Jeep’s Luxury Full-Size SUV Gains 12 Inches: Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
New Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L models mean more room to carry more gear.
Jeep is putting more wagon and more grand into the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Badged “L,” the new long-wheelbase offerings will offer segment-leading cargo space as well as more room for passengers. The L will also be one of the first vehicles where you can find the new powerful Hurricane inline six-cylinder engine.
To get the new longer models, Jeep added 12 inches to the existing Grand Wagoneer. Not all of that extra length, though, is in the SUV’s tail.
Jeep stretched the wheelbase by 7 inches and put the rest of the added room behind the rear axle. As a result, the L models get a new rear floor, a new rear ladder frame section, and some accompanying chassis modifications with new metal.
Fully boxed frame rails keep the Wagoneer L rigid and maintain towing and payload capacities. Aluminum for the hood and doors along with a composite tailgate both help keep these beasts of burden — 6,000-plus pounds curb weight! — from weighing even more than they do.
Cargo Space Is Extra Grand
The point of the stretch is, of course, more room. Cargo space measuring 44.2 cubic feet behind the third row is 50% more than the standard-length model. It’s also just slightly more than the former notoriously big luxury SUV, the Cadillac Escalade ESV, and its GMC and Chevy siblings.
With all the seats folded, the extended Jeeps do fall shy of the GM SUVs’ capacity at 130.9 cubic feet. The GM entries manage around 145 when everything is flat. However, the Jeeps will still hold a 4 x 8-foot sheet of plywood with room to spare.
When you’re hauling cargo that can move around, like camping gear, coolers, watercraft, or anything else that’s big =or heavy, six tie-down loops help keep everything securely in place. Grand Wagoneer L models come with a cargo management rail system in the back to give you even more flexibility.
Plenty of Room for Up to 8
Rear legroom remains best in class, at least in the second row. There, passengers can find up to 42.7 inches to stretch out. It’s about one inch more than GM but the same as the standard-length Wagoneers. And 36.6 inches of legroom in the third row is within a hair of best in class.
Hurricane I6 Makes Landfall
Instead of a traditional V8, an all-new twin-turbo inline six-cylinder Hurricane engine from Stellantis will be standard on both Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L. Wagoneer will use the 420-horsepower, 468 pound-feet of torque, standard-output (SO) version of the I6.
The Grand Wagoneer uses the Hurricane 510, which makes 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet. The SO can use regular gas, but the 510 needs at least 91 octane. Both will get the same eight-speed automatic transmission.
Big Towing Available
With the two new engines, towing capacity remains exceptional. A two-wheel-drive Wagoneer can handle trailers up to 10,000 pounds. A 4×4 SO tops out at 9,850 pounds, and the high-octane variant is rated for up to 9,450. The tow ratings are higher than the 7,900-pound maximum offered by GM.
Payload, though, is slightly lower. It’s something to consider if you’re loading up with passengers and cargo. The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L range between 1,330 pounds and 1,550 pounds maximum. For reference, GM’s big SUVs range from 1,475 to 1,698 pounds.
Hurricane Fuel Economy
Fuel economy estimates for the 4×2 SO are 17 mpg city, 23 highway, or 16/22 with 4×4. The more powerful engine is rated for an estimated 14 city and 19 highway.
The standard Wagoneers without the Hurricanes, meanwhile, don’t do as well. The 5.7L V8 4×4 Wagoneer manages 15/20, the 6.4L V8 Grand Wagoneer 13/19, making the Hurricane a useful upgrade, especially at the pump. The L models get an extra 4 gallons in their fuel tanks as well, which means even further range.
Rear-wheel drive is offered, but expect nearly all of these behemoths to be sold with one of Jeep’s three 4×4 systems. Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II are all on the table.
The first is a full-time system with a limited-slip rear differential. The second is full-time and uses sensors to detect slip. It also has a two-speed transfer case with low range for off-road adventures.
Third, the Quadra-Drive II with electronic limited-slip rear differential can even anticipate low-traction conditions before the tire hits them.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer L Arrives
Look past the longer body and new engines, and this is the same Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer that hit the market last year. The big SUV will offer luxury features that put it beyond anything Jeep has offered before.
It will also come loaded with tech, including a touchscreen for the front passengers. Other off-road goodies include a five-level adjustable air suspension that can adjust the ride height up to 8 inches.
When can you expect the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L? They’re set to arrive at Jeep dealers later this year. A sort of sneak peek will come with a very limited run of 2022 model-year Grand Wagoneer Hurricane 510 models, available to order now.
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