Jeep Wagoneer vs. Grand Wagoneer

Is there a difference between the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer? Isn’t one the larger version of the other with more cargo room?

If you’re looking at most vehicles in the automotive market, you would instantly think the Grand Wagoneer was the larger of the two. You might expect a longer wheelbase, more cargo room, and possibly a larger engine for more towing power. That isn’t the right way to think about these two Jeeps. While these two big, honking SUVs are the exact same size, one plays in a much posher sandbox than the other, which is where we find the true differences.

The Price Difference Tells the Story

There’s nearly a $30,000 price difference between these two Jeep SUVs. That’s pretty significant considering you can buy a lot of vehicles for the difference in a pair of Jeeps that share the same platform. Do you truly get that much more going with the more expensive model, or are you simply paying for a name because Jeep tells us that it’s worth that price? We need to dig a little deeper and see what shakes out of this proverbial tree to find out what makes one model so much more expensive than the other.

Its Always What’s in the Inside that Counts

Even though we don’t want to be told that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, mostly because some of us think that’s a nice way of telling people they are ugly on the outside, this statement is true for these two Jeeps. The difference between the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer comes down to the features and powertrains for each of these two SUVs. These two models play in different parts of the market and take on different classifications of full-size SUVs to give us a big Jeep that ranks high in both the mainstream and luxury categories.

Where Does the Wagoneer Fit In?

The price of full-size SUVs reaches heights of up to $91,000, and that’s where the Jeep Wagoneer fits in. Yes, this big SUV takes on the Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban. This impressive Jeep is offered in three trims, called Series I, II, and III, to bring the price range from $60,000 to a full-optioned top model at $91,000. Most of us couldn’t imagine spending this much on a vehicle, but this is right in line with the other full-size mainstream SUVs.

The Grand Wagoneer Plays in a Higher Class

If you think the pricing for the Jeep Wagoneer is absurd, check out where we find the Grand Wagoneer. This SUV is meant to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator. This model has the same three series models for its trims, but when you pack in the features, you’ll quickly see the price soar above the $100,000 mark. It’s not hard to see how this SUV can be positioned in the higher class with the pricing required to take this big brute out for a drive.

What You’ll Find in the Wagoneer

Series I Standard

• Power tailgate
• 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Series II Standard

• 9-speaker Alpine audio system
• Tri-zone climate controls
• Nappa leather bench seats

Series II Premium

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Front-passenger screen
• Tri-zone climate controls
• Nappa leather seats
• Rear-seat entertainment package with two 10.1-inch screens
• Amazon Fire TV
• Trailer tow package
• Tri-pane sunroof
• Parallel and perpendicular parking programs
• 360-dgree surround-view camera
• Head-up display

Series II Off-Road

• 4WD Standard
• All-terrain package with Quadra-Lift air suspension
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 2-speed transfer case
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Skid plates
• 19-speaker McIntosh audio system
• Front-passenger screen
• Towing package
• 360-degree surround-view camera
• Power side steps
• Parking programs
• Intersection Collision Assist

Series III Premium

• 22-inch wheels
• 19-speaker McIntosh MX950 audio system
• Front passenger screen
• Tri-zone climate controls
• Rear-seat entertainment group
• Heavy-duty towing package
• Tri-pane sunroof
• Power side steps
• Parking programs
• 360-degree camera system
• Intersection Collision Assist

What You’ll Find in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Standard Items

• Full-Time 4WD
• Air suspension
• electronic limited-slip differential
• 7-seat layout with center-row captain’s chairs
• Finely crafted leather, wood, and metal in the cabin
• Black-accented roof
• Dual exhaust ports
• Power-folding side mirrors
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.0-inch Uconnect 5 screen
• 19-speaker McIntosh sound system
• Quad-zone climate controls
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree camera
• Power liftgate
• LED headlights
• Tri-panel panoramic sunroof
• Automatic parking program

Options, Higher Trims, and Packages

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Second-row bench seat
• Front Passenger Interactive Display
• Convenience Group
  • Night Vision camera
  • Digital rearview mirror
  • Rear-seat monitoring camera
  • Active Driving Assist
  • Semi-autonomous driving system
• Rear Seat Video Group
• Heavy-duty trailer towing package

Some of the optional packages and features for the Series I are standard fare on the Series II and Series III models.

What Powers the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer?

The Jeep Wagoneer uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission to give you 392 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque. This Jeep can tow up to 10,000 pounds and offers 16 city/22 hwy mpg in RWD versions, while 4WD models offer 15 city/20 hwy mpg.

Moving up to the Grand Wagoneer, we see something bigger and more powerful. This big brute is powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain returns 471 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Although this SUV has a more powerful engine, the tow rating is the same 10,000 pounds you find in the Wagoneer model. Fuel mileage comes in at 13 city/18 hwy mpg for the Grand Wagoneer.

Will You Drive One of These Big Jeeps?

Now that you know what some of the differences are between the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, will you choose one of these big brutes to drive? If you want excellent towing in this class, you can’t beat either of these SUVs. The choice might come down to whether to go with the regular version or go grand and have all the bells and whistles of a luxurious full-size SUV.