Driving report Jeep Wagoneer 4×4: A massive comeback

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When we think of large Jeep off-road vehicles, the first thing that comes to mind is the Grand Cherokee. Some may still remember Commander, which aimed to open new sales groups in the upper segments ten years ago but failed. And in North America, there’s the Grand Cherokee’s big brother, the Wagoneer. It will be re-released there and will also come to us in Europe from 2025.

Introduced in 1962, the Wagoneer was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle with an automatic transmission, making it a forerunner of today’s SUVs. Twenty years later in 1984, the Grand Wagoneer marked the beginning of the era of luxury SUVs in America, with exclusive features such as electrically adjustable leather seats, air conditioning and an audio system.

«The original Grand Wagoneer was the first premium SUV. Its timeless design helped it win a place in many hearts,” recalls Jeep chief designer Ralph Gilles. «Our new Wagoneer is inspired by the original but with a modern interpretation. We wanted an elegant design with a timeless silhouette that stands firm with countless, beautifully designed details.”

Jeep is unusually confident when it comes to positioning in the US domestic market. With a starting price of around $63,000, the Wagoneer is now nearly twice the price of the Grand Cherokee (starting at $35,000).

6-cylinder twin-turbo instead of V8

Unlike a few years ago, the Wagoneer’s top engine is not a V8 but a three-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbocharged gasoline engine with 420 hp (308 kW) and 636 Nm of torque. The once image-rich 5.7-liter V8, with its 392 hp (288 kW) power, is now used only in discontinued models. The even larger Wagoneer L, with a wheelbase of 3.30 meters instead of 3.12 meters, uses a 6.4-liter V8 with approximately 480 hp.

But the six-cylinder engine works powerfully and smoothly in conjunction with the eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the 2.6-plus-ton Wagoneer confidently. You can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just under seven seconds and continue up to a top speed of 200 km/h. Standard consumption should be just under 13 litres; Therefore, thanks to the 100-litre tank, there is approximately 600 kilometers to the next refueling stop.

Its chassis is comfortable enough to be expected from a luxury model in this league that will compete with the Cadillac Escalade, which has been successful in America for years. Air suspension is also available, with which the ground clearance can be adjusted variably if desired. The steering could be more direct, but it suits the relaxed character of the six-seater very well. Of course, the new Wagoneer is also a real Jeep. Not only does it offer 4×4 and impressive ground clearance, which it compensates for with steps that can be extended electrically when stationary, but it also compensates with a technology package that leaves all possibilities open, even off-road, with fine-tuned driving programs.

5.45 meters long, weighing 2.6 tons

The luxury of the 5.45 meter long Jeep Wagoneer is impressive. A screen more than one meter long stretches the entire width of the dashboard: The animated driver information display behind the steering wheel measures just 31 centimeters. The touchscreen on the center console, which acts as the main monitor, is equally large and is combined with a 26-centimeter touchscreen mounted horizontally below it. In addition, a touch screen of the same size is offered to the passenger. Each passenger in the second row of seats also has their own 26-centimeter infotainment touch screen. There are also air-conditioned and electrically adjustable comfortable seats made of leather at the front, sustainable materials and remarkable workmanship in the interior.

There’s still 775 liters of space in the cargo area behind the two third-row seats. On the other hand, if you fold the third row and turn the Wagoneer into a generously sized four-seater, the boot with a flat load area offers just over 2000 liters more space than any large European station wagon.

Source: Blick