Jeep Wagoneer Returns with ‘392’ Hemi Soul & Loads of Luxury

Jeep Wagoneer packs the 5.7-liter hybrid while the Grand version comes with 392 Hemi.

After months of anticipation, the new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have formally been introduced in production form. Physically, the two are very similar, sharing the same dimensions and the same Ram 1500-based chassis platform, but they will enter two different price classes within the large SUV segment. The Wagoneer is equipped to be a volume model, competing with the likes of the Chevrolet Suburban while the Grand Wagoneer is a premium luxury package, taking aim at the Cadillac Escalade.

While the most noticeable differences between the new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will pertain to the exterior trim and interior features, these closely related body-on-frame sport utility vehicles will be powered by two completely different drivetrains. The Wagoneer will come standard with the 5.7-liter eTorque Hemi V8 hybrid system and either rear- or four-wheel-drive. As for the Grand Wagoneer, the electrified drivetrain of last year’s concept is gone and in its place is a similar 392-cubic inch Hemi to the one in the Grand Cherokee SRT.

“We are ready to start a new exciting adventure with a model that wrote some of the most iconic pages in the history of the American automobile,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer. “Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are born from the Jeep brand, but they have a flair of their own, building on a rich heritage of craftsmanship and refinement, while offering new levels of sophistication, comfort and legendary 4×4 capability, as well as a new level of customer service.”

Below, we bring you a look at the features of and differences between the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, starting with a look at the drivetrain components.

Wagoneer Lineup Power

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are both full-sized, body-on-frame SUVs with a chassis platform based on the current Ram 1500. Both models have a wheelbase of 123 inches, an overall length of 214.7 inches, an overall width of 94 inches and an overall height of 75.6 inches at the roof rails. The most significant physical difference between the two is in the drivetrain components, none of which are similar to the plug-in electric powerplant in the concept.

When the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer goes on sale during the second half of 2021, it will only be offered with one engine. That is the 5.7-liter Hemi with the next generation eTorque hybrid assist system. That engine system delivers 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, with help from a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive is standard for the Wagoneer, but buyers can pick from two different four-wheel-drive systems. The first is a single-speed full-time active 4×4 system and the second is a two-speed transfer case with 4×4 Low Active, Neutral and full-time active 4×4. This engine will tow up to 10,000 pounds.

As for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the only engine available at launch later this year is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8. Similar to the 392-cubic inch Hemi in the SRT-level Grand Cherokee, this mill delivers 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque in the new Grand Wagoneer and an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The Grand version is only available with the two-speed four-wheel-drive system, but the adaptive system can transfer power from a 50/50 front-to-rear distribution to 100 percent to the rear axle in the right driving situation. The 392-powered Grand Wagoneer can tow up to 9,850 pounds and without a load, this big SUV will sprint from a stop to 60 in just six seconds flat.

A coil spring suspension setup is standard on Wagoneer, but an active air suspension system is available. That air suspension system is standard on the Grand Wagoneer. The air suspension system offers five different mode settings with a total of 3.6-inches of lift.

‘Jeep Wagoneer Returns with ‘392’ Hemi Soul & Loads of Luxury’ continued…

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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