INTERESTING CONCEPT
Jeep’s getting back into full-size premium SUVS with the first Wagoneers made since 1991
Is bigger always better? Jeep thinks it can be, and it’s bringing back the Grand Wagoneer to prove it. It goes on sale next summer, but right now we’re seeing the concept, and getting teasers on its powertrain.
The brand is getting back into the full-size premium SUV segment, with a truck wearing a nameplate last seen in 1991, and now built in Warren, Mich. The initial plans are for a Wagoneer and longer Grand Wagoneer.
Nothing’s been said about Canadian pricing yet, but American buyers can expect to start around US$60,000 for the Wagoneer, and top out around US$100,000 for a fully loaded Grand Wagoneer. Jeep plans to do battle against luxury sport-ute stalwarts such as GMC’S Denali, Cadillac and even Range Rover.
The Grand Wagoneer concept is a three-row model. There’s only so much you can do with a rolling box, and so the designers added touches to differentiate it from all the other rolling boxes. The body colour continues up into the pillars, which are usually blacked out on most SUVS, and the signature seven-slot Jeep grille is outlined with LEDS, with an illuminated Wagoneer nameplate above it.
Some things will undoubtedly be concept only, such as the teak wood in the roof rails and headlights, and 3D-printed elements in the 24-inch wheels. Canadian models probably won’t get the American flag alongside the model name on the door, either. But other items, including its welcome lighting and panoramic sunroof, will certainly make the cut.
The liftgate wasn’t opened on the concept, but from the pictures, it looks like a two-piece clamshell — and I hope that doesn’t make it to production. Range Rover likes to use that, and it’s a pain to reach across the bottom half to load cargo, especially if the exterior edge is wet or dirty.
The concept is a plug-in hybrid, but I’m counting on it debuting with a traditional gasoline-only powertrain, although there’s a chance it might hit the ground running with a plug-in option.
Jeep has verified the production Wagoneer models will come with a choice of three available 4x4 systems, and a four-corner Quadra-lift air suspension. I didn’t see a “Trail Rated” badge on the concept, but I expect there’ll be at least one trim that has it.
The outside may be typical big-boxy-suv styling, but the interior is spectacular. Of course, Jeep says it’s a “vision” of what the production vehicle could be, but I think we’re pretty much looking at that hundred-grand model’s cabin, and lesser models will de-contented from here.
At first glance, there’s a Texas ranch’s worth of cowhide spread across the seats, doors, instrument panel and console, but it’s all hat and no cattle — it’s a sustainable synthetic look-alike. The carpets are made from recycled material, and the suede headliner is actually a microfibre fabric. But the small quantities of “green” materials used in concepts aren’t always feasible for mass production, and so the Grand Wagoneer might end up with real leather nevertheless.
As with any premium launch, technology is the big thing here, and the Grand Wagoneer has screens, screens, and more screens. The centre top multimedia screen is powered by the latest version of Uconnect 5, while the bottom one controls the concept’s massaging seats. The second-row occupants also get a seat-and-climate screen in their centre console, and entertainment screens mounted on the seats in front of them.
But the big deal is a 10.25-inch touch screen in the dash ahead of the front-seat occupant, which Jeep says is an industry first.
It’s invisible to the driver — to reduce distraction — and lets that passenger operate some functions, such as navigation, and watch movies or other entertainment during the drive.
I’m betting it’s the same with the concept’s Mcintosh stereo system, a brand known for its high-end stereos; Jeep’s reps say they’re still ironing out whether it’s going to be included on the production model, but I’m guessing it will be there.
Other than some of its exterior trim, and the question of its powertrain, I think the concept is pretty much what’s going to production. The original Grand Wagoneer was pretty much alone in the premium full-size sportute market in the 1980s. That segment’s relatively small today, and it’ll be interesting to see if this nostalgic nameplate has what it takes to fit in.