Grand Wagoneer Takes “2021 Family Luxury Award” At 3rd Annual CarBuzz Awards!

Despite having a rocky launch, the all-new 2022 Jeep® Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) have started racking up the accolades recently. This goes especially for the ultra-premium Grand Wagoneer offering. This time, the Grand Wagoneer has earned the “2021 Family Luxury Award” during the 3rd Annual CarBuzz Awards.

“The amount of luxury in the Grand Wagoneer is nothing short of staggering,” said CarBuzz Managing Editor Jake Lingeman. “With 75 inches of reconfigurable screen, the latest Uconnect software (five times faster than the previous version), and built-in Amazon Fire TV, there’s no length of a road trip that would be too long. Keeping things settled and cushy over the long haul is a fully independent suspension setup with rear load-leveling for when carrying lots of payload. The Grand Wagoneer comes standard with an electronically controlled air suspension that continually adjusts stiffness for the best on- or off-road ride.”

The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer mark the rebirth of a premium American nameplate. Although the all-new Wagoneer models are far different than those of the past, they do continue to offer the nameplate’s spirit of offering the most premium content in the segment and legendary Jeep 4×4 capability. The new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer can be equipped with three different 4×4 systems, exceptional driving dynamics, powerful performance, the best-in-class towing capability of up 10,000 lbs., advanced technology, and safety in a package for up to 8-passengers.

On the exterior, the Grand Wagoneer looks much like its Wagoneer sibling. But there are several differences to tell each model apart. The Grand Wagoneer receives its own unique hood, front fascia, grille design, and set of twin bi-functional projector headlamps. The Grand Wagoneer grille retains a similar shape to the original Wagoneer SJ. It features W-A-G-O-N-E-E-R text on top of the grille as opposed to the hood like the standard Wagoneer models.

The side windows are outlined in liquid-chrome trim, with a chrome piece running from the A-pillar, over the side glass, and wrapping around the back of the vehicle above the rear glass and outlines a black two-tone roof. Unlike the Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer features wheel-arches that are body-matched making the exterior look more upscale. Puddle lamps under the exterior mirrors project the Wagoneer logo as you approach the vehicle.

At the rear of the vehicle, the Grand Wagoneer features unique sheet metal to the liftgate allowing for a unique set of clear-lens LED taillamps. LED reverse lights are mounted low on the rear bumper and a unique bezel wraps around the area where the license plate is located. Liquid-chrome trim wraps around the liftgate glass, while bold G-R-A-N-D and W-A-G-O-N-E-E-R text are prominently placed just below.

The Grand Wagoneer ups the ante with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 delivering 471 horsepower (351 kW) and 455 lb.-ft. (617 Nm) of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. All Grand Wagoneer models come with the Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system. The Quadra-Drive II system features a full-time, two-speed transfer case with an eLSD.

For those who are wondering, yes, the 6.4-liter in the Grand Wagoneer is a version of the SRT 392 cubic-inch “Apache” HEMI V8 and not the 6.4-liter “BGE” (or Big Gas Engine) HEMI V8 from the Ram Heavy Duty pickups. Jeep states that the 6.4-liter is tuned for more of a refined experience rather than performance like it is under the hood of the Grand Cherokee and Durango SRT models.

For those who are looking for a rugged SUV to tow the boat, camper, or snowmobile trailer for that weekend away from home, the Grand Wagoneer will be a great choice with its best-in-class towing capacity of 9,860 lbs.

The four-corner air suspension system allows for optimal ride and aerodynamic performance. Another benefit of the air suspension is the load-leveling capability, which automatically detects load on the suspension from a trailer or payload. The gas pressure increases until the vehicle reaches normal ride height, leveling the vehicle and improving the loaded ride. Additionally, a separate button on the key fob gives the operator the ability to manually lower the vehicle, allowing for ease of passenger entry and cargo loading. The Quadra-Lift suspension can lift the Grand Wagoneer up to 10.1-inches of ground clearance.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer can’t be compared to anything else on the road. Building on the Wagoneer’s interior there is more premium materials such as Satin America Walnut wood, aluminum, and Nappa or Palermo leather-trimmed seating. Grand Wagoneer features touchscreens everywhere throughout its interior. A 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster and 12-inch center-mounted Uconnect 5 touchscreen offer the driver plenty of customizable features to allow them to make Grand Wagoneer meet all of their favorite preferences. Both driver and passenger seats offer 24-way power-adjustable seats including bolster adjustments, cushion extensions, and even massage features which can be controlled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen located in front of the vehicle’s rotary dial shifter.

There is an available 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system located in front of the front-row passenger. It offers several “co-pilot” features, allowing the driver to focus on the road while the front passenger finds navigation destinations, plays audio, and adjusts vehicle settings. The screen can also display a true smartphone mirror, allowing the passenger to do things like answer emails, play videos and games, and access social media. A privacy filter keeps the screen obscured from the driver, limiting distraction.

Grand Wagoneer models come standard with a set of second-row captain’s chairs and a fixed center console with a 10.3-inch comfort screen. For those who have larger families, you can opt for a bench seat which allows the Grand Wagoneer to seat 8 passengers comfortably. Second-row passengers also can be entertained with a pair of 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 entertainment screens mounted on the front seatbacks. These screens can access audio and video sources, and even stream Amazon Fire TV for Auto using the vehicle’s onboard WiFi.

All Grand Wagoneer models will come standard with the McIntosh MX950 sound system that is available on the Grand Cherokee L. It will feature 19-speakers which include a 10-inch subwoofer, and a 950-watt amplifier For those who are real audiophiles, available on Grand Wagoneer Series I and Series II models, and standard on Grand Wagoneer Series III is the MX1375 system. The McIntosh MX1375 sound system uses 23-speaker, 1950-watts of power, and features immersive 3D sound processing for clear and true-to-life audio.

Grand Wagoneer models also get adjustable ambient lighting, giving a special appearance to the vehicle’s interior at night.

“The CarBuzz Family Luxury Award is a testament to Grand Wagoneer’s world-class craftsmanship and the fact that there is a premium space for every member of the family,” said Jim Morrison, Vice President and Head of Jeep North America. “The refinement, best-in-class passenger volume, and advanced technology, including the new Uconnect 5 system, front passenger interactive display, premium McIntosh audio system, and industry-first built-in Fire TV, ensure that every seat in the Grand Wagoneer is the best seat in the house.”

For those who already have ordered or are going to purchase a new Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer vehicle, be sure to join our dedicated WagoneerForums.org forums. There you can keep us with everything news, information, and rumor related to the new Wagoneer duo and even interact with Wagoneer Client Services.

2022 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer Series III Image Gallery:

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