Expect not too many changes to the 2022 production version.
One of the most iconic vehicles by the automaker is the Jeep Wagoneer, which includes the Range-topping Grand Wagoneer. The original Wagoneer, codenamed SJ, is perhaps the most instantly recognisable vehicle in the automaker’s lineup. The return of the large Jeep for has been a long-awaited event. Today, the company finally gave us a treat.
However, there is a caveat. The Grand Wagoneer is technically a Concept. This means that we still have a lot of road to go before we get to our dealer-ready destination. But as concepts go, this one sure looks pretty production-friendly, with none of the oversized wheels, unfeasible lighting elements, and miniscule-to-nonexistent side-view mirrors usually seen on design studies. The Grand Wagoneer concept is more like what we will see in dealer showrooms when the 2022 model year rolls around. It all depends on the person you ask.
Exterior styling
Staff members are enamored by the Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s seven-seat design. The bold front features a new, slimmer version of the brand’s seven slot grille. It is complemented by narrow, knife-blade headerlights. The concept features an LED front light bar that spans the SUV’s entire width. It intersects with the top grille, providing a solid base to the concept’s “WAGONEER”, hood badging. You’ll notice that the Jeep script on the Grand Cherokee’s nose has been removed.
The front bumper is chin-like and features two stacking openings. Tow hooks are located in the lower intake, while attractive fog lights are incorporated into the upper aperture. Between the two is a generous band of chrome burnished, while the lower front bumper, rocker panels, and roof are all painted metallic gunmetal grey.
The most striking styling element of the side view is the contrast-painted roof. It recalls the old Ford Flex slightly. Grand Wagoneer’s concept includes a painted A pillar, modernizing the design. The body-color B-, C, and D-pillars, as well as the window openings, and contrast roof, are dark chrome. The lower front doors have “GRAND WAGONEER”, a badge with an American flag that identifies the vehicle’s origin and heritage. God bless America.
The tailgate’s license plate opening is integrated into the rear using a surround that resembles the shape and size of the front grille. This effect blends seamlessly into the almost full-width taillight panels. We are curious if the inset, squared-off rear hatch window retracts into the tailgate like the original Wagoneer or the more recent Toyota Sequoia. Jeep’s reference to “open-air freedom” in its press release makes us even more curious. The rear bumper is perfectly aligned with the vertical rear end, and it’s remarkably free from any fake skid plates.
We wish the Grand Wagoneer concept was a little more retro-inspired. The Grand Wagoneer concept’s upright rear end, contrast-painted roof and high windshield recall the Rivian R1S. While the chrome-finished, illuminated grille reminds us a little of the GMC Hummer EVO. For example, your author thinks that the concept is a beautiful SUV but not a grand Wagoneer. Flat beltlines that are parallel to the hood would be a great way to link this machine with its legendary forebear.
In-Cabin Technology
In-cabin technology is one area where the Grand Wagoneer concept excels. The sleekly designed cockpit is full of modern touches , including seven information screens running Uconnect 5. Jeep claims that Uconnect 5 is five times faster than Uconnect 4. The driver is seated behind a 12.3-inch reconfigurable screen, while the passenger has their own 10.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard.
The center stack features a split-screen layout that is similar to Land Rover TouchPro Duo. A 12.1-inch display serves as the primary infotainment screen. The “comfort screen” is a 10.3-inch touchscreen located near the center console. It controls features such as seat massage and lumbar adjustment. A few hard climate controls are joined by a tuning knob and volume knob to provide a few analog inputs that can be used in conjunction with the digitally heavy front cabin.
Rear-seat passengers have their own 10.3 inch center console displays. Although Jeep did not explain the purpose of this feature, we believe it manages climate control and seat controls. A 10.1-inch touchscreen displays is also found on the front seatsbacks for rear-seat entertainment. McIntosh Laboratory audio is featured in the Grand Wagoneer concept. This represents a rare venture into in-car audio.
Sustainable Crafted
All of the technology is housed in a lavishly designed interior. Jeep put a particular emphasis on the interior design of the Grand Wagoneer’s Grand Wagoneer. The dashboard, seats, and door panels, for example, are not made from leather but from PUR synthetic material. The headliner is made from recycled Dinamica suede, and the premium carpets are made with recycled-content Thrive fiber.
The distinctive wing shape of the dashboard is made in structural aluminum. It is also inlaid with 3D surface lacewood. Jeep claims it chose this material to recall the classic SUV’s wood exterior paneling. It also retells the story of the original Grand Wagoneer in a modern manner.
Electricity for the Future
Jeep already promises an electrified version of every model – , including the Wrangler. It makes sense that the Wagoneer will be part of that plan. Although details are not available, the concept features a plug in hybrid powertrain. The Pacifica Hybrid is FCA’s current plug-in, though we are not sure if the vehicle’s 3.6-liter V6 or continuously variable transmission can be found under the Wag. The concept could instead feature a 5.7-liter, plug-in V8 that produces around 450 horsepower and 500 pounds of torque (336 kilowatts, 678 newton meters).
Production-spec Grand Wagoneer models will not offer a plug in powertrain. The long-rumored inline-six could make its FCA debut on Grand Wagoneer. Given that the SUV shares much of its structure and design with the Ram 1500, the eTorque mild hybrid 5.7-liter V8 may be an option. The Jeep brand’s flagship engine will be the plug-in powertrain.
Nearly every Jeep that lacks an SRT has reasonable off-road capabilities, so we don’t expect anything less from the Grand Wagoneer. There are three four-wheel drive systems available, as well as Quadra-Lift air suspension with independent rear and front axles. The company also promises unmatched towing capabilities. The Grand Wagoneer will compete with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon . It is also expected to rival the Lincoln Navigator.
Concept in Name Only
We believe the Grand Wagoneer, which appears to be ready for production, is just a preview of the new SUV. Jeep claims that Wagoneer will be a premium portfolio of vehicles, possibly meaning luxurious variants or a new sub-brand.
The company confirmed that the Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer would be manufactured in Warren, Michigan. Production will begin next year at the same facility that produces the Ram 1500. The Wagoneer, which is a commodity model, will pursue the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Range Rover, while the Grand Wagoneer, which is more luxurious, will be pursuing the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade . We expect the Wagoneer to start at $45,000 and the Grand Wagoneer could cost $60,000.