The New Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is a Real American Range Rover
Jeep has been teasing it for some time, but the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is finally here. As the heir to an iconic American luxury SUV, the new model has a reputation to live up to. Especially considering buyers looking for an off-road-capable luxury SUV already have the Ranger Rover as an option. However, it seems the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer has what it takes to make the British model worry.
The 2022 ‘Jeep’ Grand Wagoneer has Range Rover capability
Technically, Stellantis doesn’t consider the 2022 Grand Wagoneer to be a Jeep, The Drive reports. Rather like FCA did with the SRT Viper, Stellantis is treating the Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer almost like a sub-brand.
As a result, although ‘Grand Wagoneer’ appears prominently all over the SUV, the ‘Jeep’ name only appears once, Hagerty reports. Which, interestingly, isn’t unlike how Range Rover models have minimal Land Rover badging. And just like the Range Rover, the 2022 ‘Jeep’ Grand Wagoneer hasn’t forgotten how to handle itself off-road.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is only available with a 6.4-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission, Road & Track reports. The V8 is rated at 471 hp and 455 lb-ft, and lets the body-on-frame SUV go 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. But, while the Grand Wagoneer doesn’t offer hybrid options like the Range Rover, it does offer standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, Roadshow reports. And with the integrated tow hitch, it can tow up to 9850 pounds.
Besides the 4WD system, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer also comes standard with adjustable air suspension and multiple off-road driving modes, The Drive results. In Rock Mode, the SUV has 10.1” of ground clearance, Motor1 reports, and can wade into water 24” deep. And it also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential and a crawler gear, Autoblog reports. Plus, like the Range Rover, it has independent front and rear suspension.
On paper, the 2021 Range Rover has a slight off-road edge. It has a 35.4” wading depth and 11.7” of ground clearance, for instance. And its breakover, approach, and departure angles are better than what the Jeep Grand Wagoneer offers, R&T reports. However, even in 517-hp Autobiography trim, it can ‘only’ tow up to 7716 pounds. Plus, the Grand Wagoneer can lower itself more than the Range Rover.
Both SUVs offer similar levels of luxury
For a Range Rover buyer, its off-road capabilities are arguably secondary to its luxury touches. And on that front, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has plenty to offer.
Nappa leather upholstery is standard, The Drive reports, as is American walnut and metal interior trim. As of this writing, Jeep hasn’t released full trim details for the Grand Wagoneer. However, four-zone climate control and a 12” center touchscreen are standard, Car and Driver reports. So is a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which can be upgraded to a 23-speaker version, Car and Driver reports. And the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is the production car to feature Amazon Fire TV Auto.
On the subject of infotainment, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offers more than just that 12” screen, MotorTrend reports. The SUV has a standard 12.3” digital gauge cluster and a separate 10.3” touchscreen for the climate controls. Plus, there’s another 10.3” screen for the second-row climate controls, Automobile reports. And there are three more optional 10.1” touchscreens available for the first and second-row passengers. Naturally, the Grand Wagoneer comes standard with wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plenty of USB ports.
The 2021 Range Rover lineup offers many of the same features, whether as standard or optional extras, Car and Driver reports. That includes the chilled storage area and massaging seats. However, when it comes to infotainment features, the Land Rover SUV doesn’t offer as much screen area. Plus, its audio system isn’t quite McIntosh level.
Also, unlike the Grand Wagoneer, the Range Rover doesn’t offer third-row seats. You’ll have to get a non-hybrid Range Rover Sport for that, Car and Driver reports. Interestingly, though, the Range Rover and Grand Wagoneer have the same cargo capacities with the second-row seats folded.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer also has a Range Rover-like cost
Getting behind the wheel of a 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer won’t be easy on your wallet. The base trim, the Series I, starts at $88,190 before destination. And if you want the range-topping Series III Premium model, that starts at $107,980 before destination.
In comparison, the 2021 Range Rover P360 starts at $92,000. Meanwhile, the 557-hp SVAutobiography Dynamic will set you back $179,500.
Given that the 2022 Grand Wagoneer won’t be available until the latter half of 2021, it’s difficult to say if it’s worth buying over the Range Rover. But at least on paper, the not-a-Jeep seems suitably luxe.
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