2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Wagoneer L Review: All The Jeep Virtues
Jeep is now filling every conceivable niche with the range of SUVs it offers for sale in the USA, from the tiny subcompact Renegade to the expensive Grand Wagoneer, which competes with Escalades and Navigators. Just below the Grand sits the regular Wagoneer launched just two years ago, sharing the same body-on-frame architecture and Ram 1500-derived platform but at a lower price point and with fewer features and less power. It's meant to take the fight to the more mainstream full-size SUVs such as the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Ford Expedition. The Wagoneer has a leg up on these rivals with its more premium nameplate, a more upscale cabin, and its Jeep off-road heritage. Indeed, it offers no fewer than three 4WD configurations, all linked to a potent 420-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. It's roomy, very comfortable, and can really do off-road stuff, but it handles a bit like the truck it is underneath. Does it have what it takes to upset the established players? Let's find out.
New for 2024
The 2024 Wagoneer base trim says goodbye to the Hemi V8 engine used last year that developed 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. This year, it gets the same twin-turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder engine that was already under the hoods of all the other Wagoneers, the Base L included. The more modern engine develops 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, provides better performance, and is up to 15% more efficient than the V8. This year, the Series III's 2WD derivative is dropped, so it comes with Quadra-Trac II 4WD by default, as well as air suspension. There are still four trims in the range, with all their features and specifications remaining unchanged, except pricing; the base price of the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer increases to just under $63k.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Wagoneer L Price: Which One to Buy
For 2024, the starting price of a new Jeep Wagoneer Base with its new six-cylinder engine increases to $62,945. This is followed by the Series II at $68,945, the Carbide at $72,640, and the Series III at $79,445. These prices are for the base configuration of each trim, which is RWD in the case of the bottom three trims. Adding 4WD to any of them will cost you an additional $3,000. The Series III comes with AWD only, but this system can be further upgraded at an additional cost. These prices are MSRP and exclude the $2,000 destination fee.
If you don't mind living without the Carbide's panoramic sunroof, the Series II is probably the best buy in the range. It looks much smarter than the base car on its larger 20-inch alloys, gets the same leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and hands-free power liftgate, and additionally adds a wireless charging pad. It's a more pleasant drive thanks to its noise-cancelation and ambient interior lighting, and it fills in a few important driver-assist blanks, notably rain-sensing wipers, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Base | Series II | Series III |
---|---|---|
Base | Sweet Spot | Luxury Flagship |
$ 62945 | $ 68945 | $ 79445 |
3.0L twin-turbo I6 (420 hp/468 lb-ft), 8-spd auto, RWD (AWD option) | Equipped with the Base’s features, plus: | Equipped with the Series II’s features, plus: |
18-in. alloys, LED head- & foglights | Machined 20-in. alloys | 4WD only |
Leather upholstery, climate-controlled power front seats | Wireless charging pad | Heated second-row seats & power-reclining third row |
10.1-in. touchscreen with navigation & nine-speaker audio | Nappa leather upholstery | Adaptive air suspension |
Pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert | Adaptive cruise control & lane-keep assist | Head-up display |
Rain-sensing wipers | Automatic high beams |
Interior and Features
The cabin draws from Jeeps old and new and comes with a digital gauge cluster and all the latest tech, packaged in a stylish, upscale cabin.
It's evident inside that the Wagoneer is a Jeep product, but it's one for the 21st century, with large digital displays on the dashboard for the gauge cluster and infotainment. Jeep had the good sense to retain physical controls for the HVAC system. It doesn't get the Alcantara bits and metal pieces found in the Grand Wagoneer, but leather upholstery is standard, and the quality of the fittings and materials are upmarket, coming across as more refined and premium than most rivals. The two-spoke steering wheel is an endearing throwback to Wagoneers of old and carries Wagoneer branding, not Jeep. There are seats for up to eight in the three-row cabin, with plenty of interior space, but the long-wheelbase Wagoneer L adds luggage space only, not passenger space.
With over eight inches of ground clearance, getting inside is easy through the big doors, and all-round visibility is about as good as you'd expect from a tall super-sizer with a sea of pillars. At least you get a backup camera and front and rear parking sensors with automatic stop to help you park the beast, as a surround-view camera is only fitted to higher trims.
Space
The Wagoneer has seating for up to eight people in a 2-3-3 arrangement, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs in a 2-2-3 arrangement. Unlike some rivals such as the Yukon, the Wagoneer doesn't offer any additional legroom in the third row if you opt for the long-wheelbase L derivative, but what there is is class-leading already, and matches what is available from the long-wheelbase Yukon L anyway. The second row is enormous and offers even more legroom than front passengers get, but two adults of shorter stature will be perfectly comfortable in the third row, even on longer journeys. Three across at the back will be a bit tight for shoulder room.
