If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV, there’s a new offering with an old heritage to consider. The Jeep Wagoneer is four inches longer than the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon twins or the Ford Expedition, with more cargo space and towing power. It also calls back to a long history, as the original Wagoneer was arguably the first sport-utility vehicle back in 1963, and inarguably the first vehicle to use the term.
Jeep will also sell a more luxurious Grand Wagoneer, which we cover separately.
Wagoneer Pricing
Wagoneer prices, which include a shockingly-high $2,000 destination charge, are as follows:
- 2021 Jeep Wagoneer Series I: $59,995
- Series II: $69,995
- Series III: $74,995
This Wagoneer is indisputably a Jeep. The boxy-yet-athletic profile and 7-slat grille couldn’t be anything else. Everything about the vehicle is big. Wide windows give it a lot of glass and likely better visibility for passengers than anything else in its class. It rides on standard 20-inch wheels, with 22-inch models available on some trim levels. The Jeep name appears nowhere on the bodywork – Wagoneer is spelled out on the hood, lower front door panels, and liftgate instead.
No Faux Wood Exterior
The classic Wagoneer was known for its faux-wood exterior accents. That doesn’t return on the new model, though it was seen in an earlier concept car that previewed the road model, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it appear on a special edition model down the line.
Inside, you’ll find three rows of seating wrapped in standard Nappa leather. The front buckets are 12-way adjustable. Three-zone climate control is standard. The Wagoneer is undeniably spacious, with best-in-class headroom, and legroom for second- and third-row passengers. A full 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats tops what GM or Ford offer in this class.
A 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen are standard, along with Jeep’s Uconnect 5 digital interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. The cabin has no less than 11 USB ports.
Long-wheelbase Model To Come
A long-wheelbase version is in the works, with no release date set.
The Wagoneer rides on a fully boxed frame, not currently shared with any other vehicle. It features a 5.7-liter V8 making 392 horsepower, along with an eTorque mild hybrid system that helps a bit with the gas mileage. The system also gives it a surge of extra torque when needed. An 8-speed automatic transmission is the only one offered. Together, they give it 10,000 pounds of towing capacity.
The Wagoneer is rear-wheel drive, with two different 4-wheel drive systems available. In standard trim, it rides on four steel springs with automatic load leveling. An air suspension system with active damping is available. There is no trail-rated version yet, but this is Jeep…it will come. Even in its road-going configuration, though, the Wagoneer has 10 inches of ground clearance and can cross 24 inches of water.
Curiously, you can’t buy a Wagoneer at every Jeep dealer. Only Jeep dealerships certified by J.D. Power can sell the vehicle, and only through specific sales personnel who’ve taken extra training on the Wagoneer.
