2022 Jeep Wagoneer Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Wagoneer name is one of the many legendary nameplates to adorn a Jeep vehicle. There were several different versions of the Wagoneer between 1963 and 1993. The latest version revived the name and legacy of the Wagoneer in 2020. Now, only two years later, we get an all-new version of this large SUV.

There are currently two versions of the Wagoneer. There's the version that this article will cover, and then there's the Grand Wagoneer. This model is more upscale and luxurious, but also costs at least $20,000 more. The 2022 Jeep Wagoner takes the performance, capabilities and interior space of the Grand Wagoneer and puts them into a more affordable package.

The Jeep Wagoneer will face some strong competition from other large SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and Ford's Expedition. These full-sized, three-row SUVs will be vying for supremacy in 2022. Here are ten of the best reasons to purchase a new Wagoneer, along with some of the reasons why it may not be everyone's top choice.

What's New for 2022?

Although the Grand Wagoneer brought back the Wagoneer name in 2020, the regular 2022 Wagoneer is making its debut this year. The 2022 model will be the first of its kind in this all-new generation of the vehicle.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer – The Pros

1. Three Rows of Seats

Three full rows of seats provide plenty of space for passengers. All three rows are easy to access too. The Wagoneer has a seating capacity of 8 and an overall passenger volume of 179 cubic feet. There's plenty of head, leg and elbow room for passengers in all three rows too. Thankfully, even the third row offers plenty of room to stretch out in.

2. The Large Cargo Hold

The Wagoneer can hold plenty of cargo along with all of your passengers. Even with a full load of eight people, there remains around 27.4 cubic-feet of storage space in the back. When the second and third rows of seats are properly configured, the cargo space can be expanded all the way up to 116.7 cubic-feet of room.

3. 4X4 Off-Road Capabilities

The Jeep Wagoneer offers some serious off-road capabilities. Most trim levels are available with one of three different 4X4 systems. Quadra-Trac I stays engaged at all times and also features Jeep's Selec-Terrain Traction-Management System. Quadra-Trac II adds a two-speed lower transfer case. Quadra-Drive II is an automatic 4X4 system for ease of use.

4. A Powerful V8 Engine

A large SUV that's made for hauling people and cargo on- and off-road needs plenty of power. The Wagoneer is powered by a big 5.7-liter V8 engine. The big V8 cranks out 392 horsepower and 5,600 RPM and 404 pound-feet of torque. When properly equipped, the Wagoneer can even tow up to 10,000 pounds.

5. The Attractive Exterior

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has a stylish and attractive exterior design. It's perfectly balanced between elegance and the ruggedness that Jeeps have come to be known for. The Wagoneer would look equally well at dance clubs, at the country club or at a remote campsite. Jeep also offers some kitschy options such as faux wood-grain panels for the exterior.

6. The Luxurious Interior

Inside of the Wagoneer, it's posh and comfortable. The front seats can come with leather upholstery and offer 8-way power adjustments and 4-way power lumbar support. All of the materials are top notch and the craftsmanship is impeccable in the Wagoneer. There's dual-zone heating and air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable.

7. Excellent Multi-Media System

The audio system for the Wagoneer features 10 premium speakers that are located strategically throughout the vehicle. The sound quality is fantastic from the AM/FM stereo that also offers HD and satellite radio. The system has a large touchscreen display with a built-in navigation system. Bluetooth is present for streaming music and Voice Command Technology allows for easy operation as well as hands-free phone calls with compatible smartphones.

8. Modern High-Tech Features

Jeep has equipped the 2022 Wagoneer with plenty of high-tech features. These are designed for convenience, safety and just to make the driver's job a little easier. Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control makes for a safer driving experience. There's also Brake Assist, Forward-Collision Mitigation and a Blind-Spot Monitor. Parking Sensors help to guide this large SUV safely into place and then back out again.

9. Impressive Safety Features

Every model of the Wagoneer gets front-impact and side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger. Curtain and overhead airbags provide protection for those in the second and third rows. High-strength steel beams are placed in the frame at strategic points to protect the passengers. There's also a panic alarm, a security alarm and an engine immobilizer to shut the vehicle down if it should get stolen.

