Jeep Wagoneer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: What’s the Difference?

In one corner, you’ve got the Wagoneer, which Jeep has reprised for the full-size primo sport-ute class. Then there’s Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, which has a new strain in the “L” and a plug-in hybrid. While the two SUVs are different sizes, they both attract a similar set of consumers, many of whom enjoy going off road. So, Jeep Wagoneer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee: what’s the difference? Here’s that, and more.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer

Along with the posher Grand Wagoneer, Jeep introduced the 2022 Wagoneer as an all-new model that offers segment-leading spaciousness and towing while maintaining bona fide Jeep off-roading capability.

The Wagoneer, which has been revived following a 30-year hiatus, features a 5.7-liter V8 that generates 392 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque, and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

You can seat up to eight adults in the Wagoneer, depending upon whether the second row is a bench seat or comprised of captain’s chairs. That spaciousness we mentioned? Well, for its class, the interior offers the most passenger volume in addition to third-row head and legroom.

The 214.7-inches long Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 pounds when outfitted with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package and is rife with a panoply of active safety features such as rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

As far as connectivity, the new Wagoneer has the manufacturer’s latest UConnect5 infotainment system that includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and more. There’s also a bunch of ports and outlets and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 

For this model year, Jeep has freshened the exterior and added a more spacious and luxe interior that includes au courant infotainment and safety technology.

Engine options include the base 3.6-liter V6 that produces 293 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. Then there’s the optional 5.7-liter V8 that is rated at 357 hp and 390 pound-feet and is available for Summit, Overland, and Trailhawk models when fitted with 4WD.

Meanwhile, the GC 4xe takes a plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a souped-up 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant plus an electric motor that supplants the torque converter to deliver a combined 375 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque. 

All the powertrains sport an eight-speed auto transmission, although there are a triumvirate of four-wheel drive configurations.

Five adults can ride in the GC, which is now four inches longer and an inch wider than the previous iteration. The Grand Cherokee L, meanwhile, has a third row, which boosts potential occupancy to another person or two.

The new Grand Cherokee also offers more rear-seat legroom and overall cargo space, up to 7,200 pounds of towing capability, and as much as 11.3 inches of ground clearance when outfitted with air suspension that also enables 24 inches of fording.

Safety technology is abundant here and includes blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and more. As well, connectivity technology abounds; the new GC has an updated infotainment system, six speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and raft of other bells and whistles. And of course, the ride provides the kind of off-road experience that only Jeep can provide.

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The Wagoneer vs. the Grand Cherokee 

Despite the similarities between the two vehicles, there are distinct differences. For one thing, the Grand Cherokee costs less: a base price of $36,575 vs. $60,995 for the Jeep Wagoneer.

Also, because the GC employs a unibody construction, it’s lighter than the Wagoneer, which is a conventional body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle. That translates to relatively more fuel efficiency for the Grand Cherokee.

On the other hand, it’s hard to top the space and comfort the Wagoneer offers. For instance, the Wagoneer bests the amount of extra legroom second-row passengers get by four inches. Even with the Grand Cherokee L’s optional third row, that vehicle’s seating capacity is down more than six inches of legroom when sized against the Wagoneer.

The Wagoneer also edges out the GC when it comes to power, since it comes with a V8 in all trims and can tow more than the Grand Cherokee. So, when it comes to the differences between the Jeep Wagoneer and the Grand Cherokee, it’s close, and depends on your wants and needs. One thing’s for certain, you can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs.