Overview
Without a three-row SUV in its line-up, Jeep has been losing out to offerings like the Volkswagen Atlas and the Hyundai Palisade, both of which offer extra third-row seating. The Grand Wagoneer Jeep’s future flagship Wagoneer product line, with the Grand Wagoneer being a three-row, plug-in hybrid-electric full-size SUV that mixes luxurious, old-world artisan touches with class-leading interior space and towing capacity, more digital displays that you can shake a finger at, and lots of technology built in.
Although details are still filtering through, for now, we know that the Grand Wagoneer will be built at Fiat Chrysler’s (FCA) Michigan plant. The new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is expected to share componentry with the latest Ram 1500 and to be built alongside the Ram HD. Heavily camouflaged test mules have been spotted sporting independent rear suspensions, which should free up space for a third row and position the Grand Wagoneer alongside premium SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator.
Jeep promises three different four-wheel-drive systems to choose from, along with its Quadra-Lift air suspension to keep passengers comfortable over the type of terrain you’d hope to see a Grand Wagoneer tackle.
What will the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offer?
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a completely redesigned the exterior and interior for Jeep. Jeep also offers two different wheelbase models for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. A short wheelbase model will come on sale in the summer of 2021, and an extended wheelbase model will arrive later this year.
Exterior
The new Grand Wagoneer’s grille “acknowledges” the hood, now with Grand Wagoneer lettering placed in this slightly wider portion of the brow above the grille and headlights. Unlike the original, signature LED lighting illuminates each of the grille’s slots. As you approach the Grand Wagoneer, a welcome lighting sequence illuminates the exterior and interior of the SUV.
Viewed from the side, the new Grand Wagoneer has black windshield pillars stretching up into a black roof, with body-colour roof pillars and chrome window surrounds clearly defining the SUV’s greenhouse. Power deploying running boards are out of sight when they’re not in use, and each front door has Grand Wagoneer lettering complete.
The rear LED taillights wrap around the SUV’s corners into the power tailgate, creating a wide frame for the license plate beneath the nearly vertical rear window. Reflectors live in the lower diffuser panel on the rear bumper, which incorporates a subtle rear skid plate. Huge lettering identifies this Jeep from behind.
Interior
Jeep wanted to emphasize sustainability by using black glass, aluminium, heat-treated lacewood, premium carpet made of Thrive fibre, synthetic leather, and simulated suede. Expect many of these materials in the production version of the SUV, too.
Jeep is promising “best in class” overall passenger volume in extended-length versions of the Grand Wagoneer, complete with three rows of seating that easily accommodate people 6’4” in height. The Grand Wagoneer, equipped with captain’s chairs separated by a large console, holds seven people. As standard or optional equipment, production versions will likely offer an 8-passenger seating arrangement with a second-row bench seat.
In the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, diamond-perforated upholstery is wrapped around seats that look similar to the original Grand Wagoneer. They offer heating, ventilation, and massage. The center console has individual armrests for maximum comfort. The driver faces a 2-spoke steering wheel, and ambient cabin lighting is customizable for color and brightness.
Entertainment system
Jeep’s modern design interpretation includes a fully digital cockpit with multiple screens, haptic controls, and limited buttons. There are 44” of screens spanning the length of the instrument panel. They are nicely integrated in a black glass casing rather than stuck into the dash.
The cavalcade of screens includes a 12.3” driver display, a 12.1” centre touchscreen, and a 10.3” screen below it with comfort controls for temperature and seats. That bottom screen articulates out of the way to reveal hidden storage underneath. The final screen is a novelty. It is a 10.3-inch passenger touchscreen with a privacy film integrated into the glass so the driver cannot watch the movies or other content playing on the passenger screen.
Infotainment is powered by FCA’s Uconnect 5 system, claimed to be five times faster than the previous system. The setup can be customized, and there are even “Relax” modes that include a crackling fireplace and an image of gliding over the earth.
In addition three screens populate the second row, with a 10.1” screen between the front seats, with individual 10.1” touchscreens for entertainment directly ahead of each second-row captain’s chair. Sadly, third-row occupants are out of luck, despite Jeep claiming room for full-grown adults in the rearmost seats. The main display screens run FCA’s latest Uconnect 5 infotainment software, which the automaker claims run five times quicker than Uconnect 4 and allow for greater user customization. There is even a mode we were shown in which all infotainment displays show a crackling fireplace.
