When your needs are for a family-oriented SUV with the luxuries of home, yet be docile and off-roadable if in the least for snowy weather, Jeep has an answer.
Jeep’s 2024 full-size Grand Wagoneer L is their crème de la crème of 4WD SUVs. It goes up against comparable SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition Max, Chevrolet Suburban, Land Rover Defender and perhaps a few more pricey imports.
The Grand Wagoneer come in standard length and L extended length. For 2024 the 4WD models range from Wagoneer L, Series II, Obsidian, Series III and Series III Obsidian that we were privileged to test. And newly added is a Carbide edition.
The Grand Wagoneer shares Jeep’s traditional, rugged SUV family look. It’s big and burly with an overall length of 226.7 inches.
Jeep interior designers did a superb job on the interior and to make ingress/egress easier, powered running boards are included for a low 8.5 inches or 11 if the air suspension is at its maximum level. Adjustable pedals are another convenience item.
Once inside, beautifully patterned heated/cooled, sumptuously padded and supportive Palermo leather, 24-way seats even have a massage function. And the second row heated/cooled captain’s chairs power tilt-and-slide fore and aft for easier ingress/egress into the third-row seats that can comfortably seat two adults or three youngsters for seven passenger capability. There’s a second-row bench seat for 8 passenger seating.
Grand Wagoneer’s vertical stack is a sight to behold. You’d think it came from a Gulfstream jet with its twin digital displays. The top 12-inch, split-screen configurable touchscreen offers five user profiles, serves a host of features and functions like audio, cameras, HVAC functions, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, 4G Wi-Fit Hotspot, GPS navigation, satellite radio, Wagoneer Uconnect services and more. The lower display selects seat functions for driver/passenger up/down lumbar support, in/out lumbar functions plus back and thigh bolster. Below it are added HVAC function switches. The overall system requires some seat time with the owner’s manual to learn all its extensive capabilities and features.
Below it is the rotary gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission and it’s flanked by a toggle mode selector switch for Rock, Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto, Sport modes, and a toggle on its right for the adjustable air suspension system for a maximum ground clearance of 10.8 inches that allows Wagoneer L to ford up to 24 inches of water. The standard air suspension is also helpful in leveling the Wagoneer when carrying a heavy load. For off-roading or deep snow, Wagoneer has a 4WD Low gear, rear limited-slip differential and front axle disconnect to negotiate uneven, rocky terrain.
Over on the huge digital gauge cluster, it’s vivid and serves a host of features, functions, alerts and drive modes.
Anther neat feature is a digital rearview mirror where the driver can see the kids in the rear seats and it has a zoom feature to see a specific seat. And there are twin 10.1-inch video screens to pacify rear seat passengers on long trips.
As Wagoneer L has a long body, ParkSense Active Park Assist is a self-park feature for parallel and perpendicular parking. It may come in handy for this boat.
Back in the cargo area and with the third-row seats upright, there’s 44.2 cubic feet of space that measures 36 inches deep, 50 wide and 35 high. Flip them and capacity expands to 88.8 cubic feet for 71 inches of loading depth. Flip the second row and capacity increases 112.9 cubic feet for 102 inches (9 feet) of loading depth. Jeep says a 4×8 sheet of plywood can be carried, however the load floor is not entirely flat at the tall second row console interferes somewhat. Beneath the cargo floor is a 3-inch deep bin for small item storage.
Grand Wagoneer’s hefty 6,704 curb weight is nicely handled by Jeep’s Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6 that generates a whopping 510-hp and 500 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 14 city, 19-highway mpg with auto start/stop engine technology. Coupled to the 8-speed trans, Wagoneer L carries a tow rating of 9,850 pounds. This new engine will probably be showing up in other FCA products likely the Ram 1500 pickup. It’s certainly potent and feels like a V8 is under the hood. Actually, a 6.4-liter V8 is offered with 471-hp and 455 lb/ft of torque. But why when the Hurricane beats its power and fuel economy ratings.
As for ride on tall 22-inch Pirelli tires along with the air suspension, the combination gives the impression Wagoneer L has a cloud-like ride. And despite its size, it handles confidently and remains planted in sharp, tight turns. It glides over railroad crossings and pock-marked roadways.
Of course all this convenience, luxury, utility and capability comes at a price – a steep price.
Wagoneer started at a base price of $113,095 with an extensive list of standard safety and convenience features. Extra cost options included Baltic Gray metallic paint ($695); customer preferred package ($1,595) that includes among other niceties the 22-inch wheels; heavy-duty trailer tow package ($1,370); rear seat entertainment displays w/Amazon Fire TV ($2,595); and delivery of $2,000, took the bottom line to $121,350. Yes, a lot of money, yet a lot of 4WD SUV that’s loaded with content. Affordable lease deals may be more attractive.
In my daily travels I’ve only seen one Wagoneer, and it was parked next to my house. It was driven by a young gentleman with wife and two small children. The perfect family for a Wagoneer L. But what I don’t understand is why Jeep doesn’t include this Grand Wagoneer in its Grand Cherokee TV ads that have been running on several networks. It’s certainly worth prime-time coverage.
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