Who still remembers the Grand Wagoneer? Born almost 60 years ago, this SUV did not show the outward signs of a classic masterpiece. However, it was a tremendously pioneering vehicle since it offered in its time a way to travel comfortably with the family, without worrying about the requirements of the terrain. Rather common attributes these days.
Stellantis, a group recently formed by Fiat-Chrysler automobiles and PSA, is the present participle of the Latin verb “stello”. It means “to sprinkle with stars”. These implicitly allude to the 14 brands that make it up. Among the number, we find Jeep, undoubtedly the most brilliant star (read lucrative) of this galaxy. The one which also offers, in the eyes of its leaders, the best development prospects in this universe (over) populated by SUVs.
The return of the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer to the catalog after such a long eclipse is based on logical and coherent reasoning. On the current scene, the American brand had no vehicle in its ranks that could fight Ford Expeditions, Chevrolet Tahoes and other large-format utility vehicles. No more than did not appear in its offer an SUV capable of measuring itself against the fine linens of the category such as the Lincoln Navigator, Range Rover or Cadillac Escalade, to name only these three. With the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer, Jeep makes sure to fill in the gaps and sweep the terrain more widely.
Before going any further, it is important to define the role of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer and to note their particularities. As our data sheet indicates, these two vehicles occupy the same space on the street. The differences are mainly found in the accessories, the engine displacement and, of course, the price. There are also other elements (aesthetic and technical) that distinguish them, but schematically summarized, these two Jeeps offer fairly similar basic services.
In order to flaunt its know-how and mastery, Jeep highlights the compliance of the Grand Wagoneer (the price of which exceeds $ 120,000 in its most luxurious version) with the high demands of the high-end automobile.
It is true that, in this market, the American brand is virtually unknown to the battalion and that the credibility of an elite Jeep remains to be established. He therefore requests a certificate of good repute. In this regard, it is surprising that the brand’s managers did not go the extra mile by offering a basic guarantee equivalent to that of elitist brands. It would also have helped reassure consumers about reliability.
Watch your step
Dripping chrome, the Grand Wagoneer invites you to climb aboard using insufficiently adhesive running boards when they are soaked. Be careful! Once seated in the front seats, the quality of presentation arouses astonishment. The interior ambience evokes a living room in the digital age. We find screens everywhere and these – we are not always used to them – integrate perfectly with the furniture decorated with touches of walnut (American, of course) or aluminum depending on the variation chosen, but also of leather and copper.
The graphics are neat, intuitive and can be configured according to mood and needs. Including the instrument cluster, the Grand Wagoneer has four high-definition screens up front and up to three more (seat configuration dictates the number) in the middle row. One thing is certain, the Grand Wagoneer is a reminder, if need be, that the interiors are more inspired by the domestic universe and henceforth impose themselves as intermediate spaces between work and home.
The Grand Wagoneer offers buckets in its middle row. The buyer can substitute a full-width bench seat, however. In the case of the Wagoneer, it is the opposite. Clearance is excellent, including in the third row, but access to it still requires some contortionist skills. As for the trunk, there is nothing ridiculous about it, quite the contrary, and even with all the backrests in position, the Grand Wagoneer outclasses all of its competitors.
Strong
The Grand Wagoneer also excels in another area: its remarkable towing capacity. This is understandable. The architecture of this model derives very closely from that of the RAM 1500 pickup truck. This partly explains certain similarities in the road behavior of these two models.
Surprisingly, despite the presence of independent rear suspension and air springs, the Grand Wagoneer is too easily shaken on a bumpy course. Tremors that disappear as soon as the road has little or no roughness. Therefore, this Jeep shows remarkable stability and displays a soothing comfort. On the expressways, there is little to complain about. On the trails either. The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are not afraid of mud baths and do not hesitate to cross fords.
On winding roads or in cities, it’s a different story.
Already unwieldy due to its external dimensions, the Grand Wagoneer also suffers from a soft and over-assisted steering to hide its elephantine weight.
The Grand Wagoneer prints its indolent rhythm in the bends and lets its body rock like a boat. The understeer materializes very early, the braking eases quickly when requested too hard repeatedly.
Let’s therefore prescribe a flowable driving style that will be all the more pleasant for personal finances and the environment in general. With more than 2.5 tons to move, the Grand Wagoneer retains the services of a 6.4 L V8 which encourages you to press the accelerator pedal in moderation. The 5.7L V8 paired with a lightweight electric unit offered on the Wagoneer appeared to be the most sensible choice in all areas, until Jeep started production of a plug-in hybrid version. This, more fashionable and socially more acceptable, could then justify the resurrection of this family of utilities a little better.
Price range
From $ 69,995 to $ 120,995
Transportation and preparation costs
$ 2495
WE love
“Trendy”
passenger compartment Interior clearance Peaceful
behavior on highways and major boulevards
We like less
Guarantee associated with a “generalist” brand
Abyssal consumption Starched
behavior
Our verdict
When Jeep looks like a Range Rover
Technical sheet
Engines
5.7L ACC V8 Hybrid (Wagoneer): 392 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 404 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
6.4L ACC V8 (Grand Wagoneer): 471 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 455 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
Performance
Weight: 2808 kg (Wagoneer) – 2876 kg (Grand Wagoneer)
Power-to-weight ratio: 7.1 kg / hp (Wagoneer), 6.1 kg / hp (Grand Wagoneer)
Maximum towing capacity: 4,536 kg (5.7 L), 4,468 kg (6.4 L)
Gearbox
Standard: 8-speed automatic
Optional: none
Drive mode: 4 x 4
Tires
275 / 65R18 (with all-terrain
package ) 275 / 55R20 (standard Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer)
285 / 45R22 (standard Grand Wagoneer Series II and III)
Fuel tank capacity and recommended fuel
100.3 L
Ordinary
Consumption
15.1 L / 100 km (Grand Wagoneer)
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 3,124mm, length: 5,453mm, height: 1,921mm, width: 2,124mm