The Best Part of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Might Have Nothing to Do With Performance
The buzz surrounding the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is palpable. Starting a new sub-brand, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are pushing Jeep into the luxury full-size-SUV market. And though these models noticeably don’t carry their maker’s badge, they bear a familiar grille in a more luxurious package.
So, is the hype more for Jeep’s new direction or the Wagoneer’s pure awesomeness?
What we know about the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer so far
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer haven’t dropped yet, so all we know is what Jeep has told us. But the automaker has shared quite a bit. And these two new models look to be strong contenders in the luxury SUV segment. The Grand Wagoneer offers a single powertrain: a 6.4-liter V8 linked to an eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. Jeep says it’ll make 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque and tow close to 9,900 pounds.
By contrast, the Wagoneer’s mild-hybrid 5.7-liter V8 is expected to make 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. The base trim comes with rear-wheel drive, but three 4WD systems will be available, including the Grand Wagoneer’s. Though the Wagoneer’s engine isn’t as powerful as the Grand’s, it’ll reportedly tow 10,000 pounds and include a fully integrated Class 4 hitch.
As for luxury features, both will boast spectacular sound systems (more on that later) and lots of cool tech features. The 4×4 Series II Premium Wagoneer will come with Amazon Fire TV and dual second-row touchscreens. The Series II Grand Wagoneer will offer quad-zone climate control and night vision. Palermo leather will hug the Grand’s seats, and you’ll find Nappa leather in the Wagoneer.
Why the anticipation for the new Jeep Wagoneer is palpable
Will the revamped Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer live up to the luxury and performance Jeep is touting? With their tech features, luxurious touches, and impressive towing capacity, these highly anticipated entries will soon storm the luxury full-size market.
With its deep-black exterior and matching interior, the Grand Wagoneer Obsidian trim has also sparked plenty of excitement. Obsidian is a naturally black glass-like volcanic rock, though we hope the Grand Wagoneer is made of stronger stuff.
And despite both models’ 4WD capability, perhaps the most attractive aspects of these luxurious Wagoneers are their touted audio systems.
The über-fancy sound system
That’s right: The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer get McIntosh entertainment systems. Car and Driver lavishes praise on the first automotive reference system from the company known for its high-end sound. Reported to have 23 speakers, 3D surround sound, and a powerful 1,375-watt amplifier, the McIntosh MX1375 will grace upper Grand Wagoneer trims. Car and Driver also notes this might be the perfect vehicle to listen to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. It’ll also boast a 12-inch subwoofer, and the powerful amplifier promises to drown out the loudest driving environments.
Though the 23-speaker version will be available only on the Obsidian and Series IIII trims, a 19-speaker system will reside in the Grand’s slightly less luxurious trims, along with the regular Wagoneer’s top trim. This system, the McIntosh MX950, offers a 10-inch subwoofer and 950-watt amplifier.
The performance specs and opulent touches are impressive. But the McIntosh audio systems are arguably the most enticing parts of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. These reference systems, “to which all others are compared,” McIntosh says, provide a sound quality that makes you feel like you’re in the recording studio with the artist. You may not get to record with Pink Floyd, but you can pretend as if you did.
