Earlier this week, our friend Brian Williams (SpiedBilde) caught the upcoming 2021 Jeep® Wagoneer (WS) for the first time in its production-spec body. Over the past summer, we showed you what looked like what was shortened 2019 Ram 1500 prototype with extensive roll bars that were fully camouflaged testing in several areas across the United States. Now we get to see a more finalized shape of the first full-size SUV from the core Chrysler Group since the Dodge Ramcharger ended production in Mexico in 2001. So let’s take a look at the vehicle bringing back one of the most historic Jeep nameplates.
First off, the upcoming 2021 Jeep Wagoneer will be based on the award-winning fifth-generation Ram 1500 (DT) architecture. So expect the two vehicles to share a lot of under the skin components. Second, the Jeep Wagoneer will get its own independent rear suspension design, so expect an even more impressive ride than the already comfortable solid rear axle design of the Ram 1500. The third thing to take away is that there will, in fact, be two variants of the Wagoneer, the standard shorter wheelbase Wagoneer model to compete with the likes of the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, Expedition, and Navigator, while the longer wheelbase Grand Wagoneer will take on the Suburban, Yukon XL, Escalade ESV, Expedition Max, and Navigator L.
This particular model that was captured, is the shorter wheelbase Wagoneer model. Now, even though its heavily camouflaged we can still get some new details of the upcoming full-sizer despite this being a very early prototype and not everything is what will be seen on the finalized production vehicle. One thing that is obvious is the out of place Ram 1500 side mirrors that stick way out of the body. The mirrors are just there so it meets the mandatory on-road requirements. We expect the Wagoneer to feature a new design of the side mirror specific to that model since the A-pillar shape seems to be drastically different than the Ram 1500. Also, the 20-inch aluminum wheels are clearly off the Canadian-specific 2020 Ram 1500 Sport. So we expect them not to be an option on the Wagoneer.
The new Wagoneer twins will feature a number of powertrain choices. While we can say that the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will be part of the mix, we have been hearing from our sources for a number of years, the Jeep will offer the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (Big Gas Engine or BGE) with 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque and features VVT with Fuel Saver Technology cylinder deactivation from the Heavy Duty. We also hear that most of the Ram 1500 engines like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque will also join the lineup, however, nothing has indicated that the third-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 will come to the new Wagoneer lineup. We do know that the Wagoneer will feature ZF-sourced 8-speed automatics across the board.
The Wagoneer will also feature two new powertrains sometime after its official launch. One will be a new hybrid powertrain system, which we are hearing will be a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) similar to the upcoming 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited PHEV system. We also are hearing that the Wagoneer models will get the addition of the upcoming Global Medium Engine Turbo Six Cylinder (GME-T6) engine sometime around 2023.
According to our sources, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models will have a trim-level structure similar to the successful Grand Cherokee model. There will be a budget-friendly entry-level trim for both models, with mid-level trims, premium offerings, and an off-road variant similar to the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk utilizing the four-corner air suspension from the Ram 1500 Rebel package. Just don’t expect a Trackhawk model anytime soon, as that will be focused more for the lighter and smaller all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL).
Inside, the Wagoneer models will adopt a lot of the same technologies from the Ram 1500 such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with full-stop and go, ParkSense Parallel and Perpendicular Park-Assist, LaneSense, and even the amazing 360-degree Surround View camera system. We are hearing that the 12-inch Uconnect system will also be available on select models, but the new 10-inch Uconnect system from the upcoming Grand Cherokee will also be making its debut. You can also expect a new massaging seat option for both the driver and front passenger to be offered as well.
As for styling, don’t expect much retro design with this Wagoneer. As we have been saying and that these new spy shots confirm, the tail light design will wrap from the corners of the body and into the tailgate. Upfront, expect that standard iconic seven-slot grille to be flanked with a new standard LED headlights which feature more of Grand Cherokee look. We are told that upper-trim models will have an option for an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). This prototype seems to be using headlights and taillights from the current generation Grand Cherokee for now, but expect different light modules when the Wagoneer enters production. We also have heard that the rear side glass will not feature the “shark fin” design found on current models like the Renegade, Compass, and China-spec Commander, but will feature a similar shape to the Wagoneers of the past.
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are expected to launch for the 2021 model year at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
So what do you want to see on the upcoming Wagoneer models? Be sure to leave your comments below and to stay tuned as we continue to break down the latest information and rumors on the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, here on MoparInsiders.com.
2021 Jeep® Wagoneer (WS) Prototype Image Gallery:
