2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which lent it a 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 and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, adorned with laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass, showcasing the “Wagoneer” logo. Underneath, a new body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, with an aluminum hood and doors, and a composite tailgate to reduce weight. Inside, it shared design elements with the Wagoneer but boasted more luxurious materials and features, such as 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade Palermo leather.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier, more compact option. It was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $51,545 to $78,040. The Grand Cherokee's styling paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a basic yet quality interior in the Laredo trim and luxurious features in the Summit Reserve, such as quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. The Grand Cherokee offered improved visibility, a panoramic sunroof, and a comfortable cabin, though rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 1,067 litres behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelled the hefty 2,900-kilogram SUV from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with four-wheel drive, featuring the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. It also included the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, offering adjustable ride height for various driving conditions. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle off-road challenges, though its size limited its trail capabilities. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a stately pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was imprecise.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provided a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kilograms. Three different 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with Quadra-Drive II, excelled in off-road conditions, featuring an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and all-terrain tires. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the Quadra-Lift system, and it felt more nimble and athletic than its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L. The V6 engine was preferred for its efficiency and good acceleration, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound but at a higher cost.

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. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind all three rows and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. However, with all rear seats folded, its 2,667 litres of cargo space fell short of its rivals. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 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, though forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims offered additional features like heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom with its sliding seats. Cargo space was ample, with 1,067 litres behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seats folded, though the Grand Cherokee L provided even more capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had their own 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, 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 for navigation control and screen sharing. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, powered the system, though the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, equipped with a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple touchscreens for information and entertainment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates, was standard, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard, with navigation and HD Radio as upgrades. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed for driver assistance and entertainment options, though it came at a premium cost.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a suite of standard safety features, including 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, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Intersection Collision Assist provided front cross-traffic warning, while Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022, allowing for hands-free driving on approved roads.