2022 Jeep Wagoneer Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Cue Rose from Titanic saying, "It has been 84 years..." Just kidding. It has actually been a solid 30 years since Jeep put out a Wagoneer. That's right - three whole decades without one. That all changes with the introduction of the totally modernized, fully re-envisioned 2022 Jeep Wagoneer.

30 years ago, the Wagoneer was somewhat advanced for its time. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system it incorporated was relatively fresh, and the amount of cabin space this off-road-oriented vehicle offered made it a popular choice for the adventurous, outdoorsy families of that era.

Now that people seem to be getting back to nature and wanting to explore the great wide yonder, the Jeep Wagoneer feels like a practical vehicle for the adventurers out there to own. The 2022 Wagoneer is a third-row SUV that is powered by a strong 5.7-liter V8 engine. This V8 has no problem putting forth 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque. It is matched up to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Jeep's current eTorque mild hybrid technology. It directs power to the rear wheels as rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard. However, four-wheel-drive (4WD) is optional on either the Series II or Series III trim level.

In terms of size, the new Wagoneer is approximately 30 inches longer (that's about one inch for each year the Wagoneer was off the market) than its predecessor. With all this extra length, Jeep chose to include a third row of seats, making the Wagoneer capable of hauling eight passengers. Jeep also decided to go with a truck-like underbody platform - an unusual but practical choice for this off-road-oriented SUV. It is basically as though someone modded a Ram with elements of the Grand Cherokee. And... it works. It works to the point of giving the Wagoneer superb off-roading skills and a max towing capacity of 10,000 pounds.

This won't be the Jeep you want to take out on rugged, boulder-ridden terrain. The Wagoneer's long rear end would scrape against rocky surfaces. However, on backcountry roads, the Wagoneer performs to near-perfection. It is meant for families who like to go out and find the next great adventure in the woods.

But don't get it twisted - the new Wagoneer handles highway driving just fine. It is loaded with advanced infotainment features and padded for comfort, going so far as to include third-row seats with a power-reclining function. The Wagoneer isn't quite as luxurious as the more powerful Grand Wagoneer, but it is absolutely functional.

The drawback? It isn't terribly fuel-efficient. Sure, the mild hybrid system helps, but the Wagoneer's 18 mpg combined makes it incredibly average for this segment. The balance between power and efficiency just doesn't feel fully fleshed-out quite yet.

If you're looking for a family-centered vehicle that can handle a good amount of off-roading and aren't smitten with the old stalwarts of this segment (namely, the Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban), then the return of the Jeep Wagoneer might intrigue you. It only has two trim levels - the Series II and Series III - to choose from, but each one offers a little something different. And one just might hold a little more value. Read on to find out which one we recommend you test drive and why.

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Compare the Series II vs Series III Trims. What is the difference?

First in the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer line-up is the Series II, which is followed by the line-topping Series III. Both of these trims are bigger than the also-new-this-year Grand Cherokee L, thereby offering a little more cabin and cargo space.

As for the exteriors of these two trim levels, they do share a lot of the same standard features. The Series II and Series III each come with auto adjust in reverse exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming exterior side mirror on the driver's side, body coloring to the side mirrors, and memory functions on them. There are also built-in turn indicators in them along with some approach lamps. A heating function is standard, and they are power operated with the ability to be manually folded in.

As far as lighting goes, the cabin features ambient interior lighting throughout. There are automatic headlights on the front of the vehicle so you don't have to worry about switching them back and forth at night. There are also courtesy lights, a light in the glove box, and illuminated entry. The exterior has LED 5-Reflector fog lamps with cornering lights, LED projector low-beams and LED reflector high-beam headlights, LED taillights, and liftgate door puddle lights. There are automatic high-beam headlights as well as LED overhead cargo area lights. The Series III adds courtesy lights on the doors.

Both trims come with painted front bumpers and step pads on the body-colored rear bumper. A bright surround enmeshes a black grille up front. The windshield wipers are able to sense rain, and there is a rear window washer/wiper. Other exterior features include active grille shutters, fender flares done in the chosen body color, gloss black molding, and capless fuel fill. The Series II rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels while the Series III gets upgraded to bigger 22-inch polished aluminum wheels that come with black noise pockets. There is an option for 20-inch wheels done in that same design. All-season tires are standard, and there is a full size spare tire included.

Each trim has body-colored door handles and a hands-free power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. There is a roof rack up top, and adjustable roof-rail crossbars are available for both trim levels. With the brakes come advanced brake assist, rain brake support, and emergency braking for both pedestrians and cyclists. Body side steps are standard while power-deployable running boards are available on the Series III for easier entry into and exit from the vehicle. Add to that a front air dam and rear back-up camera washer for a well-rounded exterior design on both trim levels.

