starts at $70,995; the 4×4 Series III Premium starts at $86,665.

The Grand Wagoneer follows a similar trim organization. From cheapest to most expensive, it goes Series I, Series II, Obsidian, Series III, and Series III Premium. The Series I trim starts at $88,190; the Series III Platinum starts at $107,980. So, while the Grand Wagoneer tops out at a higher price point than the Jeep Wagoneer, the two have some slight overlap. Not just in terms of price, but in features, too.

For example, both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer offer McIntosh stereo systems. But on the former, it’s only standard on the Series III Premium. On the latter, though, it’s a Series I standard feature, Car and Driver reports. Plus, the Wagoneer only gets the 19-speaker version, not the 23-speaker version.

These minor differences continue with the SUVs’ technology. A 4×4 Series II Premium Wagoneer, for example, has Amazon Fire TV, a 10.1” front passenger display, a 360° camera system, a 10.1” center touchscreen, dual second-row 10.1” touchscreens, parking assist, and tri-zone climate controls. And while a Series II Grand Wagoneer lacks the rear screens, it has quad-zone climate control, a 12” center touchscreen, active drive assist, and night vision.

The Grand Wagoneer’s higher base price also comes with upgraded materials. For example, where the Series II Jeep Wagoneer has Nappa leather, the Series II Grand Wagoneer has Palermo leather. The latter also has American walnut wood trim, MT reports, more power-adjustability for the seats, and standard second-row captain’s chairs. Those chairs are optional on the Wagoneer, though, Car and Driver reports.

Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer worth the extra cost over the Wagoneer?

Comparing these SUVs is like comparing a fully-loaded non-luxury car to a base-trim luxury one. The Wagoneer offers most of the same features available on ‘lesser’ Grand Wagoneers. However, the latter SUV has additional upgrades, along with a higher level of interior material quality.

That being said, the Jeep Wagoneer can tow more. And it offers the option of a hybridized powertrain. Plus, while the SUVs share a platform, the Wagoneer has a noticeably larger total capacity, Car and Driver reports.

Truly deciding between these two luxury Jeeps will take some behind-the-wheel time. But if you value utility over outright luxury, the Jeep Wagoneer represents significant savings. However, given that The Drive and Hagerty describe the Grand Wagoneer interior with words like “opulent” and “magnificent,” the extra money seems to be well-spent.

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