The Rebirth of an American Icon: A Look at the Grand Wagoneer

Can you drive a manual transmission? Manuals are all but gone these days, but back in the 1960s, it was unheard of to pair an automatic transmission with four-wheel drive. This completely changed with the debut of the original Jeep Wagoneer in 1963. The Wagoneer pioneered the modern SUV and paved the way for the debut of the luxurious Grand Wagoneer in 1984. Discontinued in the early 1990s, this American icon of luxury is staged to make its return with the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer coming soon to Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, your premier Cincinnati Jeep dealer.

The Grand Wagoneer Legacy

To fully appreciate the Grand Wagoneer’s legacy, we need to take a look back at the original Wagoneer that made its debut in 1963. That model proved Jeep was capable of delivering a luxury vehicle complete with power brakes, a premium radio, power steering, and for the first time in history, an automatic transmission paired with four-wheel-drive. Giving drivers the best of both worlds – outstanding performance and luxurious comfort – the Wagoneer was a massive success until the financial crisis of the 1980s that left Jeep scrambling for a solution to its money troubles. The answer was an all-new premium SUV known as the Grand Wagoneer that made its debut in 1984.

Designed to attract higher-end clientele looking for more luxury, the original Grand Wagoneer certainly fit the bill and offered the ultimate luxury with its leather seats, air conditioning, extra sound insulation, and iconic wood-grain exterior. The price was also right at just under $20,000 and sent sales soaring as drivers couldn’t wait to get their hands on the new gold standard in the world of SUVs. This popularity, however, dwindled by the 1990s when changing safety standards and poor fuel economy led to the Grand Wagoneer’s discontinuation, marking the end of an American icon.

The Grand Return

With the newly-formed Stellantis now at the helm of the Jeep brand, the automaker has announced the return of the Wagoneer as a premium extension of the Jeep lineup that will deliver a customer experience like no other. The return of Wagoneer includes the rebirth of the iconic Grand Wagoneer as a luxury SUV that will offer cutting-edge technology and innovative features while honoring the Jeep heritage. Of course, fans of luxury vehicles couldn’t be more excited for the debut of a lineup that promises to compete with the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and Land Rover Range Rover. For now, the question is, “will the new Grand Wagoneer live up to the hype?” Here are five reasons why it most certainly will.

#1 It’s All in the Details

The Grand Wagoneer embodies Jeep’s rich history both inside and out with details that reflect Jeep’s heritage. The front grille features Jeep’s iconic seven-slot design that’s enhanced and modernized with intricate lattice-work and an LED pattern that sets the front of the Grand Wagoneer apart from every other vehicle on the road. With additional LED lighting around the SUV’s exterior, the Grand Wagoneer comes to life with a vibrant light sequence that pairs exceptionally well with the interior’s customizable ambient lighting that immediately puts drivers and passengers into “chill mode.”

The Grand Wagoneer’s tri-paned glass roof shines natural light from the front to the back of the SUV and is yet another detail drivers can’t wait to experience. The model also features sculpted Satin American Walnut wood interior details, a premium material that’s an undeniable nod to the early Grand Wagoneer. Other details that pay tribute to the Wagoneer that started it all include the two-spoke steering wheel and the “EST. 1963” inscription on the outer edge of the instrumental panel near the driver’s door.

#2 So Many Screens, So Much Connectivity

Just like the first-generation Grand Wagoneer offered premium technology for its time, the all-new Grand Wagoneer continues the tradition with its innovative suite of connectivity and entertainment features. These features begin with 45 inches of digital screens in the front row and include another 30 inches of screens in the second row, making the Grand Wagoneer unlike any other SUV on the road. But how are all these screens configured?

Drivers have a direct view of the 12.3-inch driver information display that provides vital information like speed, incoming calls, and navigation cues. The 12-inch center touchscreen display is equipped with the Uconnect 5 system and offers a variety of apps as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There is also a supplementary 10.25-inch comfort display below the center touchscreen that provides access to seat and climate controls. The front passenger also gets in on the screen action with a personal 10.25-inch touchscreen display that can access infotainment functions, exterior camera views, and Apple Fire TV.

The same comfort features are offered to second-row passengers, including their own 10.25-inch comfort display positioned between the front captain’s chairs that controls half of the standard four-zone climate control system. Each second-row passenger also has access to a personal 10.1-inch seat-back entertainment touchscreen with Apple Fire TV that makes riding in the Grand Wagoneer an even more enjoyable experience.

#3 Premium Sound

Along with offering a variety of screens to ensure the driver and passengers stay connected, the Grand Wagoneer is among the first vehicles in the world to offer a McIntosh sound system. That premium brand is known for delivering the ultimate sound experience, and they have outdone themselves equipping the new SUVs. The Grand Wagoneer offers immersive sound with 23 custom speakers and a 24-channel amplifier. The speaker system also reflects the collaboration between the Grand Wagoneer and McIntosh with its sleek design in gloss black and aluminum.

#4 Off-Road Ready

Designed to perform whether navigating rush-hour traffic or venturing off the beaten path, the Grand Wagoneer is ready for every adventure. For starters, the Grand Wagoneer comes standard with 4×4 and the Quadra-Lift air suspension system that can be automatically or manually controlled to make the SUV sit higher or lower depending on need. For example, Off-Road Mode raises the vehicle to improve ground clearance while Aero Mode lowers the SUV to the optimal height for fuel efficiency and highway performance.

The Grand Wagoneer is also equipped with a Selec-Terrain Traction Management System that includes five drive modes that customize components like steering, suspension, braking, and traction to optimize performance on a variety of terrains. Drivers can also take full advantage of the Grand Wagoneer’s Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system. This industry-leading system utilizes an electronic locking rear differential that maximizes traction and improves handling when the Grand Wagoneer needs it most.

#5 An Electric Future

For 2022, the Grand Wagoneer comes standard with a powerful 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that supplies over 470 horsepower. This mighty engine is part of what makes the new vehicle off-road ready and gives it a best-in-class towing capacity of nearly 10,000 pounds. However, the Grand Wagoneer concept included a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and we expect to see that system appear in future models.

This mirrors the brand’s commitment to offering greener and more eco-friendly models without sacrificing any of the power and performance that you expect. If the new Wrangler 4xe hybrid is any indication, the hybrid Grand Wagoneer will offer both efficiency and exceptional four-wheel-drive capability to deliver a powerful workhorse that’s better for the environment. We can expect even more torque and immediate engine responsiveness through an electric powertrain, which will also make the Grand Wagoneer one of the most fun driving experiences both on and off the road.

Get Ready for a Grand Time

Are you excited about the all-new Grand Wagoneer? With the model’s debut set for 2022 and pre-sales starting in summer 2021, there’s a lot of hype around the return of an American icon as well as the addition of the Wagoneer brand to the automotive market. Not only is the new Grand Wagooner a premium vehicle, but the Wagoneer experience will include VIP treatment both at the dealership and through an exclusive 24/7 concierge service. Every American driver should be excited to watch as the iconic Grand Wagoneer makes its extraordinary return to the good ole’ American highway.