What We Know So Far

Overview

Jeep is resurrecting a famous name from its past—Wagoneer—that will be worn by a new, large family SUV with three roomy rows of seats. Set to take on the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the Ford Expedition, and the Nissan Armada, the 2022 Wagoneer boasts V-8 power, 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, and a deluxe interior. Speaking of the interior, it’s heavy on tech, with up to five available displays, including one that’s dedicated to the front passenger. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but we figure most buyers will upgrade to one of the Wagoneer’s available four-wheel drive systems; an optional air suspension is also offered and gives the big Jeep even more off-road capability. Looking for something more luxurious? The mechanically similar but much more expensive Grand Wagoneer might better meet those expectations. We review that model separately.

What’s New for 2022?

The Wagoneer is new for Jeep for 2022, but it’s hardly a new name for the brand. The Wagoneer name badge first appeared in 1963 alongside that of the luxurious Grand Wagoneer SUV. It was also used on a trim level for versions of the brand’s Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models in the 1990s.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

From what we know so far, it appears as though the Series II Premium model is the one to get. It adds quite a bit to the bottom line, but for that increase in price buyers will be treated to nicely-styled 22-inch wheels, a secondary infotainment display for the front passenger, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a self-parking feature, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and a head-up display.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All Wagoneer models come with a 392-hp 5.7-liter V-8 engine which is supported by a 48-volt hybrid system and offers a cylinder deactivation feature to help save fuel. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard but buyers seeking to unlock the Wagoneer’s off-road capabilities will want to add four-wheel drive to their order sheet; rear-wheel drive is standard otherwise. Speaking of four-wheel drive, there are three different systems to choose from, all with varying degrees of capability. Other available off-road features include an adjustable air suspension that can raise the Wagoneer to provide an additional 3.6 inches of ground clearance, and a drive-mode selector system which includes sand/mud, snow, and rock modes. Both rear- and four-wheel drive variants of the Wagoneer will be rated to tow up to 10,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA hasn’t released any estimates for the Wagoneer’s fuel economy yet, nor have we had the chance to test the SUV on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. We’ll update this story when we have more info to share. For more information about the Wagoneer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A spacious three-row cabin can be equipped with seating for up to eight in the Wagoneer but opting for second-row captain’s chairs reduces seating to seven. The cabin design looks rich and features plenty of standard luxury items, such as leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, and three-zone automatic climate control. Buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury will want to pony up for the more expensive Grand Wagoneer, but we think most will find the offerings in the regular Wagoneer suitably upscale. Cargo space should be generous, particularly with the third row folded, but we won’t know for sure until we can get a Wagoneer into our office for testing.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The interior of the Wagoneer is covered extensively by screens, with a 10.1-inch infotainment display taking center stage and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display offering readouts for the driver. Even the front-seat passenger can have their own display—an optional 10.3-inch unit—integrated into the dashboard that provides access to navigation and entertainment functions. The Uconnect 5 software interface allows users to access all sorts of features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, integrated navigation, Amazon FireTV and Alexa, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Buyers of the top-spec Series III models will enjoy a 19-speaker stereo system developed with high-end audio equipment specialist McIntosh.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Wagoneer comes standard with several desirable driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. For more information about the Wagoneer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Jeep currently offers a competitive albeit unremarkable limited and powertrain warranty. However, the company does give all models three years of free maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included