2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. It also offered 20-inch standard wheels with optional 22-inch wheels, both featuring acrylic glass-covered center caps. The interior boasted high-end materials and features, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embraced a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The exterior featured wide fenders, round headlights, and a tailgate that swung out for easy cargo access. The Wrangler's interior focused on practicality, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design. While lacking in luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, it offered a body-colored dash and chunky controls, emphasizing its utilitarian nature.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely driving pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, catering to different off-road needs. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with its solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer cases. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined for on-road driving, requiring cautious handling.

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 and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 94.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its heavier weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and center console. The Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Ford Bronco. The Wrangler's top options included a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, providing various open-air experiences. The Wrangler excelled in providing charging points, with multiple USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It included a McIntosh audio system, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, and a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer utilized the Uconnect 5 system with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates. While the system offered extensive features, the touchscreen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Wrangler focused on practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of its release. It came equipped with standard safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with plans for a future hands-free version.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover ratings.