In 2011, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that the Jeep Grand Wagoneer would be reborn for the 2013 model year—after a 22-year hiatus. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. And after then-CEO Sergio Marchionne passed away in 2018, many consumers and industry experts assumed that the dreams of a new Grand Wagoneer went with him. Until now.
FCA has recently announced plans for a 2022 Grand Wagoneer that will aim to offer consumers something unique in a market crowded with look-alike SUVs. It’s expected to be a full-size, three-row SUV that competes with the Land Rover Range Rover, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and the like. And according to the official concept photos, it appears to combine modern luxuries with old-world artisan design.
It’s worth noting that while the next generation of the Grand Wagoneer is on its way, it’s not set for production until summer 2021. As such, all of the information we have is based solely on the concept and details provided to the public by FCA. Fortunately, that information—along with a healthy dose of speculation—gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect from the upcoming luxury SUV.
Below, we’ll recount a brief history of the iconic Jeep Grand Wagoneer before diving into what we can look forward to with its 2022 reemergence.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The first Jeep Wagoneer debuted in 1963, and the manufacturer considered it their first full-size vehicle (FSJ). The Wagoneer wasn’t just a first of its kind for Jeep; the automobile market itself had never seen anything quite like it. And in 1966, Jeep released the Super Wagoneer, which was loaded with luxury features like power brakes, power steering, tilt steering, high-end radio, and more. Up to that point, no truck-like vehicle had ever offered features like that. The success of the Super Wagoneer showed Jeep that it was possible to compete in the upscale market.
AMC purchased Jeep in 1970, after which the manufacturer decided to focus its production on the more basic Cherokee and Wagoneer models. Over the years, however, AMC realized that there was a consistent market for a more upscale Wagoneer; the vehicle’s rugged appearance fused with a comfortable daily commute had attracted higher-income consumers in droves.
Fast-forward to the late 70s, and the Wagoneer Limited entered the scene—full wood panels and all. The Limited added numerous modern conveniences, along with a smoother and quieter ride than on previous models. This model produced substantial sales over the next few years, and in 1982, it received an interior overhaul including leather bucket seats, air conditioning, and a bunch of electric assist features. In short, it was making a seamless transition into a market dominated by the likes of Cadillac.
During this time, AMC was experiencing financial turmoil, and the success of the more upscale Wagoneer was not enough to save the company from going under. As a result, the all-new compact Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was born, and it was decided that the Wagoneer lineup would be condensed to a single full-size model. Carrying over most of the features loved about the Limited, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer nameplate surfaced in 1984.
Only minor changes were made to the styling and mechanics of the Grand Wagoneer from there on out—even after Chrysler bought out Jeep in 1987. Nonetheless, sales were steady for the model, which lived in a price category with other station wagons like those manufactured by Volvo.
By 1991, however, the Grand Wagoneer’s poor fuel economy, lack of technological features, and the emergence of new federal safety standards, among other factors, resulted in the model’s discontinuation. Shortly thereafter, the arrival of the Lincoln Navigator, Mercedez-Benz M-Class, and other models ushered in a new era of luxury SUVs—one that exchanged off-road capabilities for more interior room and a softer ride.
Despite being discontinued, however, the Grand Wagoneer has maintained a following of fans for its throwback design, unique character, and a stellar reputation. Furthermore, a new generation of fans has emerged, making this the perfect time to resurrect the first-ever luxo-truck.
THE EXTERIOR
Now, let’s discuss everything we know about the up-and-coming 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer concept, starting with the exterior design:
Throwback Design
If you’re expecting a complete rebirth of a vintage Grand Wagoneer, you might be sorely disappointed. According to the concept images released, the 2022 model looks like a modern luxury vehicle. However, that’s not to say that Jeep isn’t going to include any nods to the vehicle’s predecessors. The iconic seven-slot grille is present, and there is genuine teak wood inside the headlight housings. Other classic Jeep features include tow hooks, trapezoid wheel arches, and a front skid plate.
Modern Touches
It may not look like a Grand Wagoneer from the 60s, but the appearance of the 2022 concept can be summed up in one word: awesome. According to FCA Head of Design, Ralph Gilles, “The Grand Wagoneer Concept is inspired by the original, but with a modern interpretation of luxury and freedom. We strived to create an elegant design with a timeless silhouette, featuring countless beautifully crafted details that come together to give it an undeniable presence.” Indeed, it appears that Jeep has succeeded.
The new seven-slot grille is highlighted by Obsidian Black and impressive latticework; LED bulbs illuminate it from behind. The gigantic 24-inch aluminum wheels and front skid plate are also adorned in Obsidian Black. “WAGONEER” lettering stretches across the wider portion of the brow above the LED headlights and grille.
From the side of the Grand Wagoneer, you can see its greenhouse outlined by black windshield pillars extending to the black roof, as well as body-color roof pillars and chrome window trims. When activated, power-deploying running boards are also visible, and the front doors have an American Flag emblem alongside Wagoneer lettering.
