2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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 aesthetic. Its tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and upright profile were reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. However, the Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass, showcasing the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors, and a composite tailgate.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared some styling cues with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it elevated the experience with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade Palermo leather. The interior was further enhanced with aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, and seat controls were positioned high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The dashboard proudly displayed “Grand Wagoneer” on the passenger side, ensuring no one forgot the luxury they were experiencing.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, meanwhile, was a testament to rugged elegance, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin in Canada. Its design was a nod to the classic truck aesthetic, with a square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and a sharply chopped tail. The Defender's design was consistent, with steep angles on the windshield and lower front bumper, and tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. The vehicle's versatility was unmatched, offering three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-length 130. Each model was equipped with a full-size wheel and tire mounted to the hatch, opening like a barn door.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with an interior coated in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics. Despite its high price, the Defender maintained a utilitarian charm, with exposed screws and plain air vents. The steering wheel was reminiscent of an old Toyota, and the dash featured a wide metal piece. While the interior was basic, it retained the Defender's hardcore character, contrasting with the plush Range Rover models. The build quality was excellent, and the vehicle's unique character was preserved, even if it lacked the opulence of its Range Rover counterparts.

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 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. The vehicle came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing traction. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its air suspension providing exceptional wheel articulation and clearance. The Defender's Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to different surfaces, although most owners might not utilize its full potential. The Defender's drivetrain, however, was cumbersome on the road, with excessive body roll and wind noise. The V8 engine, producing 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, offered thrilling acceleration, akin to a V8 Jaguar F-Type. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, providing a seamless driving experience. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 16.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, while the six-cylinder was more efficient at 12.9 litres.

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 boasted 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 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 additional weight.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat. The Defender 110 had an optional third row, while the 130 featured a standard third row, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender 130 provided 2,180 litres of cargo space with the third and second rows folded. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights, enhanced visibility, and the 130 came with a panoramic moonroof. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various accessories, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and a console refrigerator.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The McIntosh audio system and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, while second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control. The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was Android-based and supported over-the-air updates. However, the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps were standard. The Defender's higher trims included features like a Meridian sound system, air suspension, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time. It came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing. It was equipped with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender also offered a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.