Driving the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L Keeps Winter Blues Away
Our week with the Jeep Wagoneer L hasn’t had the best weather. It’s been snowy, rainy, misty, cold, and muddy. But the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L is so cozy and capable that adventuring in slippery conditions doesn’t matter.
Is the Jeep Wagoneer L worth buying?
Though it has pros and cons to consider, the Jeep Wagoneer L is a family SUV that stands out from the crowd with comfort, refinement, and unmatched capability. It might seem too big, but it’s actually quite nimble.
It has a high price tag but includes luxurious perks with little compromise, aside from a less-than-ideal fuel economy. It may guzzle gas, but it’s the ultimate vehicle for family adventures. It also works as a convenient daily driver.
Is the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L comfortable?
Yes, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L is extremely comfortable in each row. The front seat has massive leather seats with plenty of adjustment controls to find the right amount of lumbar support.
The seats are well-padded with ergonomic advantages. The seats support your posture to keep you alert and focused. Driving the Wagoneer L on long off-roading paths and around town doesn’t feel tiring at all.
Also, the second-row seats are massive and heated. There is plenty of knee space for adults to sit comfortably. Our model had a bench row instead of captain’s chairs, and the middle seat could be a little tight for adults. It had a nice built-in tray for additional cup holders, though.
The third row is also spacious, with plenty of legroom for the average-sized adult. Plus, it reclines! Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports are in each row to keep the entire family’s devices charged.
We recommend going with the optional all-weather mats because the durable rubber protects the plush carpet in each row from mud and slush. They can stand up to muck!
The interior is crafted with high-quality materials such as soft-touch leather surfaces to create a premium and welcoming space. The steering wheel is soft and premium. It just feels so good to wrap your hands around.
Plus, the automatic climate control system is on top of things. It’s nice and warm when it’s cold out with heated seats and a heated steering wheel. You rarely have to adjust the controls based on the surrounding temperature. The second row has climate controls, too, allowing everyone to be comfortable without compromise.
Is the Wagoneer L easy to drive?
Yes, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L is surprisingly easy to drive, even though the L stands for LONG! The Wagoneer L is 226.7 inches long, and the wheelbase has seven extra inches. You would think it would be too large to maneuver in tight city areas or on narrow trails.
It has a 21.1′ turning radius, which is better than shorter trucks. It’s easy to park and turn around. The optional 360-degree camera view and parking sensors are helpful but aren’t necessary.
The new 3.0-liter inline-six Hurricane engine cranks out 420 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, making it pretty exciting. But you can relax with the Normal mode if you don’t feel like spicing things up in Sport mode.
It provides a smooth power delivery with responsive handling and virtually no body roll. We were surprised that it didn’t come with paddle shifters because it can provide a sporty experience.
In Sport mode, the response times are a little faster, and the brakes are stiffer. The Normal mode is a bit more reserved, and the other driving modes are for off-roading. We wouldn’t mind if the brakes were firmer in Normal mode.
The Wagoneer L provides an incredibly smooth ride over the pavement with hardly any wind or road noise. It’s comfortable and easy to drive. Plus, the little perks, such as proximity, keyless entry, and remote start, provide even more convenience.
How capable is the 2023 Wagoneer L?
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L is well-equipped to dominate the wild. We wouldn’t use it to go rock crawling like a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but it’s designed for tackling moderate off-roading trails. In sleet, snow, and washed-out trails, the tires provide plenty of grip and confidence.
We were worried about the Wagoneer being too heavy, but it seemed to effortlessly glide through mud and ruts. The Quadra-Drive II system has off-roading modes for Rock/Mud, Sand, Auto, and Mud.
The Auto mode handles various terrain conditions with ease. You don’t have to adjust the setting for inclement weather situations, but it can be helpful. For example, the Snow mode has a rougher ride but more control.
We found the Auto mode to be most comfortable on rocky terrain with steep inclines. The Rock/Mud mode uses a lower gear, and you can hear the engine roar as you climb. It’s also a little stiffer and bumpier.
Plus, an electronic limited-slip rear differential comes standard, the heavy-duty engine cooler helps to prevent overheating if the engine is strained, and you get a two-speed on-demand transfer case.
The 3.92 rear axle ratio is impressive for clearing obstacles, and the semi-active damping system keeps rattles out of the cabin.
Also, the optional Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise the suspension by 3.6 inches as needed. It automatically raises and lowers when you select certain driving modes. Also, it can be lowered by an inch to provide a more convenient lift-over height.
Stay tuned for our full Jeep Wagoneer L review, but for now, know that it’s more than capable of tackling anything Old Man Winter has to throw at it. It’s warm, comfortable, relaxing, and has above-average off-roading chops.