The back of the luxury SUV makes some pronouncements of its own. The power liftgate is greeted by wrap-around rear LED taillights. The rear window is almost vertical, and the license plate sits on a wide frame. A skid plate is incorporated in the rear bumper, and the lower diffuser panel houses reflectors. As a finishing statement, massive Wagoneer lettering extends across the rear fascia between the rear window and tail lights.
THE INTERIOR
Moving inside, the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is nothing if not impressive. Let’s see how Jeep managed to achieve sustainability, along with uncompromised luxury, comfort, and convenience:
Cabin Materials
Sustainability is a focus in the Grand Wagoneer’s interior. An aluminum structural trim piece—which is fashioned with heat-treated lacewood inlays—stretches across the entire length of the dashboard. The ventilation trims, speaker grilles, and shift knob also contain the raw aluminum material, as does the Grand Wagoneer emblem above the passenger glove box. Paying homage to the original Wagoneer, an aluminum plate inscribed with “1963” adheres to each end of the dashboard behind the front doors. Jeep makes plenty of use of wood and black glass on the dash as well.
Passenger Volume and Comfort
Promising class-leading overall interior volume, the Grand Wagoneer will be available in an extended-length version. There are three rows, including two bucket seats in the second row, that should fit seven passengers up to 6’4” quite easily. It’s expected that an eight-passenger configuration will be offered, which would mean a bench seat in the second row.
The seats in the new Grand Wagoneer resemble the original version. They come with diamond-perforated leather, heating, massage, and ventilation options. There’s a two-spoke steering wheel, and the driver and passenger each have an armrest on the center console. Lighting is brought to the next level in this cabin; customizable color and brightness settings allow for the ultimate ambiance.
Technology
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is expected to come with FCA’s new Uconnect 5 infotainment software. The Uconnect 4 software has been widely recognized as a leader in the industry for its efficiency and user-friendliness, and Jeep claims that Uconnect 5 is five times faster while offering more user-customization options. Just as impressive, the Grand Wagoneer’s cabin looks like it’s suited for space travel. Roughly 75 inches of touchscreens are distributed throughout:
- A 12.3-inch driver instrumental panel
- A 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen atop the center stack for entertainment, navigation, etc.
- A 10.25-inch passenger display
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate and seat control on the bottom of the center stack.
- Individual 10.1-inch touchscreens on the back of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats
- A 10.1-inch touchscreen on the second row’s center console for climate and seat control
In other words, it appears that Jeep isn’t holding anything back in terms of technology. Yet, somehow the Grand Wagoneer’s interior still looks clean and classy.
THE MECHANICS
We also know a little about what’s going on under the 2022 Grand Wagoneer’s hood:
Ram 1500 Platform
Rather than a unibody structure like the Cherokee or Grand Cherokee, the 2022 Grand Wagoneer will use a body-on-frame platform. Most likely, it will share underpinnings with the Ram 1500 pickup truck, which means that its off-road prowess will be hard to match for others in its class. Of course, necessary modifications will be made to this platform to give buyers the ride comfort they can expect in a luxury SUV.
Engines and Transmissions
Since they are sharing a platform, the Grand Wagoneer will probably offer the same engines and transmissions as the Ram 1500. Following this logic, the base model would come with the latest 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 305 horsepower. However, most models will likely be powered by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that produces almost 400 hp, along with the eTorque electric hybrid option. It’s also possible that the SUV will offer the 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel, which would provide better fuel efficiency. Moreover, it’s expected that all Grand Wagoneer engines will be paired with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission; all models should be available in rear- or four-wheel-drive as well.
THE COST
Finally, the Grand Wagoneer will come in two lengths. The short-base model is expected to start at around $75,000, which is comparable to the base models of competitors like the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ($77,490) and Lincoln Navigator ($77,480). The long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer will likely start at about $80,000, which is similar to the Escalade ESV ($80,490) and Navigator L ($86,220). Loaded with upgrades, the Grand Wagoneer will easily hit the $100,000 mark.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Jeep is not simply aiming to compete in the luxury full-size SUV market. Its mission is to disrupt it. Along with the many luxuries and smooth ride Jeep is promising for the Grand Wagoneer, the new SUV has something else that its competitors don’t appear to have: legitimate off-road capabilities. In that sense, these estimated prices for the Grand Wagoneer really don’t seem so steep compared to others in its class.
Conclusion
Yes, it’s really happening. After years and years of rumors that never proved true, Jeep is resurrecting the Grand Wagoneer, with an official production date scheduled for summer 2021. While it pays homage to the original model in certain areas, there’s no question that the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is embracing the now. And if it looks and performs half as well as the concept suggests, then it stands a real shot at imitating the solid sales of its predecessor. Right now, all we can do is wait and see what happens in production!
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