Driven: Only 3 Things Hold the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L Back
The brand-new Jeep Wagoneer L proves that size doesn’t necessarily impact comfort or off-roading capabilities. The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L can keep your entire family happy with all of their stuff during wilderness adventures. However, there are three potential drawbacks we discovered that you should consider.
Is the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L good for families?
Yes, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L is a good family option to consider, with seating for up to eight passengers. But the extra space comes at a premium cost that some Jeep fans might not be used to.
The Wagoneer L features an additional 7.0 inches of wheelbase and 12 extra inches overall. Each row can comfortably seat adults, and the third row can even recline to provide an extra perk for the kids in the back.
You can access up to 42.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 130.9 cubes total. Plus, it can tow up to 10,000 lbs. So, you can bring your boat or camper. Now, let’s dig into the potential drawbacks.
1. The Jeep Wagoneer L is thirsty
The 2023 Jee Wagoneer L gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. But while traveling, running errands around town, and off-roading, we couldn’t get close to those figures.
Selecting different driving modes didn’t seem to make a difference, as we hovered around 10.8 mpg for our entire week with this beast. But it does have a 30.5 fuel tank capacity and can travel over 500 miles between fill-ups.
Also, the new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 Hurricane engine is a force to be reckoned with. It cranks out 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with a smooth power delivery.
2. The Wagoneer L is expensive
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L starts at $62,495. This is only slightly more expensive than the Ford Expedition Max, which starts at $61,190. But Edmunds recommends moving up in trim levels for significant comfort upgrades.
With the range-topping Wagoneer L Series III, you get the adaptive air suspension that improves ride quality, comfort, and handling. It provides a noticeably smoother ride with the ability to absorb significant impacts.
The Series III brings the MSRP up to $74,220. Then it’s beneficial to consider items from the Convenience Group, such as the 360-degree surround view camera, to make maneuvering the ultra-long Jeep easier.
Even though it has a tight turning radius and is surprisingly super easy to maneuver, the Wagoneer L is still 18.89 feet long and 83.6 inches wide. The rear window is pretty far away and challenging to see out of.
The camera system is handy in tight downtown areas and for turning around on trails. The Convenience Group Package comes in at $3,795. But on a positive note, the Series II includes the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow package, which is a nice perk.
Also, the standard Wagoneer L has a long list of standard features like a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, side steps, tri-zone climate control, heated/ventilated seats, built-in navigation, and a premium audio system.
3. The rear entertainment system could be better
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L offers plenty of perks to keep passengers entertained, including the $2,195 rear-seat entertainment group. It features two screens on the back of the front seats with Amazon FireTV and a wi-fi hotspot.
But the tv screens stick out really far, which may lead to claustrophobia. Being so close to the screen could also make some people car sick. Plus, each screen has its own remote. Hopefully, the remotes won’t get carried inside or get lost.
Also, you can’t see the tv screens from the third row. So, if kids are in the very back, they can’t join in on watching whatever movie or show the kids in the second row are playing.
However, two screens allow two people to watch different things. This could be helpful if your kids have an age gap. One can stick to Bluey, while the other understands how Pokemon works.
So, while the Wagoneer L is spacious, comfortable, and capable, it’s also expensive, thirsty, and could use an entertainment screen in the third row.
