the Carter by Jeep is divisive. Some SUV fans love its retro styling, luxury features, and 4WD capabilities. But some Jeep fans say it’s too big and heavy to be a true Jeep off-road. MotorTrend tested Jeep’s 2022 Wagoneer Series III, and this mid-level model was even in the running for SUV of the Year. But in the end it lost out to the Jeep Rubicon 392. Here’s why.
The new Jeep Wagoneer Series III 2022, in figures
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Wagoneer is a sub-brand of Jeep, but Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer borrow as much technology from Ram trucks as they do from Jeep SUVs. These full-size SUVs ride on a full Ram chassis and come with two sizes of powerful HEMI V8s.
Wagoneer engineers improved Ram’s technology. They changed the live rear axle for an independent suspension. They also added the eTorque mild hybrid system to the larger HEMI V8. Some even more advanced features, like full-time 4WD and four-corner air suspension, are optional on Wagoneer and standard on Grand Wagoneer.
The affectation of an SUV, but with three full rows
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The Jeep Wagoneer Series III, according to MotorTrend tests, weighed 6,230 pounds. That makes it the heaviest vehicle MotorTrend has tested in the segment. Despite this, it hits 60 MPH in 7.43 seconds, handles relatively well, and has surprisingly sure footing on slippery off-road terrain. These attributes are engineering marvels considering their size. But his size still limits him.
During motor trendIn testing, they couldn’t take the Series III Wagoneer on trails that other Jeeps handle with ease, for fear of hitting the luxury SUV. Even though it has skid plates, it sits low to the ground. When testers took it to the track, they noted that its smooth handling faded at high speeds, leaving test drivers a bit concerned.
People love big SUVs with a third row of seats. And there is nothing wrong with Stellantis entering this segment of the market. Jeep designed the Series III Wagoneer with enough room for tall adults in any of its three rows. It has excellent cargo space and a very comfortable interior. This SUV is a well designed tool for a specific job. But despite its Jeep heritage, that job isn’t off-roading or racing on a track.
Large SUV at a Large Price
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The Series III Wagoneer that MotorTrend tested is a far cry from a Jeep Wrangler and even a Grand Cherokee. It is priced in almost six figures and the weight to match. But the MotorTrend team wasn’t testing whether the Grand Wagoneer is a good Jeep. The publication is deciding whether to name it SUV of the Year.
As far as SUVs go, the Grand Wagoneer has a lot going for it. Its infotainment system is top notch. His style is striking. And it certainly won’t get stuck if you need to park it on the grass.
The truck-based full-frame SUV segment has been around for decades and can always benefit from some innovation. MotorTrend often chooses its Vehicles of the Year based on innovative engineering. I suspect if Jeep had released the Series III Grand Wagoneer even three years ago, it would have easily won SUV of the Year.
Today, SUVs like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X have raised the bar for innovation considerably. Motortrend ended up giving its four-wheel drive SUV of the Year award to Wagoneer’s plug-in hybrid cousin: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. We’ll have to wait and see if the Wagoneer 4xe receives similar praise when it arrives.
Below, see how the Wagoneer 4xe plug-in hybrid could transform the market segment or watch MotorTrend test drive the Wagoneer Series III in the video below:
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