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The new Jeep Wagoneer returns with crisp design and loads of luxury. It’ll seat up to eight, but unfortunately forgoes the faux-wood of its predecessor.
It’s Back and Better Than Ever
The Jeep Wagoneer is back and it’s strutting with the kind of hulking swagger unique to full-size SUVs that prowl American roads. Brushing aside the auto industry push toward electrification-this and fuel economy-that, the new Wagoneer rolls up to the party sporting a big ol’ 5.7-liter V8 pulling 3 tons of body-on-frame hugeness.
The Wagoneer name is most famous for its first generation, produced from 1963 to 1991, with glorious faux-wood paneling and slab sided design. The new Jeep Wagoneer harkens back to that SJ model most notably with its forward canted front fascia. Sized to compete with the likes of Chevy’s Tahoe and Ford’s Expedition, it will come fitted with enough seats for eight; or seven if you go with second row captain’s chairs instead of the bench. It will also be quite a bit more luxurious when it hits dealer lots this summer.
Looking Inside the Jeep Wagoneer
Leather trim is standard on the Wagoneer with 12-way power front seats and triple zoned climate control. Driver and passengers will be swimming in screens thanks to the 10.3” digital gauge cluster, 10.1” central infotainment screen, and optional 10” passenger unit mounted in the dash. Not to mention the available 10” dual screens behind the front seats for back seat riders.
Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system will have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa capability to maximize this entertainment bonanza. Opt for the Wi-Fi hotspot and stream away with Amazon Fire TV integration. An available McIntosh 19-speaker hi-fi system will literally bring the noise and round out the Wagoneer’s creds as a movie theater on wheels.
A Hefty Price for a Hefty Vehicle
All that luxury comes with a price, as the Series II trim starts at $68,590 or $83,970 for top-tier Series III models. At launch, the base Series I Jeep Wagoneer will not be available but is expected to sticker right around $60,000. Rear-wheel drive will be standard with 4-wheel drive available in three flavors. Quadra-Trac (QT) I uses a single-speed transfer case. QT II makes it a 2-speed transfer case and Quadra-Drive tacks on a limited-slip rear differential. There will also be a Grand Wagoneer, which is mechanically similar but loaded with more luxury to compete with the Escalade and Navigator.
In 2- or 4-wheel drive setup, the new Wagoneer will have a maximum 10,000-pound towing capability. Optional features like integrated trailer brakes, a hitch zoom-camera feature, and line-up assist make the trailer life easier. The V8 power plant moving all this metal will make 392 horsepower and mate with a standard 8-speed automatic. Mild hybridization will come from a 48-volt motor used to make the start-stop system as seamless as possible. Cylinder deactivation tech will be in use as well to bump up efficiency, though EPA fuel estimates have yet to be released.
A host of active safety features brings the Jeep Wagoneer into the 21st century. Standard systems include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping management and automated emergency braking that includes pedestrian and cyclist detection. The optional Hands-Free Active Drive Assist is expected to be available and promises hands-free driving at all speeds on approved roads. A night vision system will use thermal imaging to spot Sasquatch, or a deer, while the traffic sign recognition system will display details on the digital instrument panel.
The new Jeep Wagoneer is due to arrive summer of 2021. Check out the reservation system on Jeep’s website for details on models and options available at launch.
