2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

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, while 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.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an option to upgrade to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level.

The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. Options were abundant, allowing for a wide price range from just under $40,000 to over $100,000. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and included features like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its price nearing $60,000, the Wrangler Sport S interior remained basic, emphasizing its rugged, off-road nature.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with 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, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. According to Natural Resources Canada, the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 had a combined fuel consumption of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres, though our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its loud cabin, vague steering, and touchy brakes. However, it offered an immersive experience, especially with the top open and doors removed, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts.

The Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers 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, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins.

The Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver’s seat required frequent re-adjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the interior featured plastic and rubber materials with some padded spots. Visibility varied, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 898 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded. The tailgate swung from left to right, requiring caution when opening on hills or when parallel parked.

The Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, with an optional rear-seat entertainment system adding two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates, though the screen response was occasionally slow.

The Wrangler's infotainment system, based on the Sport S trim, included a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the optional Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, it provided essential features. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 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, 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 Wrangler included both the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for protection in crash tests. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving due to its tippy nature.