10. A Smooth and Refined Ride

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has a solid suspension system and a smooth-running engine. It provides a smooth and comfortable ride quality no matter where you're sitting. The suspension system does a fantastic job of mitigating the effects of bumps, potholes and road debris. Jeep has done a fine job of sound-proofing the Wagoneer too. It's nice and quiet on the inside, with little-to-no road or engine noise.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer – The Cons

1. The Large Size

This may seem like a strange complaint for a full-sized SUV, but it's something to consider. The Wagoneer is large even among large SUVs. It may not be the easiest vehicle to find a parking space for. It might also be hard for some drivers to maneuver. It's worth taking one out for a test drive to make sure it's not too unwieldy for your tastes.

2. Top-Heavy Handling

Steering and handling aren't bad for a vehicle of this type, but it is kind of top heavy. This is not a sporty crossover SUV that can handle tight curves. Once again, it's best to take a Wagoneer out for a spin to see if it's right for you. Most drivers will get used to the size and handling with time, though.

3. Average Fuel-Economy Numbers

There are no large SUVs of this size with particularly great fuel efficiency. The Wagoneer, however, doesn't even do as well as some of the competition in its own class. At best, the Wagoneer will get around 16 miles-per-gallon in the city and 22 miles-per-gallon on the highway. And those numbers are based on EPA estimates from a rear-wheel drive model. It gets a little worse with 4X4 all-wheel drive.

4. The Steep Base Price

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer isn't a cheap vehicle. The steep base cost will be prohibitive for some buyers. There are less luxurious SUVs out there that cost much less. Still, though, the Wagoneer comes in at a lot less than some other luxury SUVs of its size. It really strikes a great balance between price, luxury appointments and functionality.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Jeep Wagoneer vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition has a lower starting price when compared to the base trim level of the Jeep Wagoneer. Both have comfortable interiors, though the Wagoneer's is far superior. It's more luxurious with higher quality materials and better overall craftsmanship.

Both vehicles have room for eight people. The Wagoneer has more passenger volume and significantly more cargo space too. The Expedition is more powerful with its 3.6-liter V6. This engine is capable of producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Oddly, the Wagoneer can still tow more with its 10,000 pound limit compared to the Expedition's 9,200 pound towing capacity.

Both of these SUVs have impressive off-road capabilities. Off-road prowess is what Jeeps are known for, however, and the Wagoneer easily beats the Expedition in this category. The overall ride quality is more comfortable, smooth and quiet inside of the Jeep too. In spite of the higher price point, the Jeep Wagoneer is the better buy here.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is another great large-sized, three-row SUV. It's a luxury SUV more known for its style, its extravagant features and its posh interior than its off-road capabilities. The Wagoneer bridges the gap between the two design priorities and is both luxurious and quite capable.

The Escalade is significantly higher in cost when compared to the Wagoneer. Both have comparable convenience and safety features. Both have the latest modern driver-assist technology. The Escalade has a more luxurious and upscale interior, though as previously mentioned, the Wagoneer is no slouch in this area.

The Escalade has a V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. That beats out the Wagoneer's 392 horses by a bit. The cargo volume is too close to matter when comparing these two vehicles. There's a bit more passenger space inside of the Jeep, but the Cadillac offers a smoother, more refined ride. In spite of the Escalade's strengths, the Wagoneer is still the better buy due to its versatility and lower cost.

Conclusion

Large three-row SUVs aren't for everyone. They're great for those who have large families to transport around. They make great vehicles for long road trips. Many also love the luxury models of these large beasts as a sort of status symbol. One can drive their entire entourage around in style. Others love the ability to pack tons of equipment into a large SUV and then go far off the beaten paths to a camping spot or fishing hole.

One thing is certain no matter what someone's need is for a large SUV. The Jeep Wagoneer is simply a fantastic example of a vehicle in this class. It's large and offers plenty of room for eight people along with a massive cargo hold. It offers great performance on or off of paved roads. The Wagoneer also strikes a good balance between luxury, convenience, capabilities and price.