Jeep Wagoneer

It's been three decades since Jeep made an SUV called the Wagoneer. Today, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer offers a nod to that earlier era when the big Jeep was a go-to choice for outdoor, adventuring families thanks to its massive cabin space, advanced (for the time) all-wheel-drive system, and signature faux wood paneling on the doors and fenders.

Today's Wagoneer is nearly 30 inches longer than its predecessor, and it puts that space to use with a roomy third row of seats that allow the Wagoneer to accommodate up to eight passengers. Only a handful of today's big family SUVs use a truck-like platform underneath the body, with the Wagoneer utilizing a modified Ram pickup design for its underpinnings. This helps give the Wagoneer impressive towing and hauling capability — it can tow up to 10,000 pounds — as well as rugged frame strength for genuine off-road adventures.

Then again, this is not the Jeep for challenging deeply rutted, boulder-strewn trails. While it offers a version of Jeep's legendary four-wheel-drive systems, the Wagoneer's length and long rear end preclude it from serious off-roading (though we fully expect some Wagoneer owners will prove us wrong). It can still get you deeper into the backcountry than probably any of its rivals, but the Wagoneer's focus is on family-oriented on-road comfort.

With high-quality interior materials, advanced infotainment, and finer details such as power-reclining third-row seats, active noise cancellation and ambient cabin lighting, the Wagoneer is a proper highway cocoon. If you want even more elegant levels of luxury, look to the longer, more powerful Grand Wagoneer, reviewed separately.

The Wagoneer's 5.7-liter V8 keeps plenty of power on tap for both towing and unburdened highway acceleration. The engine even uses a mild electric assist system that handles some of the engine's more menial tasks (ignition, initial surge of acceleration from a stop), although it doesn't make the Wagoneer much more efficient than its rivals. At 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway), the big Jeep is only average.

Jeep's return to the three-row SUV fold — its last three-row was the dismal Commander model — is great news for anyone seeking a large family SUV with enough power and space to haul the family and recreational toys. The Jeep offers a new alternative to established names in the segment — Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition — as well as fancier models like the BMX X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Keep in mind, Wagoneer pricing is closer to those luxury models, so consider your options carefully.

Which Wagoneer does MatoCar recommend?

The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size three-row SUV that can accommodate up to eight passengers. It is available in two trim levels: Series II and Series III. Both trims come with a 5.7-liter V8 engine (392 horsepower, 404 lb-ft of torque) joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission with eTorque mild hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel-drive is optional for either trim.

Series II standard features include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Electronically disconnecting front axle (4WD only)
• Automatic LED headlights
• LED foglights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Tow hitch
• Keyless entry
• Heated, power-folding side mirrors
• Push-button start
• Three-zone climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Auto-dimming driver's side mirror
• Heated and power-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power-adjustable pedals
• Power-adjustable, sliding and reclining second-row seats
• 60/40-split folding third-row seats
• LED ambient cabin lighting
• Active cabin noise cancellation

In-cabin technology includes:

• 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite radio
• Two front USB ports
• Two rear USB charging ports
• Wireless charging pad
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 115-volt household-style power outlet
• Nine-speaker Alpine audio system

The Series II also comes with a robust set of driver assistance features, including:

• Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Wagoneer back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Wagoneer and the car in front)
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The optional Convenience Group package enhances the Series II with:

• Heated second-row seats
• Second-row manual sunshades
• Head-up display
• 360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car's surroundings)
• Automatic high beams
• Front cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is about to cross your vehicle's forward path, such as when approaching an intersection)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

 The optional Premium Group adds:

• 22-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Adjustable roof-rail crossbars

Other optional packages include the Rear-Seat Entertainment Group:

• Dual 10.1-inch screens
• Amazon Fire TV
• USB video port

2nd-Row Seating Group

• Heated and power-adjustable second-row captain's chairs
• Power-reclining third-row seats

Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package

• 3.92 rear axle ratio
• Chrome tow hooks
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Upgraded engine cooling
• Trailer brake control
• Trailer hitch connection assist

The Series II also offers a unique stand-alone option: a front passenger interactive display. It gives the front passenger access and control of features such as navigation, audio selection, and individual media content through a separate 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Many of the options available for the Series II are included as standard features on the Series III, which also adds a bit of polish with:

• Premium-finished wheels
• Two-speed on-demand transfer case (4WD only)
• Adaptive air suspension (4WD only)
• Hill descent control (4WD only)
• Heated second-row seats
• Power-reclining third-row seats
• Head-up display
• Automatic high beams

The same optional packages are available for the Series III trim, although the Premium Group adds a premium McIntosh audio system and fancy floor mats.

Four-wheel-drive models can also add the Advanced All-Terrain Group. It borrows some features from the Heavy-Duty towing package and includes:

• 18-inch (Series II) or 20-inch (Series III) aluminum wheels
• All-terrain tires
• Two-speed on-demand transfer case
• 3.92 rear axle ratio
• Adaptive air suspension
• Chrome tow hooks
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Low-speed/off-road cruise control
• Front axle skid plate
• Fuel tank skid plate
• Transfer case skid plate
• Removable rear tow hook