2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 redesign, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo capacity. Despite the potential for confusion with its naming, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to sell well, largely due to its appealing design. It bore a resemblance to the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, presenting a smaller, more accessible option. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, ensuring it looked impressive across all trim levels.

The Grand Cherokee L was available in several trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim, which was tested, included features like four-wheel drive, metallic paint, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, bringing the total cost to $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price point, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were attractive, and the vehicle was packed with technology. Overall, the redesigned interior marked a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar appearance. It featured traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly and included laser-etched knurling. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors were used.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling features with the Wagoneer but offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials. It boasted 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, and lumbar support, along with heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available. The interior also featured aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, and seat controls were placed high on the doors. The Grand Wagoneer was clearly marked with its name on the dashboard, ensuring occupants knew they were in a premium vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or a choice of three 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle featured the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but with noticeable engine noise at high revs.

The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift air suspension offered 8.3 inches of ground clearance in its normal setting, with two Off-Road settings raising it to 10.9 inches. It could ford up to 24 inches of water, with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 30.1, 22.6, and 23.6 degrees, respectively. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride, though it felt soft over uneven pavement. The Quadra-Lift suspension controlled body motions well, and the variable-ratio steering, combined with large wheels, provided capable handling. The Grand Cherokee L was easy to park, thanks to its surround-view camera system and tight turning circle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard 4WD with the Quadra-Drive II system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. It also had the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, which was height-adjustable for different driving conditions.

With the suspension at its maximum height, the Grand Wagoneer offered 10 inches of ground clearance, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 25, 24, and 22 degrees, respectively. It could ford up to 24 inches of water and was equipped with skid plates for off-road protection. The Grand Wagoneer's cabin was quiet, and the air suspension absorbed bumps well. However, the vehicle felt ungainly at higher speeds, with bouncy ride quality and imprecise steering. While it performed well off-road, its size was a limiting factor, and it did not receive Jeep's "Trail Rated" badge.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with its Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, along with a heated steering wheel. It also had a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The Grand Cherokee L's second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience.

The Grand Cherokee L's third row was comfortable for most adults, with large side windows for a great view. While it lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, second-row passengers had a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a storage bin under the load floor. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 46.9 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer seated seven with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, space in the front row was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Folding all rear seats offered 94.2 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors.

The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins in the first and second rows. Forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood, but the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. It came with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the dashboard. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results.

The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality, particularly for bass-heavy music. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a McIntosh audio system, and simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones. It also had a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot supporting up to eight devices. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch center console touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens.

The Grand Wagoneer featured a larger 12-inch touchscreen than the standard Wagoneer, with a second screen below for additional functions. A row of buttons allowed for quick access to important functions. An optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger controlled navigation and the rear-seat entertainment system. Amazon Alexa connectivity and Fire TV for Auto were also available, allowing passengers to stream content and share screens.

The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which had an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software update capability. While the screen was sometimes slow to respond, the head-up display was clear and legible.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. Jeep planned to introduce a hands-free version for the 2022 model year. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Grand Cherokee L at the time of review, but improvements were expected over the previous model.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection collision assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and two levels of driver-assistance systems.

Active Driving Assist was available at launch, requiring hands-on operation, with a hands-free version planned for later. This system would work on specific highways and include driver monitoring to prevent misuse.