2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Performance

Jeep has modernized the standard powertrain for the Grand Wagoneer, as Series II and Series III models now come standard with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine that delivers a strong 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The old-school 6.4-liter V8 with 471 hp and 455 lb-ft is still standard on the base model, and available on upper trims. While the V8 needs around six seconds to get from 0-60 mph, the Hurricane will do the same in under five. With the newer Hurricane engine, the Jeep now has the goods to compete with rivals like the Lincoln Navigator.

Four-wheel drive is standard across the Grand Wagoneer range. Jeep's Quadra-Drive II is a full-time 4WD system capable of sending 100% of the available torque to the wheel with the most traction. Most of its rivals still offer an RWD option, so well done to Jeep for making this standard. The figure most prospective customers will likely care about is the tow rating. A standard Wagoneer equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 can tow up to 10,000 lbs. The Grand Wagoneer is just 150 lbs behind, with a claimed towing capacity of 9,850 lbs with the V8, or 9,800 lbs with the Hurricane.

In the base model, Jeep uses an old-school engine mated to a modern gearbox. The Grand Wagoneer needs as many ratios as it can get because the powerband is exceptionally narrow. The peak power of 471 horses is delivered at 6,000 rpm, while the maximum torque of 455 lb-ft only arrives at 4,400 rpm. The maximum engine speed is limited to 6,400 rpm, which means you only get access to the full stable of horses for 400 rpm.

When cruising along, the gearbox ensures that you never reach peak horsepower. It will shift up before you get anywhere near the redline in pursuit of ultimate fuel efficiency. The transmission is much like a well-trained butler, quietly going about its business. But when you need a sudden burst of power, that butler is on hand immediately with a double shot of espresso.

The Hurricane six-cylinder is much better with its 510 hp and 500 lb-ft, and peak torque arrives at 3,500 rpm so it doesn't need to be pushed nearly as hard as the V8. The turbo mill is fairly responsive, but not as sharp as a naturally aspirated engine in this regard.

The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system is standard on the Grand Wagoneer, and it has a two-speed transfer case. You can manually engage low range or select between Auto, Tow, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, or Sport, and the car will do everything for you.

Sport mode might sound tempting, but the Grand Wagoneer is at its best in Auto. In this mode, the car treats the V8 engine like the big lazy lump it is, never quite reaching those final 400 revolutions. Auto mode is not only good for fuel consumption, but it also suits the nature of the car perfectly. Sit back, relax, and keep the engine just above tick over.

The 6.4-liter V8 has been updated with cylinder deactivation to improve gas mileage. This tactic did not work because the Grand Wagoneer V8 has a nearly insatiable appetite for gas, regardless. According to the EPA, you can expect 13/18/15 mpg city/highway/combined. You can see the difference between the 6.4-liter V8 engine and the smaller capacity turbocharged units. The Lincoln Navigator 4WD gets 16/20/17 mpg, while the X7 M60i can manage 16/21/18 mpg. The latter has over 500 hp, remember? Thankfully, the Grand Wagoneer has a large 26.5-gallon tank, which means you can cover just under 400 miles between tanks.

The six-cylinder Hurricane mill is more efficient, returning 14/20/17 mpg. That's still heavy, but it's better when you consider it's also more powerful. With the same tank size, this engine will manage around 450 miles.