2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Overview

Before the Grand Wagoneer arrived, Jeep had never built an SUV so big and luxurious. Within its enormous shell are three rows and seating for up to eight, not to mention attractive materials and upscale features throughout. The long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer L has more storage space behind all those seats, too. Unfortunately, the longer version also will be more difficult to maneuver than its already cumbersome counterpart. Regardless of length, the largest Jeep suffers from terrible fuel economy, with a combined EPA rating of just 16 mpg. That estimate isn’t for a big-displacement V-8, either, but a new twin-turbo six-cylinder with 510 horsepower. At least that engine should get the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and its precious cargo where it needs to go on time and in exceptional comfort. For those not looking to spend six figures, the Jeep Wagoneer is a less expensive, albeit less fancy, alternative.

What’s New for 2023?

For 2023, the Grand Wagoneer L joins the lineup. Its wheelbase is seven inches longer than the standard Wagoneer, and it’s a foot longer overall. These extensions contribute to considerably more cargo space behind all three rows of seats. Under the hood, the long-wheelbase model has Stellantis’s new Hurricane engine, which is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. While it is standard on the stretched Grand Wagoneer L, Jeep hasn’t said if the Hurricane will also be standard on its shorter counterpart, which previously only came with a 471-hp 6.4-liter V-8.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Series I

$90,000 (est)

$100,000 (est)

Obsidian

$106,000 (est)

Series III Premium

$110,000 (est)

Jeep hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2023 Grand Wagoneer lineup, but the company has said that it’ll go on sale in the second half of this year. With that said, we still think the Series II trim level looks to be the best value. It comes standard with 22-inch wheels, a two-tone roof, a 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, nicer leather-trimmed upholstery, a rear-seat monitoring system, and additional driver assists such as night vision and a semi-autonomous drive mode.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With the introduction of the new long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer L comes a new engine. Dubbed the Hurricane, the 510-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While this engine comes standard on the stretched Grand Wagoneer, Jeep hasn’t confirmed whether the short-wheelbase model will still offer the 471-hp 6.4-liter V-8 powertrain that was previously standard. As with its domestic rivals, the Grand Wagoneer utilizes body-on-frame underpinnings, in this case derived from the Ram 1500 pickup truck. However, the Jeep features an independent rear suspension rather than the truck’s solid rear axle, which gives the SUV a smoother ride and better handling than the Ram. Along with several four-wheel-drive systems, the Grand Wagoneer offers an adaptive air suspension that can raise its ride height up to 3.6 inches or lower it by a half-inch. It also boasts 10 inches of ground clearance, up to two feet of water-fording capability, and a max tow rating of 9860 pounds. After driving the Grand Wagoneer, we appreciated its relaxed and refined ride on the highway; however, its pickup-truck structure contributes to a jiggly ride when pavement is less smooth. Likewise, the massive SUV isn’t very agile in small spaces and suffers from notable body roll on curvy roads that is exacerbated by its light and vague steering feel.

More on the Grand Wagoneer SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2023 Grand Wagoneer L is rated at 16 mpg combined, with estimates of 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Those figures are slightly better than the 6.4-liter V-8 that powers the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, which is rated at 15 mpg combined, 13 city, and up to 19 highway. When we have the chance to run a 2023 model on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Grand Wagoneer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With standard three-row seating and space for either seven or eight passengers, the Grand Wagoneer provides large families an opportunity to live the Jeep lifestyle, which hasn’t been possible since the old and unloved Commander was around. A pair of second-row captain’s chairs are standard, but a bench seat is available for maximum passenger capacity. As the luxury version of the regular Wagoneer, its cabin is loaded with elegant environs, such as genuine wood accents, and high-tech features, such as a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster. The interior also boasts “Easter eggs” inspired by the original Grand Wagoneer, including an old-school-inspired two-spoke steering wheel and an “EST. 1963” inscription that appears on the edge of the dashboard when you open the door. Along with customizable ambient interior lighting, this grandest of Wagoneers offers a head-up display, a camera-fed rearview mirror, and a rear-seat monitoring system that displays a video feed onto the central touchscreen. On the standard-wheelbase model, the cargo area behind the third row measures 27 cubic feet and stowing it provides 71 cubes behind the second row. On the long-wheelbase model, there’s 44 cubic feet behind the third row and 89 cubes with the second row of seats folded flat.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

One of the most dazzling aspects of the Grand Wagoneer is its multifaceted infotainment system. Even without including the digital gauge cluster, the Jeep’s dashboard is covered in screens. The main focus is the center stack, which packs a 12.0-inch center touchscreen that sits above a 10.3-inch touchscreen with controls for the HVAC system. Starting on the Series II, there’s yet another 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger. Desirable standard features include a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB ports in all three rows. Second-row passengers are also treated to another 10.3-inch touchscreen between the captain’s chairs; opting for the rear-seat entertainment system adds a pair of 10.1-inch touchscreens. Every Grand Wagoneer has a powerful McIntosh stereo, but the Series II and up get a more powerful 1375-watt unit with 23 speakers.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Not only is the Grand Wagoneer fitted with a suite of standard driver-assistance technology, but the luxury SUV is also available with an equally wide array of additional assists. These include adaptive cruise control, a self-parking function, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection. A semi-autonomous mode that allows hands-free driving will also eventually be offered. For more information about the Jeep’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 forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

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 Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years and unlimited miles

More Features and Specs