2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar traditional SUV styling. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile, reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel centre caps had an acrylic glass covering to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent front and rear suspension, with an aluminum hood and doors, and a composite tailgate to save weight.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling features with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen, a large rotary shift knob, and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials, including 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, lumbar support, and four-way power headrests. Standard heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and optional ventilated second-row seats added to the luxury. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available, along with aluminum and American Walnut wood trim. Subtle differences, like seat controls placed high on the doors and the “Grand Wagoneer” spelled out on the dashboard, further set it apart from the Wagoneer.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the shorter Tahoe SUV and the Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. The Suburban was available in six trims, offering a degree of customization with varying grille, fascia, and wheel designs. Our RST test vehicle featured a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and bright-machined black-painted 22-inch wheels, with a monochromatic black grille and Black Ice accents, creating a sporty look.

Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin, ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the top-spec High Country. Leather seats were standard starting on the LT, with material quality improving with price. Our RST tester had 10-way power driver and passenger front seats, bright sill plates, and Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching. The optional Luxury package added to the comfort. However, the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel dark, despite chrome sill plates and red seat stitching. The Suburban's size and mass made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, but its spaciousness and practicality were undeniable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds, despite its hefty 2,900-kilogram weight. It came standard with four-wheel drive, featuring the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was also standard, offering height adjustability for various driving conditions.

The Grand Wagoneer boasted 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 25, 24, and 22 degrees, respectively. It could ford up to 60 centimetres of water and was equipped with skid plates for off-road protection. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a stately pace, as its ride became bouncy at higher speeds, and the steering was imprecise. Its size limited its off-road capabilities, and it did not receive Jeep's "Trail Rated" badge.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 3.0-litre diesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent fuel efficiency and towing capability.

The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while increasing third-row passenger space and cargo capacity. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offering effortless power and acceleration. During a 130-kilometre tow test, the Suburban's big V8 performed admirably, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. The Suburban's towing capabilities were enhanced by its hitch guidance and multiple rear camera views.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided 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 the Escalade and Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer offered 775 litres of cargo space with all three rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, cargo space increased to 2,667 litres, slightly less than some rivals.

The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, 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. Forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood, but the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, offering seating for up to nine with an optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans accommodated seven or eight passengers, with a livable third row providing adequate headroom, knee room, and legroom. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide forward or backward up to 14 centimetres, and both rear rows folded flat with ease.

The Suburban's cabin featured an optional power-sliding centre console, revealing additional storage space and a hidden storage drawer. While the Suburban's size made it practical, it also posed challenges for maneuvering and parking in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a McIntosh audio system, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a separate 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, allowing control of navigation and entertainment systems.

The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, powered the Grand Wagoneer's tech features. While the screen response was occasionally slow, the head-up display was clear and legible. The Grand Wagoneer provided a comprehensive suite of technology, enhancing the driving experience for both driver and passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on LT and above. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard across the board.

The Suburban's audio options ranged from a basic six-speaker system on the LS to a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT and a 10-speaker Bose Surround system on the Premier and High Country. The Suburban's technology offerings were comprehensive, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

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, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, rear pedestrian alert, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.