Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Genesis GV80

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, and upright profile were 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, 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.

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 boasted aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls positioned high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The Grand Wagoneer also featured a “Grand Wagoneer” inscription on the dashboard, ensuring passengers knew they were in a premium vehicle.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its elegant exterior design, highlighted by quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring just under 5 metres in length, was stately and refined. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, but the Prestige trim tester featured 22-inch alloy wheels. The quad-lamp design extended to the rear with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an extra touch of elegance to the vehicle's appearance.

Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by thin horizontal air vents on the dash and a mix of metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, setting it apart from other luxury manufacturers. While the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place atop the dash, the interior was spacious and luxurious, providing a comfortable environment for occupants.

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 km/h in approximately six seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle weighing around 2,900 kilograms. Standard four-wheel drive (4WD) was a key feature, with the Quadra-Drive II system offering a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential for optimal traction. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability and highway efficiency. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle challenging terrains, although its size limited its off-road agility.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The latter, featured in our tester, produced 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. However, the GV80's handling was less precise compared to its German rivals, and its acceleration to 100 km/h in about five and a half seconds was slightly slower than some competitors.

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. However, front-row space was more limited compared to the Escalade and Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres available with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Folding all rear seats yielded 2,667 litres of cargo space, slightly less than some rivals. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its less sporty driving dynamics with a wealth of luxury features. In Canada, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors were standard. The Ergo driver’s seat, with its inflatable pockets, provided fatigue-reducing comfort. Nappa leather upholstery added a touch of luxury, and a third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for added convenience. The tri-zone climate control system and available 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. Cargo space was ample, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. The GV80's towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms, suitable for most needs.

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 enjoyed a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates but was occasionally slow to respond. The Grand Wagoneer also included a head-up display and a separate 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, enhancing convenience and entertainment options.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information directly into the driver’s field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, but the dial offered a tactile experience, albeit with a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 featured wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed for easy parking in tight spaces, with the driver able to control the vehicle from outside using the key fob.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a range 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, though a hands-free version was planned for future release. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted an array of standard advanced driver’s aids, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist used multiple systems to offer a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, capable of automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.