SPOTTED: The Entry-Level 2022 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer Series I:

The Jeep® brand continues to prep for its production launch of the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer this summer. It marks the first time that the iconic American nameplate has been attached to a Jeep vehicle in almost three decades and comes back into the world now full of luxury full-size SUVs. So how does Jeep’s entry-level ultra-premium stack up?

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series I, might be the entry-level offering of the ultra-premium SUV, but it does not come with an entry-level price. The Grand Wagoneer Series I has a starting price of $86,995 USD ($100,995 CAD) before destination charges. But with the price, comes a pretty-well equipped offering to tackle almost everything thrown at it, whether that be a trip with the family in the wilderness or to the local country club.

To help distinguisher itself from the standard Wagoneer models, Grand Wagoneer models feature a two-tone black accent roof, distinctive hood, front end, grille, unique premium LED lighting, fender flares, and power-retractable side steps as standard equipment. Grand Wagoneer models come with premium LED headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps, with new “Dynamic Turn Signals” (or sequential turn signals). The new ultra-premium Grand Wagoneer also “welcomes” its passengers with a special “welcome” sequence when approaching the vehicle.

From the rear, LED taillamps stretch from the rear quarter panel to the liftgate, achieving an upscale appearance. Unique “Series” badging on the liftgate showcases how a particular vehicle is configured in a subtle way. A Class IV hitch is integrated into the rear bumper.

With the Grand Wagoneer Series I, customers will appreciate the premium content like a 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, two-tone roof, quad-zone climate control, and a 19-speaker McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System. As seen on these testers, the Grand Wagoneer Series I will come standard with a set of 20-inch Machined-Aluminum Wheels w/ Baltic Gray Pockets.

Each Grand Wagoneer Series I comes powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque and backed by a ZF-sourced 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission. This means the Grand Wagoneer has best-in-class towing of 9,850 lbs. (4472 kg) with its standard 3.92 rear axle ratio. That means the Grand Wagoneer will have plenty of power to pull most boats and/or campers.

With seating for up to eight passengers, Grand Wagoneer Series I features a spacious third row. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on Grand Wagoneer and offer more comfort and space than any other vehicle in the segment.

While the original Grand Wagoneer famously featured extensive use of wood on its exterior, the new Grand Wagoneer features genuine handcrafted Satin American Walnut wood in abundance on the interior. Sculpted Satin American Walnut wood was chosen both for its elegance and durability. Embossed-Metal Interior Accents are also available for an additional $795 USD ($995 CAD). 

Inside the Grand Wagoneer Series I, the Uconnect 5 touchscreen display operating speeds that are five times faster when compared to the previous generation. Grand Wagoneer Series I also has a 10.25-inch passenger screen that is optional, using four new functions like Co-Pilot (which includes Navigation and Device Management), Entertainment (via HDMI or Rear Seat Entertainment Control), Fire TV for Auto, and the ability to view the vehicle’s exterior cameras. The driver will also have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be customized to fit the needs of the person behind the wheel.

The Grand Wagoneer Series I is equipped with the Quadra-Lift air suspension. 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.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series I is available in ten exterior colors. Those colors include Diamond Black, Bright White, Luxury White, Silver Zynith, Baltic Gray, Velvet Red, River Rock Blue, Midnight Sky Blue, Rocky Mountain Green, and Ember Red.

So what do you think of the new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer? Let us know in the comments below, or in our dedicated WagoneerForums.org owner’s forums.