Pricing for the 2022 Wagoneer starts at $80,995 in Canada and $58,995 in the US.
The Wagoneer is a remarkably crafted and designed premium SUV.
Five years ago, it would have crushed the segment.

The whole time I had the all-new Wagoneer in my possession, I could not help thinking about how wrong this massive 5.5-meter-long 3-row full-size SUV is. By the same token, I could not believe how good the SUV was.

2022 Wagoneer Series II | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

Automakers are in a bind – make that numerous binds. One is selling their current crop of petrol-powered vehicles, from compact SUVs to ginormous trucks. Meanwhile, consumers are dealing with some of the highest gasoline prices in history meaning that these SUVs are handicapped in a way. But even so, they are selling and the Stellantis offerings are spectacular.

The 2022 Wagoneer (2023 pricing and info available at the time of the review) is the mid-point in Jeep’s SUV lineup, slotting between the Grand Cherokee L (GCL) and the Grand Wagoneer (GW). Visually, designers have made sure that this was the case. Where the Grand Cherokee was bland and uninspiring (quite opposite to the regular Grand Cherokee) and the stunning Grand Wagoneer, the lesser Wagoneer has plenty of presence without flash.

Handsome inside and out

2022 Grand Wagoneer First Drive Review: Massively Good Entry in the Massively Lucrative Full-Size Luxury SUV Segment

As with the GW, the Wagoneer is covered in styling cues inspired by the original luxury SUV. The front and rear fascias are especially endearing. From the signature seven-slat grille, rear-most upswept glass trim, to the tailgate’s “W A G O N E E R” badge and chrome brow, it looks great.

Opening the Wagoneer’s doors reveals a world of class. With more attention to detail and better craftsmanship than Ford or GM, the Stellantis-built SUV has the nicest most premium cabin in the segment. It easily matches Mercedes-Benz, outshines Cadillac, and only falls short of what BMW does – this is praise indeed.

There’s more room onboard than what most families could ever hope to need. Legroom, headroom, elbowroom, and all other “rooms” are beyond generous even all the way in the third row. When the latter is in use, boot space is still useable 800 litres but when stowed, the trunk can serve as winter storage for your summer car. In all seriousness, owners have access to a cavernous 2,000 litres.

The level of kit is huge even for the base Series II model. At just shy of $81k, the SUV throws in a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, perforated Nappa leather seats, cooled and heated front seats, and countless other features.

While steep, the Series II pricing does include all the must-have features that are optional in the Chevrolet Tahoe for example. The only thing missing is the adaptive air suspension which is part of the Convenience group. The package also adds a significant amount of equipment for $4,695 but the suspension is most important.

V8 + air = dreamy ride

For the moment, the only available engine to power the Wagoneer is Stellantis’ naturally-aspirated 5.7-litre HEMI V8. With eTorque mild-hybrid technology, it delivers 392 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels (Quadra-Trac I 4×4 system with Selec-Terrain) via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Hemi is perfectly at ease pushing and pulling the Wagoneer around.

As I said in my Grand Wagoneer, the only “consequence” is fuel consumption which will, no matter the driving style or conditions, hover near 17L/100km. This is a 6,200-lb SUV after all but the weight plays in favour of this truck’s overall refinement.

The V8’s got plenty of get-up and is glass-smooth. The transmission’s shifts are imperceptible, and the ride quality is spectacular. The available air suspension and adaptive dampers extend the Wagoneer’s abilities from cruiser to off-road-capable. While it’s unlikely anyone will ever truly test out the Wagoneer’s actual off-road capabilities, it’s always nice to know you could if you wanted to. And if you do want to, you can tow 10,000 lbs with your big SUV with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.

The Quadra-Lift air suspension and adjoining dampers’ real reason for existing is leveling out the Earth’s rough crust. The chassis’ settings, when left in Auto and figuring out what it needs to do based on driving conditions, promote comfort above all. Cosseting and refined, the Wagoneer is supremely comfortable – an ideal road partner for endless summer road trips.

It is brilliant

I still find myself debating on whether I would select a GM truck or a Wagoneer if I was in the market for one of these ultimate full-size SUVs. Both are so similar and engineered to perform the same tasks that it comes down to logo preferences. If you ask me right now, I’d take a Wagoneer but that would probably change after a week with a Chevrolet Tahoe Z71.

If GM, Ford, and Stellantis put as much thought into electric versions of these full-size 3-row SUVs, it’ll be anyone’s game.