The Grand Wagoneer Is a Jeep but Not a Jeep

Can you really Jeep with a Grand Wagoneer, or is it truly not a real Jeep? Does it actually matter that this big and bold SUV competes with luxury models?

The 2022 model year opened up, and Jeep gave us a pair of full-size SUVs with three rows of seats to give us some big and powerful SUVs. Although some people might not see a distinction between the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, they are very different. We’ll cover that question soon enough. Why would some people think the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is not really a Jeep model?

Why Does the Grand Wagoneer not have a Jeep Logo?

The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models aren’t your typical offerings from this brand. These two models sit at the top, premium area of the market, giving us a pair of SUVs that compete with both the mainstream full-size SUVs and the luxury full-size SUVs. The idea with these two models is to create a Jeep sub-brand, which is exactly what Jeep has done. You might not find the Jeep name on either mode, which could be part of why some people think of these big SUVs as Jeeps but not Jeeps.

Is the Grand Wagoneer a Jeep?

Yes, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a Jeep. It brings the qualities that we admire from this brand to head out on the trails for some fun driving and off-road experience. Of course, considering the price of the Grand Wagoneer, you might not want to see this big brute scratched up by tree branches or dinged up by some jutting rocks. Although you could take this big SUV out for some fun on the trails, it’s probably best to stick to wide open spaces where the Grand Wagoneer won’t get hit with off-road wilderness debris.

What does the Grand Wagoneer have that the Wagoneer Doesn’t?

Design

Other brands that have two full-size SUVs differentiate the two models by size. That’s not the case for the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. These two SUVs look identical when positioned next to each other, but there are some differences. The most notable difference from a styling aspect is the bolder grille design of the Grand Wagoneer. This higher-end model also features chrome around the windows, a black-painted roof, copper-colored tinted windows, and more premium LED lighting that does a welcome dance when the remote start is used.

Tons of Screen Acreage

It’s hard to ignore the more than 75 inches of display screen area found inside the Grand Wagoneer. This space offers the driver’s digital cluster, a center infotainment screen, a passenger screen, two rear screens for entertainment, and comfort screens in the first two rows for climate and seat adjustments. There are several screens in the Wagoneer, but the more opulent Grand Wagoneer has more and offers you the glow and function of some incredible technology from inside the cabin of this impressive full-size SUV.

Two Different Powertrains

One of the most important differences between the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer can be found in the powertrains used. The Wagoneer has the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with the e-Torque 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This powertrain delivers 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque. The Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 pounds, making it one of the strongest SUVs in this class.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer receives the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that delivers 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This is enough power to rocket this big brute to 60 mph in six seconds while also delivering a towing capacity of just under 10,000 pounds.

Audio Systems

The Grand Wagoneer includes an amazing McIntosh audio system that has 950 watts and 23 speakers. If desired, you can watch the digitized receiver status needles on the infotainment system, which is a pretty cool feature. This is the standard sound package for this big SUV.

The Wagoneer starts with a pretty nice Alpine nine-speaker audio system, but this system doesn’t hold a candle to the McIntosh system of the Grand Wagoneer. You can opt for a 19-speaker McIntosh system in the Wagoneer, but for the best sound experience, the Grand Wagoneer is the way to go.

Comfort and Seating

You can be very comfortable sitting and riding in the Jeep Wagoneer. This SUV has a three-zone climate control system operated through the infotainment system. As expected, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer outdoes this with a four-zone HVAC system with touchscreens in the first two rows to control the various settings.

The Wagoneer brings Nappa leather upholstery and 12-way power seats for a comfortable seating setup. Of course, the Grand Wagoneer takes things further with Palermo leather on the top trim, and 24-way power-adjustable front eats. The second-row captain’s chairs are standard in the Grand Wagoneer but optional on the Wagoneer.

Jeep Focused on the More Opulent Model First

Jeep started with a strong focus on the Grand Wagoneer to compete with full-size luxury SUVs. This model quickly became the flagship SUV in the Jeep brand lineup. It wasn’t hard for the team to build the Wagoneer; all they had to do was take away some of the high-class features that made the Grand Wagoneer more luxurious than any other SUV from this brand has ever been. The top-level model has become so popular that they barely stay on dealership lots for more than a few days at a time.

Does the Wagoneer Take a Back Seat?

In some ways, the Wagoneer is an overlooked model. While priced quite a bit lower than the Grand Wagoneer, it doesn’t have the same luxury bend, which makes it a bit overlooked. The Wagoneer might take some time to catch on more with consumers. Shoppers looking for a three-row Jeep SUV can choose the Grand Cherokee L, which is a bit more affordable than the Wagoneer. This means the Wagoneer might have gotten a little lost in the sauce, but it could become a strong performer with a bit more push from the brand.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a Jeep, but it s not a Jeep. There aren’t any Jeep logos on this big and opulent SUV, but it brings Jeep performance qualities to the market. Regardless of how you slice it, the Grand Wagoneer is one of the top-level full-size luxury SUVs in the market.