2022 Grand Wagoneer Obsidian 4X4 - Grand Luxury for the modern world.
I read a review of the new Grand Wagoneer that basically said that there is really no reason for the vehicle. I can think of two reasons; first because people want big SUVs, and second because there is a ton of profit for the auto maker.
Now you
could argue that people want a big SUV because the ads have told them they need
one, or you could argue that it's the other way around. I don't know and
frankly I don't care. Big SUVs are everywhere, why shouldn't Jeep have
one?
But is the Grand Wagoneer really a Jeep? It is part of the Jeep web site (jeep.com) but it is listed apart from the 6 Jeep Brand vehicles. The Grand Wagoneer and the Wagoneer are under the heading 'Wagoneer' and separate from the 'Jeep Brand Vehicles' Grand Cherokee, Compass, Cherokee, Renegade, Wrangler, and Gladiator.
How big
is the 2022 Grand Wagoneer? It is 214.7" long on a wheelbase of 123".
That's a foot shorter than a Chevrolet Suburban and 4" longer than a
Tahoe. To me it's huge, to you it might be just right.
There are
four 2022 Grand Wagoneers - Series I, II, & III, and the test model
Obsidian. The only engine in the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is the excellent 6.4-liter Hemi (471 hp and
455 lb-ft of torque). This engine will not be available in 2023; instead a
3.0-liter I6 will take its place with two different power outputs (420 hp or
510!). If you have to have a V8 you better shop now!
The
transmission is an 8-speed automatic with a 2-speed transfer case. I doubt too
many Grand Wagoneer owners will actually go off-road but it's nice to know that
if you have to, you can. You might want to change the tires though. The
285/45R22XL All Season tires may be okay for most conditions but not rugged
off-roading (just my opinion).
I think
the Grand Wagoneer is in the vein of an Escalade. It is rapid and comfortable,
meant for first class travel wherever the road may take you.
The
exterior styling? I could take it or leave it. The fit and finish is great but
it's just a big, squarish vehicle. But inside, ah that's what matters. It is
one of the nicest SUVs on the market in my opinion. No matter how good the photos
are they don't do justice to the luxury inside the Grand Wagoneer. Attention to
detail is what does it.
Picture courtesy of Stallantis |
I'm not sure if all these screens are play or work stations. Nice office. |
There's no shortage of technology packed into the Grand Wagoneer. Most of it was fairly intuitive but I had to get out the manual now and then, and the manual is bigger than some novels I've read!
Where's the wireless charger? |
Like most modern vehicles the Grand Wagoneer has a wireless phone charger. Except I couldn't find it. The manual said it was under the center screen. Huh? There are two screens the upper main one for maps, sound system, etc., and a lower one that shows the seat adjustments. I couldn't see any charger below either. I gave up. Then a little later I was pushing buttons to see what they control and lo and behold the lower screen opened to reveal the wireless charger! It's also a great little hiding spot.
Oh there it is! See the little icon with the arrow pointing up or the left side of the row of icons? That's how you open the door to the charger. |
The first challenge when driving a vehicle of this size is the size. I'm not used to driving big vehicles, I have to relearn how to drive. The commanding view of the road is great. It's just that lanes and parking spots seem so narrow. But I coped. The upside is that all those big rigs don't seem quite as big.
With the second and third row of seats up there is 27.4 cu. ft. of storage, put the rear seat down and that goes up to 70.8 cu. ft., and with the middle seats down you have 116.7 cu. ft. But you know it's almost too nice to put anything but luggage back there.
With the middle row 'Captain Seats' and the center console intrudes on the cargo space. |
Running board is nice and wide. Photo courtesy of Stellantis. |
The running board folds up against the rocker panel. Photo courtesy of Stellantis. |
For a vehicle this size the fuel economy isn't that bad, and at 13-mpg city and 18-mpg highway (I saw 20-mpg on one short highway trip) it is competitive.
The test
Grand Wagoneer Obsidian 4X4 had a base price of $94,845, and a final price
$109,025 with options and destination fee.
If you're in the market for a full-size, luxury SUV you owe it to yourself to check out the Grand Wagoneer.
That looks like a big old grin to me. |
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