First Drive: 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is the Automaker's 6-Figure Flagship

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in April, 2022, we finished testing the Jeep Wagoneer. See the complete Jeep Wagoneer road test. Above is our video review of the updated 2024 Wagoneer.

To say the arrival of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer was highly anticipated is doing little justice to these new SUVs. Jeep fans have been clamoring for the return of the Wagoneer, which was last produced in the 1991 model year, and the Jeep brand has desperately needed it. Since the easily forgotten Commander’s departure in 2010, Jeep has lacked a three-row model in its lineup. In addition, the brand has never had a true luxury flagship.

While the midsized segment void was addressed with the introduction of the Grand Cherokee L, the new Grand Wagoneer is positioned against other luxury three-row SUVs, such as the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The less-expensive Wagoneer is targeted at the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Nissan Armada. The Wagoneer line is based on the Ram pickup truck, but rather than using the Ram’s solid-rear axle, it employs and independent rear suspension for a more refined ride.

After renting and driving a production version of the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer from the automaker, we think that the SUV will be a highly competitive challenger to those models. The substantial SUV fills its generous interior with abundant luxury and technology features, produces big power from its massive V8 engine, delivers a driving experience that will fulfill the needs of its target audience, and includes the active safety and driver assistance systems that are, frankly, expected in this price range.