Now, let's move inside the Wagoneer's cabin. Standard décor include a black interior color, but you can opt for a sea salt/black combo interior color scheme on either trim level. Nappa leather-trimmed seats are standard, and the Series II has manual recline on the third-row seats while this feature is power-operated on the Series III. The front seats both have 4-way power lumbar adjustment, and the driver's seat is power-adjustable eight different ways. The driver's seat has memory. Heating is built into each front seat - as is ventilation. Power tilting and sliding second-row captain's chairs are available if you don't want the 40/20/40 bench. Heating is standard for the second-row outboard seats if you go for the Series III.

Both trim levels are equipped with the Uconnect 5 Nav (meaning it has built-in navigation) with 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display. You can perform dual-phone connectivity and get wireless smartphone app integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are second-row charge-only ports, a front media hub with an auxiliary input jack and two USB ports, an automatic crash notification service, voice command integrated with Bluetooth, trial access to SiriusXM, and controls mounted onto the steering wheel. Options include 10.1-inch rear entertainment screens, Amazon Fire TV for Auto, a video USB port, and a front passenger interactive display.

A nine-speaker Alpine sound system is standard. However, on the Series III, you have the option to upgrade to a McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System with 19 Speakers in total. GPS navigation is standard. You also get a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control system, a rear window defroster, power locks that are speed-sensitive, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Up front, you get a 10.25-inch TFT color display for your instrumentation cluster. A cloth headliner is standard issue, and you will find hydrographic trim applique throughout the cabin. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather. Other features you will find throughout the Wagoneer are a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, a 12-volt aux power outlet located in the rear of the vehicle, another 12-volt aux outlet up front, heating on the steering wheel, a locking glove box, heat ducts for the rear seats, illuminated vanity mirrors on the two front sun visors, and the HomeLink universal garage door opener. A wireless charging pad is also present on both trim levels.

As far as safety and security features go, Jeep loads the Wagoneer up with quite a few advanced driver aids. There is an active lane management system, a blind spot monitoring system that includes rear cross path detection, electronic stability control, and advanced full speed forward collision warning. Additionally, Jeep equips hill start assist, a rear-view camera, front and rear parking assist with a stop function, a remote start system, a security alarm, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available features include a 360-degree surround view camera system, a drowsy driver warning, an intersection collision assist system, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, traffic sign recognition, trailer brake control, a trailer-hitch zoom, and a trailer-hitch line-up assist feature.

You do get push button start on either trim level. Added security measures include an engine immobilizer with the keyless entry system, rear door child protection locks, an anti-theft system made by Sentry, and remote proximity keyless entry. A head-up display - which projects vehicle info onto the windshield in front of your eyes - is available on the Series II and is standard on the Series III.

Speaking of options, there are some packages that you can choose from. On both the Series II and Series III, you can select from the Convenience Group, Premium Group, Ear Seat Entertainment Group, 2nd-Row Seating Group, Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Package, and All-Weather Mat Package. The Convenience Group equips the Wagoneer with automatic high beam headlights, the drowsy driver detection feature, the head-up display, heated second-row seats, intersection collision assist, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and manual window shades for the second row.

The Premium Group equips the 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, adjustable roof-rail crossbars, a foldable cargo shade, a reversible cargo mat, and the tri-pane panoramic sunroof.

If you plan on doing some serious towing, consider equipping the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Package. This gives the Wagoneer a 3.92 rear axle ratio, which is more ideal for towing significant weights. This package also includes chrome tow hooks, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, the trailer-hitch zoom, line-up assist for the trailer hitch, trailer-brake control, and a removable rear tow hook.

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is a welcome (re-)addition to the Jeep line-up. Both trim levels make for pretty solid options, especially given their spacious cabins, abundance of cargo space, and powerful engine. The Wagoneer feels very fresh-faced and contemporary, but it lets you know it is still geared toward adventure-seeking families.

If you don't mind forgoing the air suspension and few extra off-roading features offered on the Series III, the Series II trim level should suit you - and save you about $5,000. Equipping the Series II with the Convenience Group gets you a pretty sweet deal since it gives you quite a few of the features found on the Series III but for a fraction of the price. And, if you get the second-row captain's chairs, you can easily pass through the center to get into the third row of seats.

Of course, those of you with children who need constant stimulation will want to consider adding the Rear Seat Entertainment package as well. That should be more than enough to keep the kiddos from bickering in the back seat.

If the Wagoneer does, for some reason, seem to be lacking a few of the niceties you're aiming for and you'd like even more space, then the Grand Wagoneer might be more your speed. However, we think that this Wagoneer should suit most people.