Is the Grand Wagoneer or the Grand Cherokee the Grander Jeep?
Positioned above the Grand Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup, the mighty Grand Wagoneer will most likely trade its smaller sibling’s unibody architecture for a body-on-frame setup. With its underpinnings almost assuredly cribbed from the Ram 1500 pickup truck, the Grand Wagoneer ought to emerge with towing and hauling abilities that match what’s likely to be near-class-leading off-road prowess.
Unlike the Ram’s rear end, which utilizes a live axle, the Grand Wagoneer is expected to adopt an independent rear suspension setup. This should provide it with a ride quality befitting a vehicle that’s expected to crest the six-figure mark when loaded up with options. Don’t worry, the base Grand Wagoneer will surely sport a more reasonable sticker price of $60,000-$70,000.
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Tech
Go heavy on the options menu, though, and Jeep will gladly outfit the three-row Grand Wagoneer with all the toys associated with high-end luxury vehicles. Expect a big touchscreen infotainment system to make an appearance (possibly the Ram 1500’s available 12-inch unit), a digital gauge cluster, and loads of comfort and convenience technology. We’ve even heard rumor of a possible Level 3 driver-assist setup to one-up the hands-free systems offered by General Motors (Super Cruise) and Ford (Active Drive Assist).
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Powertrains
Expect the Grand Wagoneer to share much of its powertrain lineup with the Ram 1500. That may include the truck’s standard 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6, but we think it’s unlikely. Most variants of this massive Jeep, however, will likely rely on the brand’s nearly 400-hp 5.7-liter “Hemi” V-8 engine for motivation. A mild hybrid version using a small electric motor, dubbed eTorque, will surely be offered as an option on the Hemi.
Those in search of even greater fuel efficiency may find it in the form of a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6, which Jeep could employ as a means of competing with the 2021 Escalade and its diesel engine option. Additionally, a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain is anticipated to find its way to the mammoth Jeep in the coming years. No matter what’s under the hood, though, expect four-wheel-drive to come standard on most—if not all—Grand Wagoneer trims.
Furthermore, we wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of a Grand Wagoneer Trailhawk variant that uses the Ram 1500 TRX’s 702-hp supercharged V-8. The off-road capability and power of Ram’s most powerful pickup mixed with the enclosed, luxury-lined cabin of an SUV? Sign us up!
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer On-Sale Date
Look for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer to debut by year’s end with sales expected to begin by the middle of next year. Despite the model’s retro name (and the lead rendering), the reborn Grand Wagoneer will likely eschew the vinyl woodgrain panels of prior models. Bummer.
