Jeep ventured into the high-stakes luxury SUV market with the 2022 Wagoneer, marking its latest attempt to capture discerning suburban drivers seeking a premium vehicle. In a segment known for substantial profits, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer aims to compete with established luxury SUVs. However, despite its ambitions, the Wagoneer presents a mixed bag of impressive features and perplexing issues that might leave potential buyers questioning its value proposition.
One of the most striking aspects of the 2022 Wagoneer is its branding strategy. In an unusual move, Jeep has downplayed its own name on the vehicle. The Jeep logo is subtly placed inside the headlight fixtures and on the lower windshield, while the “Wagoneer” name is prominently displayed across the hood and rear hatch. This suggests Jeep is positioning Wagoneer as a standalone upscale sub-brand, similar to how Lexus operates under Toyota or Acura under Honda, targeting a more refined clientele.
In terms of sheer size, the 2022 Wagoneer is a behemoth. It measures 214.7 inches in length, boasts a 123-inch wheelbase, and rides on substantial 22-inch tires. Weighing in at over 5,900 pounds, this full-size SUV offers seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with the optional second-row captain’s chairs. Unlike many competitors in the three-row SUV category, the Wagoneer provides genuine adult-sized space in the third row, without severely compromising cargo capacity behind it.
Under the hood, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer comes equipped with a robust 392-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. This powertrain delivers ample power and enables a substantial towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, making it a capable vehicle for hauling heavy loads. For those seeking even more power, the Grand Wagoneer variant offers a 471-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, albeit at a higher price point and with potentially worse fuel economy. The standard Wagoneer’s EPA ratings are 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, and real-world testing has shown similar figures, with around 15.3 mpg observed during mixed driving conditions.
Fuel efficiency is a notable drawback, especially considering the Wagoneer’s eTorque 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which includes cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing intended to improve gas mileage. The absence of a full hybrid system in such a large vehicle seems like a missed opportunity to enhance fuel economy further.
Off-road capabilities are traditionally a Jeep strength, and the Wagoneer is no exception. It can ford up to two feet of water and features five traction settings accessible via a console toggle: Auto, Sport, Sand/Mud, Rock, and Snow. During testing, the Snow mode provided good traction in snowy conditions. However, an unexpected glitch occurred when the 4WD system disabled itself after restarting the vehicle in Snow mode, raising concerns about reliability in adverse weather.
Another issue encountered during testing involved the climate control system. Despite set temperatures in the 70-degree range and the dual-zone system set to Auto, heat failed to circulate for an extended period. Adjusting settings through the touchscreen interface eventually restored heat, but the system’s responsiveness and reliability were questionable.
From a design perspective, the 2022 Wagoneer presents a somewhat polarizing aesthetic. The front fascia is arguably its most appealing angle, featuring the iconic seven-slot Jeep grille. However, the side and rear profiles are more utilitarian, resembling a large, rectangular block on wheels.
For those who appreciate American symbolism and a touch of flair, Jeep has added small chrome U.S. flags on both front doors, adjacent to the Wagoneer logo. While some may find this patriotic detail appealing, others might question its appropriateness on a civilian vehicle.
Inside the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, the focus shifts to comfort and spaciousness. The interior evokes the feeling of a luxurious den, with ample head and legroom for all occupants, thanks to the vehicle’s boxy roofline. The seats are well-contoured and comfortable, with both front and second-row seats heated, along with a heated steering wheel. Front seats also offer cooling functionality.
However, like many modern vehicles relying heavily on touchscreen controls, the Wagoneer’s electronic interface has its drawbacks. Settings for heated and cooled seats, the heated steering wheel, and drive modes reset every time the engine is turned off. This necessitates readjusting these preferences upon each restart, a minor inconvenience but a notable one in a vehicle at this price point. Moreover, operating touchscreen controls for heated seats and similar functions can be cumbersome when wearing gloves, a common scenario in colder climates where these features are most needed.
Further electronic quirks include the heated seats and defrosters occasionally turning off automatically, even when continuous operation is desired, particularly in cold weather conditions. The five-pane instrument panel screen, while visually impressive, can be overly complex and difficult to customize while driving.
Despite these electronic interface issues, the 2022 Wagoneer boasts several positive interior features. A large touchscreen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a panoramic sunroof and a separate sunroof for the third row. The optional 950-watt McIntosh stereo system with 19 speakers and 3D surround sound, along with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, provides a premium audio experience. The cabin is remarkably quiet, minimizing wind and tire noise.
Additional convenience features include a powered liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Standard safety technology is comprehensive, encompassing emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot warning, smart cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The lane-keeping assist system, however, exhibited sensitivity, prompting warnings to place hands on the wheel even when they were already in position.
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer also offers practical touches such as a wireless phone charger, manual side window sunshades for the second row, and sliding second-row seats to optimize passenger and cargo space. It comes standard with eight USB ports, expandable to 11 with the optional rear-seat entertainment package.
Pricing for the 2022 Wagoneer positions it firmly in the luxury SUV segment. The Series II model tested starts at $72,995, including a hefty delivery charge and 4-wheel drive. With options, the test vehicle reached $82,925. While these prices are competitive with rivals like the GMC Yukon Denali, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade, it raises the question of whether the Wagoneer fully delivers on the premium expectations set by its price tag, especially considering the reported glitches and electronic quirks.
Pros:
- Robust V8 power and high towing capacity
- Spacious three-row seating for up to eight passengers
- Off-road capability with multiple drive modes
- Luxurious and quiet interior
- Extensive list of comfort and safety features
Cons:
- Disappointing fuel economy despite mild-hybrid system
- Electronic glitches and touchscreen control issues
- Resetting electronic settings upon each engine restart
- Polarizing exterior design
- High price point
Conclusion:
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer represents a significant undertaking by Jeep to enter the luxury SUV arena. It offers a compelling blend of size, power, and luxury features, positioning itself as a contender against established rivals. However, the Wagoneer is not without its flaws. Electronic glitches, a cumbersome touchscreen interface, and questionable fuel economy detract from the overall experience. While the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer offers a lot on paper, potential buyers should weigh its strengths against its weaknesses, particularly the reported reliability issues, before making a purchase in this competitive luxury SUV segment.