Cargo
Trunk space is abundant, even in the regular-wheelbase Wagoneer, with 27.4 cu-ft available behind the third row of seats. With the 60/40-split third row folded down, 70.8 cu-ft of trunk volume is liberated. With the 40/20/40-split second row stowed as well, up to 116.7 cu-ft is available. In the Wagoneer L, these three figures increase to 42.1, 85.3, and 130.9 cu-ft, respectively. These figures comfortably beat those of the Navigator and run the class-leading Tahoe/Yukon twins fairly close.
There's no shortage of in-cabin stowage spaces, starting with the regular glovebox and four large door pockets. The center console provides a selection of shallow and deep storage bins, a phone rest that becomes a wireless charging pad in all trims above Base, and dual cupholders. Second-row passengers get their own cupholders in the fold-down center armrest and front seatback pockets, while third-row passengers' cupholders are in the side moldings.
Jeep Wagoneer | Jeep Wagoneer L | GMC Yukon | GMC Yukon XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating | 7/8-seater | 7/8-seater | 7/8-seater | 7/8-seater |
Headroom | 41.3 in. front 40 in. 2nd row 39 in. 3rd row | 41.3 in. front 40 in. 2nd row 39.1 in. 3rd row | 40.4-42.3 in. front 37.5-38.9 in. 2nd row 38.2 in. 3rd row | 40.4-42.3 in. front 37.5-38.9 in. 2nd row 38.2 in. 3rd row |
Legroom | 40.9 in. front 42.7 in. 2nd row 36.6 in. 3rd row | 40.9 in. front 42.7 in. 2nd row 36.6 in. 3rd row | 44.5 in. front 42 in. 2nd row 34.9 in. 3rd row | 44.5 in. front 42 in. 2nd row 36.7 in. 3rd row |
Trunk Space | 27.4-116.7 ft³ | 42.1-130.9 ft³ | 25.5-122.9 ft³ | 41.5-144.7 ft³ |
Materials and Colors
The Base's seats are upholstered in perforated Capri leather with smooth bolsters, and the cabin comes in two interior colors - Global Black or Sea Salt/black. The Series II and Series III upgrade to Nappa leather in the same two color schemes and also get leather inserts in the doors. In keeping with its dark theme, the Carbide's cabin and Nappa leather come in black only. The steering wheel is heated and trimmed in premium leatherette and the headliner is made from cloth.
Features and Infotainment
Despite being of a lower price class than the truly luxurious Grand Wagoneer, the regular Wagoneer is very well-equipped and excellent value for money. Even at the base level, you get keyless entry, push-button start, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats, a power tilting/sliding second row, tri-zone climate control, a configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a hands-free power liftgate. As you move up the ranks, even more premium Nappa leather makes an appearance, as do heated rear seats, a wireless charging pad, and much more.
The Uconnect 5C NAV infotainment system comprises a 10.1-inch touchscreen in the center stack, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight USB ports, SiriusXM Radio, TomTom Traffic and Travel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. The Series III can optionally be specced with the Premium Group, which includes a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The $2,595 Rear-Seat Entertainment Group package is available on all trims and includes dual 10.1-inch rear screens, a video USB port, and Amazon Fire TV.
Base | Series II | Series III | |
---|---|---|---|
Leather upholstery | S | S | S |
Climate-controlled power front seats | S | S | S |
Heated second-row seats | O | O | S |
Wireless charging pad | O | O | S |
19-speaker McIntosh audio system | N/A | N/A | O |
Performance
Charismatic it might have been, but the old Hemi V8 won’t be missed, so punchy, refined, and efficient is the Hurrican six-cylinder.
The same Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine from last year does duty again. It develops 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque and sends its power to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The boosted six-pot emulates the torque of a big V8 and endows the big brute with strong performance; in fact, the Jeep Wagoneer's 0-60 sprint of around 5.5 seconds is at the top of the class. Top speed is limited to around 117 mph. Four drivetrain configurations are offered, the lower three trims coming with rear-wheel drive as standard, with Quadra-Trac I full-time all-wheel drive with a single-speed transfer case optional. The Series III comes only with Quadra-Trac II active 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and hill-descent control. The fourth option is optional on the Series III, and it's the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with an electronic limited-slip rear diff and two-speed transfer case, a configuration that allows impressive off-road feats, helped by up to ten inches of ground clearance available with the air suspension. Trailering is class-leading, with a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds with the factory tow hitch fitted.
