CAUGHT: 2022 Jeep® Wagoneer (WS) Limited Out Testing:

We have covered a lot of details about the upcoming ultra-premium 2022 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer (WS), which is scheduled to start production this summer. But we have only seen a few shots of the more mainstream 2022 Jeep Wagoneer model. You might be thinking isn’t the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer the same vehicle? The answer is NO!

While the Grand Wagoneer will be the most luxurious vehicle ever from the Jeep brand, the Wagoneer will be more focused on more of the brand’s core principles. The Wagoneer will be a more wallet-friendly version of the ultra-luxury Grand Wagoneer and is expected to make up a majority of the sales for the Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

One of the nameplates expected to return for the Wagoneer lineup is the Wagoneer Limited. The Wagoneer Limited nameplate first arrived in 1978 on the Wagoneer (SJ) and was more luxurious than the earlier Super Wagoneer. The original Wagoneer Limited offered Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive (4×4), power disc brakes, air conditioning, power-adjustable bucket seats, power doors locks, power windows, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rack, forged aluminum wheels, AM/FM/CB radio, and “wood grain” trim on the body sides.

Fast forward to the present day, the next generation Wagoneer Limited looks to add premium content to the Wagoneer, but not invading in the Grand Wagoneer’s territory. As seen in this Wagoneer Limited prototype caught by our spy photographers, we can see that this Wagoneer will feature the more standard LED headlamps, compared to the full LED Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) on the Grand model. We also see from the front end shot, the new Night Vision camera system is missing from the lower grille (something we have seen on Grand Wagoneer models). We do see this model has features chrome tow hooks and a shiny front skid-plate as well.

From the vehicle’s side profile, we see that it shares a lot of its overall design with the Grand Wagoneer model. However, compared to the first Wagoneer model that our photographers caught late last year, this Limited model appears to have ditched the side steps in favor of the Grand Wagoneer’s power running boards. Will can also see that the roof rails will also be on this model as well. 

While the first Wagoneer we saw wore a pair of 20-inch Y-spoke aluminum wheels, this upscale Wagoneer is wearing a set of 22-inch dual 6-spoke aluminum wheels. We can tell this because it is riding on the same Goodyear Eagle RS-A 285/45R22XL All-Season Tires as the Ram 1500 featuring optional 22-inch wheels.

Looking at the rear of the Wagoneer, there is a few subtle difference than the Grand version. The most noticeable being the red-tinted LED taillamps versus the Grand Wagoneer’s clear lenses. The vinyl camouflage covers up the edge of the taillamps that runs over the license plate area. Like the Grand Wagoneer Concept, we expect both sides of the taillamps to runs towards each other and stop just before meeting in the middle.

While all of the Grand Wagoneer testers we have seen feature a set of rear-facing dual exhaust outlets under the rear bumper, this Wagoneer features a single exhaust on the passenger side of the vehicle. This leads us to believe that this particular model will feature the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque found in the Ram 1500. The eTorque system combines a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to enable start/stop function, short-term torque assist, and brake energy regeneration. The Pentastar V6 with eTorque delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque and should be paired to a ZF-sourced TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission.

Although the new Wagoneer is based on the fifth-generation Ram 1500 architecture, we see from the rear shot that it will be getting its own unique independent-rear-suspension setup. Using a coil-spring setup, the Wagoneer should offer a best-in-class ride. An optional Quadra-Lift air suspension should be available across the lineup.

Jeep has announced that there will be three available 4×4 systems. While the Quadra-Drive^® II system has been confirmed, we expect the same systems offered in the Grand Cherokee will make their way to the Wagoneer.

• Quadra-Trac I^® – is a full-time 4×4 system that is always engaged for all-weather capability and peace of mind. 
• Quadra-Trac II^® – features a two-speed low transfer case that uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100% of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.
• Quadra-Drive^® II with rear electronic limited-slip differential – is a full-time 4×4 system so it’s always active. It is the most advanced 4×4 system and delivers superior all-weather capability by transferring up to 100% of available torque to a single rear wheel if needed.

The Wagoneer should also boast a best-in-class overall passenger room. Now, while the standard Wagoneer will be available with a third-row option, there will also be a long-wheelbase (LWB) model that will more than likely debut in late 2022 as a 2023 model.

Inside, don’t expect all of the flamboyant touchscreens throughout the interior like the Grand Wagoneer Concept. Instead, those screens will be exclusive to the more premium Grand Wagoneer, while the Wagoneer will still offer a 12.3-inch driver information display behind the steering wheel and a new 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen using the latest Uconnect 5 software as the main display screen in the center of the dash.

The new Jeep Wagoneer will begin rolling off the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (WTAP) line this summer. With the first models expected to arrive in showrooms in the early third-quarter.

So what do you think about the all-new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer? What features are you most looking forward to? Let us know, in our dedicated WagoneerForums.org owner’s forums.