Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Updates
Jeep made the news a few years ago when the brand announced it was going to ride the latest nostalgia wave. Jeep announced it was planning on reviving its Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates in upcoming three-row SUV models. The original Wagoneer, something more akin to a station wagon than a modern SUV, ceased production in 1991 after 29 years. According to the late-CEO Sergio Marchionne, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will fill a gap in Jeep’s lineup that’ll directly compete with the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Here’s a little of what we know about the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models.
Three-Row SUV
Jeep has lacked a three-row SUV option for a while and the brand has acknowledged that it’s the biggest gap when it comes to its lineup. A vehicle capable of seating seven or eight passengers is a hot commodity in our current automotive landscape. Jeep will finally be able to compete head-to-head with the likes of Land Rover Discovery, Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and others like the vehicles we mentioned earlier. If the brand can deliver an SUV that’s capable of being not only an off-road monster, but also a convincing family hauler, then it’s all but guaranteed to be a masterstroke. The real challenge for Jeep lies in designing a third row of seats that can comfortably accommodate adults and offer enough room for passengers to sit for an extended amount of time.
Body-on-Frame
Jeepers have high expectations so the brand will need to deliver a luxurious SUV that can go off-road and hold its own. Since serious off-road chops are a necessity, it’s a given that the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will need a body-on-frame design. A lot of the speculation up until this point has focused on the rumor that the new Jeep models would use the Ram 1500 pickup platform. Test mules have been spotted by spy photographers and they allege that the mules sported a Ram 1500’s truck bed on the back. This is a clear indication that Jeep will deliver the body-on-frame vehicle its enthusiasts are expecting.
Independent Rear Suspension
Rumors also abound about what kind of suspension setup the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will feature. If the model features a body-on-frame like the other three-row SUVs mentioned here, then it’ll likely also feature independent rear suspension to improve ride and handling. The more compact design of this setup enhances interior space, specifically in the third row and cargo area, making it an essential requirement for the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to compete in the premium and luxury segments.
There’ll be Two Models: Wagoneer and a Grand Wagoneer
Here’s where it gets a little tricky, Jeep will bring back the Wagoneer moniker and it’ll be revived in a short-wheelbase form. The long-wheelbase form will be the vehicle referred to as the Grand Wagoneer. Both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will offer three-row seating, but the Grand Wagoneer is destined to be the crown jewel that’ll have more space for passengers and cargo. Unclear up to this point is if the Grand Wagoneer will be designed to compete in the luxury segment or otherwise, although it does appear that Jeep has been itching for an elevated flagship model since at least 2016.
It’ll be some time before Jeep makes any official announcements regarding the launch of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience everything the brand has to offer today. Visit us at Miami Lakes AutoMall and explore our current Jeep inventory. Whether you’re looking to conquer life off the beaten path behind the wheel of a Jeep Gladiator or a Jeep Wrangler , or looking for a sensible everyday commuter like the Jeep Grand Cherokee , we’ve got your back. Schedule your test drive today!
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