2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar appearance to the lower-level model and the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It featured traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. 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, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped 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 Ford Explorer offered a range of models to Canadians, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding the $2,095 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline trim and the new ST-Line, which added a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to the “floating roof” visual effect, a popular design element from the previous generation.

Inside, higher-trim Explorers exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, though mostly justifying their price point. The cabin offered comfort for families, with features like triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row seats were nearly as accommodating, but the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Practical storage space within the cabin was somewhat lacking, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. However, the Explorer provided thoughtful touches like built-in cupholders in the rear seat door panels and a hands-free power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine 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, impressive for its 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 adjustable height for various driving conditions. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle off-road challenges, although its size limited its trail capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Explorer's maximum towing capacity was 2,400 kilograms, with fuel consumption ranging from 10.3 to 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering a combined 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and fuel consumption as low as 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Explorer ST and Platinum trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kilograms and fuel consumption of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Explorer provided a robust driving experience, with a comfortable ride and capable off-road performance.

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, though front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 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 reached 2,667 litres. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the option of a second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger capacity. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Fully equipped models featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Explorer offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down. Practical storage space within the cabin was somewhat lacking, but thoughtful touches like built-in cupholders and a hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a standard infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a McIntosh audio system, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had their own 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear seat entertainment system added a pair of 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates. While the system was generally functional, the screen response was occasionally slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The Explorer's Sync 3 technology included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher-trim Explorers featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. The Explorer's voice recognition system was less advanced than Ford's newer Sync 4 technology, and the infotainment system could benefit from an upgrade.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of review. 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 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, applicable to all trim levels. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year's model received five-star ratings except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. Additional safety features included post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.