Wagoneer

Make
Jeep
Segment
SUV

Jeep surprised us all last week with the reveal of several new all-electric products. The Recon will serve as a battery-powered alternative to the Wrangler, there's a baby crossover for Europe and a rather svelte-looking EV with a Wagoneer S badge.

The gas-powered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer remain an integral part of the lineup, and for 2023 the full-size SUVs have been given a nip/tuck to keep them fresh.

Let's begin with the more affordable Wagoneer where three grades are available: Wagoneer, Wagoneer Series II, and Wagoneer Series III. The base model receives a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque.

The mid and top-spec variants are powered by the new Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which promises superior performance and frugality. There's 420 hp and 468 lb-ft up for grabs. Expect a 4xe plug-in hybrid in the coming months.

The Carbide Package is carried over into the new model year, but will only be made available with the Series II trim. Changes are limited to a new black-painted 20-inch wheel design, although 22-inch items are optional. Other distinguishing features include a panoramic sunroof, adjustable roof rails, a cargo cover, and menacing black exterior and interior accents.

Aside from that, the Wagoneer soldiers on unchanged. All models ship standard with the Uconnect 5 system, which boasts Wi-Fi capability, and Android Auto/Apply CarPlay connectivity. Options include the full suite of driver assist features and 360-degree cameras. Jeep proudly points out the Wagoneer's towing capabilities; up to 10,000 lbs gives it a best-in-class rating.

Six exterior colors, including Velvet Red (seen here) are on offer, along with two interior hues - Global Black and Sea Salt/Black.

Moving on to the plusher Grand Wagoneer, we find similar changes have been made. As with the lesser model, there are three grades. The base model is powered by the more muscular 6.4-liter V8 engine with 471 hp and 455 lb-ft, while the Series II And Series III trims enjoy the uprated "Hurricane 510" motor. As the name suggests, this variant produces 510 horses and a considerable 500 lb-ft of torque.

But, if you prefer the rumble of an old-school V8, the Series II and III trims can be had with the 6.4-liter mill, provided you specify the Obsidian package. This was previously reserved for the mid-spec model, but can now be had with the range-topper as well.

In terms of practicality, eight-passenger seating (with a 60/40 split-folding bench for the second row) is now standard on the entry-level and Series II trims. The seven-seater configuration with second-row captains chairs and console remains an option.

The previously mentioned Obsidian package brings plenty of sinister style and luxurious features. On the exterior, you'll find Piano Black accents, 22-inch polished wheels with darkened inserts, and black interior accents. Series II models also receive the 23-speaker McIntosh Reference sound system, ventilated rear seats, the front passenger interactive display, and several other nice-to-haves.

As befitting a Cadillac Escalade rival, the Grand Wagoneer boasts impressive features. The interior is a particular high point, with plenty of soft-touch materials, leather, and technology to play with. Standard equipment includes a wireless charging pad, a digital rearview mirror, and a 360-degree camera system (with night vision and animal/pedestrian detection).

Eight exterior colors and four interior finishes are available, including the rather desirable Blue Agave (pictured below). If you want the soothing color in your Grand Wagoneer cabin, act fast - Jeep says there's limited availability.

Expect both models to hit your local dealership before year-end, with revised pricing to be announced before then.