2022 Jeep Wagoneer Review

It's been three decades since Jeep made an SUV called the Wagoneer. Today, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer offers a nod to that earlier era when the big Jeep was a go-to choice for outdoor, adventuring families thanks to its massive cabin space, advanced (for the time) all-wheel-drive system, and signature faux wood paneling on the doors and fenders.

Today's Wagoneer is nearly 30 inches longer than its predecessor, and it puts that space to use with a roomy third row of seats that allow the Wagoneer to accommodate up to eight passengers. Only a handful of today's big family SUVs use a truck-like platform underneath the body, with the Wagoneer utilizing a modified Ram pickup design for its underpinnings. This helps give the Wagoneer impressive towing and hauling capability — it can tow up to 10,000 pounds — as well as rugged frame strength for genuine off-road adventures.

Then again, this is not the Jeep for challenging deeply rutted, boulder-strewn trails. While it offers a version of Jeep's legendary four-wheel-drive systems, the Wagoneer's length and long rear end preclude it from serious off-roading (though we fully expect some Wagoneer owners will prove us wrong). It can still get you deeper into the backcountry than probably any of its rivals, but the Wagoneer's focus is on family-oriented on-road comfort.

With high-quality interior materials, advanced infotainment, and finer details such as power-reclining third-row seats, active noise cancellation and ambient cabin lighting, the Wagoneer is a proper highway cocoon. If you want even more elegant levels of luxury, look to the longer, more powerful Grand Wagoneer, reviewed separately.

The Wagoneer's 5.7-liter V8 keeps plenty of power on tap for both towing and unburdened highway acceleration. The engine even uses a mild electric assist system that handles some of the engine's more menial tasks (ignition, initial surge of acceleration from a stop), although it doesn't make the Wagoneer much more efficient than its rivals. At 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway), the big Jeep is only average.

Jeep's return to the three-row SUV fold — its last three-row was the dismal Commander model — is great news for anyone seeking a large family SUV with enough power and space to haul the family and recreational toys. The Jeep offers a new alternative to established names in the segment — Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition — as well as fancier models like the BMX X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Keep in mind, Wagoneer pricing is closer to those luxury models, so consider your options carefully.

The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size three-row SUV that can accommodate up to eight passengers. It is available in three trim levels: Series I, Series II and Series III. All trims come with a 5.7-liter V8 engine (392 horsepower, 404 lb-ft of torque) joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission with eTorque mild hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel-drive is optional.