The Wagoneer is of body-on-frame construction. Jeep fits independent rear suspension and stiffens the structure for this SUV application, and the result is a car that drives with excellent composure for a truck-based SUV. Ride quality is very good, especially on the air suspension, even though there are still a few residual truck-like jiggles and shudders when traversing big bumps. It even handles well, though there's quite a bit of lean, and you have to make sure the big body settles before the next change of direction, or it can feel a bit at sea, which is par for the course in this class. The steering is pleasingly precise, and the brakes are very responsive, making the big car very easy to drive, if not park.
Fuel Efficiency
The Jeep Wagoneer's mpg figures are very good, with the EPA's estimates for the city/highway/combined cycles coming in at 17/24/20 mpg for all the RWD trims and 16/23/19 mpg for all the 4WD trims, regardless of body. That's a sizable 2-mpg improvement in combined gas mileage over last year's 5.7-liter Hemi V8, while easily bettering the figures of the Ford and Chevy/GMC competition, too.
The regular Wagoneer has a 26.5-gallon fuel capacity, allowing for a range of 504-530 miles, while the Wagoneer L's 30.5-gallon tank extends those range figures to 580-610 miles.
3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Gas 8-Speed Automatic RWD | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Gas 8-Speed Automatic 4WD | |
---|---|---|
Power | 420 hp | 420 hp |
Top speed | 117 mph | 117 mph |
MPG | 17 / 24 / 20mpg | 16 / 23 / 19 mpg |
0-60 | Est. 5.5 sec. | Est. 5.5 sec. |
Safety
Safety standards are high, and though no crash results are available, even base Wagoneers get the basic driver-assistance kit.
There's no NHTSA or IIHS safety review of the Jeep Wagoneer, but it's a brand-new design, so we're expecting decent results. It's not directly comparable, but the Ram 1500 from which the Wagoneer derives its frame received a 2022 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, so we're hoping that the Wagoneer will be at least in the same league, if not better.
The standard safety suite is comprehensive, with the Series I being equipped with a backup camera, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, rain brake support, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Series II additionally gains adaptive cruise control with stop, rain-sensing wipers, and active lane-keep assist, items that are optional on the Series I as part of the Convenience Group, along with automatic high beams (standard on the Series III only), side-distance warning, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a surround-view camera. The Series III also comes with a head-up display.
Base | Series II | Series III | |
---|---|---|---|
Front-collision alert with braking | S | S | S |
Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert | S | S | S |
Adaptive cruise control with stop | O | S | S |
Head-up display | O | O | S |
Surround-view camera | O | O | O |
Reliability
JD Power's 2023 and 2024 ratings for the Jeep Wagoneer's Quality & Reliability aren't available yet, but it was a rather poor 65 out of 100 in its 2022 launch year, so we hope it's improved since. It's looking increasingly good on the recall front, with no recalls so far for the 2024 Wagoneer. The 2023 model was recalled three times, for a blank backup-camera display, B-pillar trim that may interfere with airbag deployment, and an inaccessible seatbelt assembly. This is a clear improvement over 2022, when it was recalled six times.
There's nothing special about the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer's warranty, which is average at best. The limited warranty is valid for three years/36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty for five years/60,000 miles, but at least three years of complimentary servicing is included.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Design
The Wagoneer has a distinctive seven-slot grille and various styling cues borrowed from the latest Grand Cherokee. It's still a big, practical box on wheels, so calling it stylish is perhaps a bridge too far, but it's attractive in this class, and its detailing and modern slim-line LED headlights give off a premium air. The 18-inch wheels on the Series I look too small, but the 20s on the rest of them (up to 22s are available) fill out the wheel arches better. Roof rails and a power liftgate are standard, but the huge three-pane panoramic sunroof is standard on the Carbide only and optional on the rest as part of a package. The Carbide gets blacked-out wheels, headlights, and exterior trim, but it's still available in all the exterior colors.
Verdict: Is The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer A Good SUV?
Until the arrival of the Wagoneer as a 2022 model, there hadn't been a full-size Jeep SUV for years, but the automaker comes into the segment swinging here. The Wagoneer delivers an excellent car with good looks, actual off-road ability, a spacious, upscale interior, and an efficient six-cylinder engine. It's an excellent effort and more premium than its mainstream rivals. It's also more expensive than they are, and if you're on a budget, the roomier Suburban/Yukon twins are hard to ignore. But if you have your heart set on a Jeep product in this class, rest assured that it's a class act.