2022 Jeep Wagoneer

The Wagoneer uses a similar suspension setup as the Ram 1500, widely recognized as the most refined truck available. It has double wishbones up front and multi-link coil-springs at the rear. This basic setup is already good enough to make the Wagoneer feel relaxed and compliant over bad surfaces. The Series II uses the basic suspension mentioned above, while the Series III gains the Quadra-Lift air suspension. The latter further enhances the comfort levels to a point where the Wagoneer now sits at the pinnacle of what can be done with a body-on-frame SUV. It's certainly a giant leap forward compared to the likes of the Nissan Armada and Toyota Land Cruiser.

There's no getting around the fact that the Wagoneer is a big SUV, though. To compensate for this, Jeep developed a variable steering system. The steering is extremely light, making it easy to move around in tight spaces. At higher speeds, the steering becomes heavier and requires less input. As for off-roading, the Wagoneer can do it. We mentioned the impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles earlier, which work a charm when combined with the Quadra-Drive II system that has low range and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

If you have no need for such hardcore features, you can select from a basic, and slightly more advanced 4WD system. Quadra-Trac I is a full-time system that does everything for you, while Quadra-Trac II comes with a transfer case with low range. We don't really see the point of the middle option as most Wagoneer customers fall into two categories: the off-roaders who will be happy to pay for the optional Advanced All-Terrain Package, and the city slickers who won't really care if they have 2WD or the basic 4WD with Quadra-Trac I.

In our review, we found the Wagoneer to be a brilliant SUV, taking the fight directly to the Europeans and emerging victorious. Similarly sized rivals from BMW and Mercedes cost anywhere from $75,000 to $100,000, and that's before you start adding options. Jeep simply gives you loads of kit as standard, with only the high-end stuff left on the options menu.

We also like the model selection. The Series II, which comes standard with Quadra-Trac I in 4x4 guise, is perfect for the family who wants a large luxury SUV that can provide additional grip when it snows or rains. It can be ordered with an off-road pack, which is perfect for the more adventurous family that likes exploring in comfort and style. The V8 engine is powerful and the tow rating is impressive. It uses a lot of fuel, but large SUVs always do.

There's also an emotional side to the purchase of a Wagoneer. It's a beloved name, right up there with the likes of Mustang, Miata, GTI, Wrangler, and Defender. We won't deny that it feels good to have a proper USA competitor that can stand toe-to-toe with European cars when it comes to quality and luxury.

There's a significant price gap between the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer. A top-spec Wagoneer Series III retails for $73,845, while the base Grand Wagoneer Series I costs $87,845. That's a $14,000 difference, so what does the Grand Wagoneer offer? It has distinctive front and rear fascias, a more extensive 12.3-inch infotainment system, the McIntosh 19-speaker sound system, 24-way power-adjustable front seats, a standard air suspension, automated parking, Quadra-Trac II, a tri-pane sunroof, and a 6.4-liter V8 with 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The smaller 5.7-liter in the Wagoneer only produces 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. As a matter of interest, we added all of the available optional extras to the Wagoneer Series II 4x4 to see if it comes in at a better price than the base Grand Wagoneer. The price difference is around $2,000, so we'd just bite the bullet and get the more luxurious entry-level Grand Wagoneer.

The Grand Cherokee L is perfect for those who want three rows at a more affordable price. Pricing for the Grand Cherokee L starts at $36,995, and there's a large selection of models going up to the 4x4 only Summit Reserve. We don't think you'd feel cheated opting for the more affordable Grand Cherokee L. The Summit 4x4 retails for just over $58,000. For that, you get Nappa leather seats, quad-zone climate control, 16-way power-adjustable seats with a massage function, and a driver assistance suite that consists of everything you get on the Wagoneer, but also a 360-degree camera system. The Summit also comes standard with the new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system with a nine-speaker sound system. On the downside, it ships standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, asking for an additional $3,295 to upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 (sans mild-hybrid assistance). The Grand Cherokee L is not as spacious, but it does have a third row that's suitable for adults. If you can afford a Wagoneer, it's worth going for, but the average consumer is a bit more careful after a somewhat tumultuous 2020. The Grand Cherokee L is not as much of a downgrade as you'd expect.