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2022 Jeep Wagoneer Review: The Smaller of the Two Big Fellas

2022 Jeep Wagoneer | Photo: Auto123
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Khatir Soltani
The iconic nameplate has been revived by Jeep as a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Profile
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Profile | Photo: Auto123

•    Auto123 reviews the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. Here's what you need to know.

•    A very spacious interior awaits you.

•    But also, a hefty monthly gas bill.

The Jeep Wagoneer has a long history as a mid-size utility vehicle that was produced by the Jeep brand from 1962 to 1991. The pioneering model was one of the first large family SUVs on the market, and it’s considered one of the vehicles that popularized the format.

The Wagoneer was originally designed as a rugged off-road vehicle, but it quickly became a popular choice for families because of its carrying capacity and comfort. Over the years, the Wagoneer underwent several design changes, but it always maintained its classic look and reputation for quality and reliability.

In 2021, Jeep relaunched the Wagoneer as a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle with a new design and advanced features to meet the needs of modern families.

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2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Three-quarters rear
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Three-quarters rear | Photo: Auto123

We had occasion to drive the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series 2. This all-new three-row luxury sport utility vehicle is designed to meet all the needs and desires of a family looking for a big, luxurious vehicle. 

So far, so simple. But it gets more complicated when you start to wade through the models and options that make up the Wagoneer offering. Even those of us who are used to navigating product offerings and long spec and options sheets are a little confused when it comes to shopping for a Jeep. Too many models for practically the same vehicle. 

In this case, there are four Wagoneer models to choose from.

What's new for the 2022 version?
The model has only been back on the market for a year, so there's no major news for the 2022 version.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Front
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Front | Photo: Auto123

The exterior
The design and overall look of the vehicle give it a big-boy look. It inspires confidence, solidity and opulence. There's no confusion when you look at this Jeep: it's the epitome of the big American family vehicle. 

The iconic seven-slot grille is there to help you lest you somehow forget this is a Jeep. Wagoneer models are equipped with steel skid plates to protect certain parts of the car. The LED lights that light up progressively when the car is started are immediately noticeable. This Wagoneer is simply beautiful, evoking as it does on several fronts Land Rover’s Range Rover.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Interior
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Interior | Photo: Auto123

The interior
The spacious interior is worthy of the big guns in the class. The old Wagoneer proudly displayed wood on the outside, this one does so on the inside. 

Notable features include a start button surrounded by a knurled bezel, air vents surrounded by a liquid chrome bezel, Nappa leather seats or Palermo leather for the more luxurious versions. 

All models can accommodate up to eight passengers and feature a spacious third row, a first for the brand. Front and second row captain's chairs are available on the Wagoneer. 

Finally, configuring the third row for passengers or cargo is easy, as the seat can both recline and fold flat.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Technology
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Technology | Photo: Auto123

Safety and Technology
This vehicle features several next-generation innovations, including a Uconnect 5 system, digital rearview mirror, exclusive rear seat camera, head-up display and a 9-speaker, 506W Alpine audio system. A 10.1-inch touchscreen allows for up to five customizable user profiles. The Wagoneer also offers a head-up display on the windshield and a digital rearview mirror that provides a clear rear view to improve safety and visibility.

In terms of safety, we'll find all the essentials that are currently on the market.

Under the hood
All Wagoneer models are powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that develops 392 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission and is backed by a system Jeep calls eTorque. This lightweight hybrid technology combines an electric motor and 48-volt battery with the internal combustion engine to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency and increase its torque. 

2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Trunk
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Trunk | Photo: Auto123

On the road
Obviously this is a worth highway cruiser, but even in city driving, the Wagoneer actually does well. Sure, at first glance, it looks big. Behind the wheel, it looks even bigger. When parking in the city, it looks bigger still! But as far as the drive is concerned, you get the hang of its size before too long. Make sure to adjust your stopping-distance estimates accordingly. And you have to keep in mind that it is a very big vehicle and that you won't be able to go everywhere in town. 

If you use the Wagoneer for towing, know that it can go up to 10,000 lb. 

The final word
We haven't talked about pricing yet. We saved the bitterest pill for last, you might say. As we said, four models are available. In fact, it's the 2 and 3 series that are both available with the Carbide finish. 

This finish is characterized by a textured black appearance, which gives the vehicle a more-aggressive and sportier look. It also adds 22-inch wheels (instead of the 20-inch wheels on the base model), a three-panel panoramic sunroof and a few other small accessories that will increase the price of the 2 and 3 Series by about $5,000.

The price of our least-equipped base model, the 2 Series, which is still very well loaded for a base model, starts at $83,290. The 2 Series with Carbide trim starts at $88,985. The 3 Series starts at $89,985, and with the Carbide trim, you'll need $94,985 to get behind the wheel. 

2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Rear
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Rear | Photo: Auto123

One of your questions about the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer:

What is the difference between the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Jeep Wagoneer?
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer look similar at first glance, but the Grand Wagoneer has exclusive trim features that give it a more luxurious look, including more chrome trim, more aesthetically pleasing LED lighting elements, a distinctive hood and a black roof. 

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a more luxurious and especially spacious interior than the Jeep Wagoneer. This model has leather seats, wood trim and many high-end features. While the Wagoneer's cargo volume is 765 liters, the Wagoneer's is 1246 liters, both with the third row of seats in place. 

In terms of price, the Grand Wagoneer starts at $106,290 in Canada, while the Wagoneer starts at $83,290.

The main competitors of the Jeep Wagoneer:

- Cadillac Escalade: An American luxury SUV that offers similar roominess to the Jeep Wagoneer and is also known for its highly advanced performance and technology.

- Lincoln Navigator: Another great American luxury SUV that offers a smooth driving experience and a spacious, comfortable and refined interior.

- Mercedes-Benz GLS: A German luxury SUV with a high-end finish, advanced technologies and impressive performance.

- Land Rover Range Rover: A British luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and luxurious interior.

- Lexus LX: A Japanese luxury SUV that offers a smooth, comfortable driving experience and a spacious, refined interior.

EVALUATION

75%
Performance
6/10
Design
7/10
On-board space
10/10
Technology and Safety
9/10
Fuel economy
6/10
Overall value
7/10
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Logo
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - Logo | Photo: Auto123
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada