2023 Jeep Wagoneer: 10 Things We Like or Dislike
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Introduced for 2022, the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have brought back fond memories but more importantly filled a full-size void in Jeep’s lineup. They’ve gotten even bigger for 2023 with the addition of long-wheelbase models.
Following an entire week behind the wheel of the former, now is a good time to review its strengths and weaknesses. Here are 10 things we like or dislike about the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer:
- Also: Super-Sized Jeep Wagoneer L, Grand Wagoneer L Coming for 2023
- Also: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Living in the Wagoneer's Massive Shadow
We Like: Space
Want space? You’ve come to the right place. First of all, access is easy, even when it comes to the third row. The Wagoneer is the widest SUV in its class and has no trouble accommodating adults no matter where they sit, while the Wagoneer L boasts best-in-class overall passenger volume and second-row legroom thanks to 7 inches of extra wheelbase.
What’s more, the trunk can fit 775 litres or 1,192 litres of cargo depending on the model—best in the segment once again. If you fold all the rear seats down (which is easier than pulling them back up), you get 3,304 litres or 3,701 litres, respectively.
We Dislike: Prices
We need to talk about the elephant in the room right away. Jeep understandably had big ambitions for the Wagoneer, and that’s fine, but the hefty price tags are not. The standard-wheelbase model ranges from $82,290-$92,290 including freight and PDI but no options whatsoever. Meanwhile, the Wagoneer L retails from $89,790-$95,790.
Sure, many full-size SUV buyers are willing to spend big bucks, but every competitor out there is significantly cheaper. This includes the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban—the best buy you can make in 2023 according to our team at The Car Guide.
We Like: Comfort
The comfort levels in the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer are remarkable, as well. Naturally, front-row occupants enjoy the best time thanks to a pair of superbly sculpted and plush seats, which happen to be heated/cooled and have 12-way power adjustments (including 4-way lumbar support) as standard.
The quiet interior adds to the comfortable driving experience. Even at highway speeds, you can easily maintain a conversation with other passengers without raising your voice. Considering the Wagoneer is about as aerodynamic as a fridge, we’re impressed by the soundproofing job Jeep engineers have done.
We Dislike: Proportions
Jeep badges have been replaced by “Wagoneer” lettering to emphasize the new dimension of luxury and prestige, but there’s no denying the family ties from a design standpoint. The front view is quite confident and classy. However, things don’t look so good on the sides.
Yes, the large doors are appreciated, but the Wagoneer is rather oddly proportioned, which isn’t exactly the case with competitors. By the way, wheel sizes range from 18-22 inches. Of course, the Wagoneer L is even worse. Jeep designers say they didn’t want it to look like a school bus, but if you ask this writer’s two daughters, it certainly does.
We Like: Carbide Package
One way for the Wagoneer to look better is to select the Carbide Package, especially if you don’t necessarily like chrome. Available on all models, regardless of wheelbase, it includes numerous gloss black accents, as well as a new technical hydrographic dash trim and Smoke accent stitching inside.
The seats and headliner are black, but claustrophobic passengers need not to worry: a panoramic tri-pane sunroof is also part of the package and makes a tremendous difference.
We Dislike: Fit and Finish
The cabin of the 2023 Wagoneer proves elegant and comfortable, as mentioned earlier. That being said, material selection, fit and finish are somewhat disappointing given the price.
For example, those plasticky surfaces on the vast dash top and upper door panels (in base Series II trim) look and feel a bit cheap. The fake wood inserts (real wood in the more upscale Grand Wagoneer) also won’t fool anybody, and some have a not-so-solid feel to them. On the other hand, the beautiful perforated Nappa leather wrapping the seats is beyond reproach.
We Like: Capability
The Wagoneer relies on the good old 5.7-litre HEMI V8, cranked up to 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft. of torque, or the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine rated at 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft. (standard on Wagoneer L). The latter is not only more powerful, but also more fuel-efficient (12.5 L/100 km versus 13.8 L/100 km with the V8). An eight-speed automatic transmission handles power delivery with the help of one of three available four-wheel drive systems. Best-in-class maximum towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs can be had with the available towing package.
While we didn’t put too much pressure on the Wagoneer in the trails, Jeep will happily tell you about its superior off-road performance, which partly explains the higher price. There’s a catch, mind you: you have to select the advanced off-road package, which adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, Selec-Speed control and an electronic locking rear different with a 3.92 axle ratio.
We Dislike: Steering
The Wagoneer’s steering wheel is massive. And by that we mean fat, particularly the spokes. Finding a comfortable grip at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions is a problem. Drivers with smaller hands probably won’t like it.
The lack of precision and feedback from the steering is not helping, either. In the end, you just don’t feel in complete control behind the wheel.
We Like: Safety
The 2023 Wagoneer comes with a ton of safety and driver assistance features (Jeep says there are more than 120, either standard or optional), and we didn’t find them to be too intrusive or annoying while driving. As a matter of fact, many can be turned off or customized in terms of alert type and intervention level, which is great.
By the way, the Uconnect 5 infotainment system is generally user-friendly and not too distracting despite the multiple menus and vehicle functions.
We Dislike: Braking and Handling
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection always has your back, but conventional braking using the pedal lacks smoothness and consistency. To be fair, that’s a lot of mass to slow down. The point is that we’ve seen better braking systems.
One last thing. The available Quadra-Lift air suspension does a formidable job of soaking up road imperfections whether on pavement, dirt or gravel, but the ponderous Wagoneer suffers from an excessively bouncy ride at times. We wish engineers had found a better compromise between comfort and sharp handling.
