We’re here to help break down the key differences between the two big Jeeps and decided which is best for you. And just in time—orders are being taken now for the new Wagoneer family, which goes on sale this summer. For reference, both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the same size (and both have long-wheelbase versions coming later) and feature the same interior layout for seven or eight passengers. Think of them as similar to Chevrolet’s Tahoe and Cadillac’s Escalade: Mechanically and structurally the same, but one is nicer and more expensive.

At first glance, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer are not overly different. They’re pretty much the same size and both have U-shaped windows, roof racks, and bold nameplate lettering across the front, back, and sides. But the Grand Wagoneer has a more sophisticated grille design, chrome around the windows, a black-painted roof, copper-colored tinted windows, and more premium LED lighting that go into a welcome dance sequence upon remote start.

Big difference here: The Grand Wagoneer has about 75 inches of maximum display area broken up into up to seven screens, all of which are standard on the top Series III trim. Among those are the driver’s digital cluster, center infotainment screen, passenger screen, two rear screens for entertainment, and comfort control screens in the first two rows for climate and seat adjustment.

The Wagoneer has only the cluster and main center touchscreen standard, with the three other entertainment screens optional. So, if you’re looking for that LCD glow … the Grand Wagoneer is your Jeep.

Each full-size Jeep SUV will launch with a V-8 under its hood—just not the same one. In the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, there is a 5.7-liter V-8 with the eTorque 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Output stands at a stout 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, and it can tow 10,000 pounds.

Move up to the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the 5.7 is swapped for—at launch—a 6.4-liter V-8 generating 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough motor to hustle the big Jeep from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds and tow just under 10,000 pounds. We expect more engines to follow, including a plug-in hybrid for the 4xe model.

The Wagoneer is a body-on-frame SUV with rear-wheel drive standard and three 4×4 systems on offer. It has a standard steel coil spring suspension that holds the SUV 8.0 inches above the ground. Opt for the Quadra-Lift air suspension, and that ground clearance swells to up to 10 inches.

The Grand Wagoneer has four-wheel drive standard, as well as the Quadra-Lift suspension, which also can lower the vehicle to get in and out, or for better aerodynamics on the road. Aside from the 4WD and suspension differences, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are essentially the same body-on-frame SUV underneath.

Wagoneers come standard with 20-inch wheels. There are optional 18-inch off-road wheels and tires or flashier 22s. The Grand Wagoneer models have standard 20- or 22-inch aluminum wheels with four different finishes and a three-dimensional wheel cap with a Wagoneer logo suspended in acrylic. The Grand Wagoneer Obsidian model comes with 22-inch polished wheels with black inserts.

There is a $30,000 price difference between the two Wagoneer models. This means the leather in the Grand Wagoneer is more supple, the trim is more expensive, and there is an optional Piano Black mid-bolster in the instrument panel.

And then there is the wood conversation. The Grand Wagoneer has American walnut on the dash, doors and center console. There is no wood inside the Wagoneer, and neither has any woodgrain on their exterior, as did the original models back in the day. Stitching patterns run horizontally across the Wagoneer but vertically up the leather dash of the Grand Wagoneer.

Both Wagoneer models have Series I, Series II and Series III trim levels, but the Grand Wagoneer adds one more: Obsidian, named after black glass formed from molten lava. This trim will become available sometime after the Grand Wagoneer launches, and will start at $100,995. Because it is only available on the GW, it has 4WD, the 6.4-liter V-8, and tons of content standard. The color scheme is described as black on black on black, with black accents, wheels, and Onyx interior.

The Grand Wagoneer introduces for the first time a McIntosh stereo in a vehicle, with 950 watts and 23 speakers and the ability to watch digitized receiver status needles dance on the infotainment screen.

Meanwhile. the base stereo in the Wagoneer is an Alpine-branded system with nine speakers; customers can opt for a lower-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh system.

The Wagoneer features a three-zone climate control system; Grand Wagoneers get a four-zone HVAC system with touchscreens in the first two rows for controlling the aircon.

Wagoneer has Nappa leather trimmed, 12-way power seats, and the Grand Wagoneer one-ups it with supple Palermo leather on the top trims for its 24-way adjustable front seats. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on Grand Wagoneer, and are optional on Wagoneer.

The Wagoneer is the more affordable of the two large three-row SUVs, starting at $59,995 for a Series I, rear-wheel-drive model that won’t be available until later in the year. The Series II starts at $69,995, and the Series III runs $74,995 and can be optioned up to roughly $100,000.

As was already mentioned, the Grand Wagoneer starts almost $30,000 higher than the Wagoneer, at $88,995. The Grand Wagoneer Series II is $95,995, the Obsidian is $100,995, and the top trim Series III starts at $105,995 and can be loaded up to hit about $113,000.

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