Jeep Wagoneer 2023: A High-End Product

Just a few decades ago, Jeep was a brand that offered rugged yet highly capable off-road vehicles. Well, that’s not entirely true, as the brand attempted to enter the luxury large SUV segment a few times in its history. It’s only recently that the brand started to find success beyond off-road driving with high-performance versions of its vehicles. Today, Jeep is taking another shot at the luxury vehicle segment, and it seems like this time they’ve got it right.
It’s safe to say that Jeep received severe criticism when the Wagoneer was unveiled. Offering such an imposing and fuel-hungry vehicle while the market is moving towards electric and more reasonably sized vehicles seemed audacious. However, looking at other luxury large SUVs, a very similar formula is being offered, which means Jeep has simply done things the right way with the Wagoneer.
Range and Prices
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer is available in three versions: Series II, Series II Carbide, and Series III. Its starting price is $88,790, which falls within the right range for the category. Some luxury large SUVs have a starting price that exceeds $100,000. To reach such a high price with the Wagoneer, one would have to tick all the boxes, which makes this American manufacturer’s SUV so enticing. You get a complete equipment package where others offer only their basic features.
The main differences between the three versions of the Jeep Wagoneer are in their aesthetics. The Series II Carbide version offers 20-inch glossy black wheels, a panoramic three-panel roof, and several black accents that complete its look. The Series III version, on the other hand, adds more luxury with an air suspension, a high-end McIntosh audio system with 19 speakers, and a head-up display.
Wagoneer
- Series II — $88,790
- Series II Carbide — $92,290
- Series III — $94,790
Wagoneer L
- Series II — $89,790
- Series III — $96,485
Category and Competition
In theory, the Jeep Wagoneer belongs to the category of large mainstream SUVs, but its level of equipment and concept put it in direct competition with luxury models. It all depends on the version you choose. The base model is somewhat comparable to a Chevrolet Suburban or a Ford Expedition. However, if you opt for the Grand Wagoneer version, then you’re getting closer to a Cadillac Escalade or a Lincoln Navigator.
Rivals: BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia.
Design and Interior
One of the most notable features of the Wagoneer is the absence of any Jeep logos. This, in a way, proves that the American manufacturer’s SUV seeks to establish itself as a class apart and distinguish itself from other Jeep models, even though the entire brand offers a certain level of prestige. The Wagoneer emits an image of a luxurious SUV, clearly. Its body details are well-crafted, and it offers only stylish wheels. The only drawback I find is the lack of variety in color choices, and the same goes for the interior.
The interior of the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer is spacious and exudes refined finishing. The dashboard may lack a bit of design in my opinion, but everything else is impeccable. The steering wheel provides a good grip, and each button is well-identified and visible. The American manufacturer’s SUV is very roomy and offers a simply divine riding comfort.
Technologies
At first glance, the Jeep Wagoneer may not seem like much, but the American manufacturer’s SUV offers a wide range of safety technologies. It also benefits from one of the most advanced and fluid infotainment systems on the market.
Performance
For 2023, the American manufacturer’s SUV has swapped its 5.7-liter V8 for the famous Hurricane engine. It is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine. This engine is available in several versions, but in the Jeep Wagoneer, it delivers 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Jeep claims an average fuel consumption of 10.1 L/100 km on the highway and 14.5 L/100 km in the city for this model. Even though the Wagoneer remains fuel-thirsty, it’s an improvement over the 5.7-liter engine that had a consumption of 15.6 L/100 km in the city and 11.7 L/100 km on the highway.
Weak Points
Its fuel consumption remains quite high, but that’s also the case for most large SUVs. It is a new engine, which means its long-term reliability is not yet known.
Strong Points
It is a truly luxurious and imposing vehicle. The Wagoneer is particularly capable and offers towing capacity superior to almost all its competitors.
Signature Element
The Jeep Wagoneer is a unique vehicle that stands out with its capabilities and upscale appearance.
Final Word
Jeep took a risky bet by adding the Wagoneer to its lineup in an era where everyone is transitioning to electric vehicles. However, the model has been very successful since its arrival on the market, proving that the manufacturer made the right choice.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier