JEEP GRAND WAGONEER CONCEPT: A FUTURE FULL-SIZE HYBRID SUV FROM FCA

The time has come at last, but with a twist. What’s been teased and revealed before us is not the production ready version. Rather, say hello to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept. Does it do the name plate justice? As the Ford Bronco did? We hope to get a closer look soon. But make no mistake, this big SUV fills a huge hole not only in the Jeep lineup, but also FCA. It’s been decades since the smallest of the Detroit Three automakers has offered a contender in this space. A space where American marques dominate. Simply by brand cachet alone, the upcoming 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will attract buyers.

On the outside are Obsidian Black accents, which make their way into the Jeep’s seven trademark grille slots, outlined with a signature lighting pattern. Illuminated letters spelling out the word ‘Wagoneer’ are also positioned above the grille. Despite all of this accent lighting, there’s still LED projector headlamps. Finishing the look up front is a black aluminum front skid plate, accented front tow hooks, and 24-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels featuring 3D-printed elements. Keeping things comfortable is an adaptive air ride suspension.

In an unmistakable way, The LED taillamps of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept extend from the rear quarter panel to the back of the SUV, while a subtle rear diffuser is positioned below the power tailgate, which also improves the SUV’s aerodynamics.

At the top of the towering truck is a panoramic glass roof, flanked by roof rails featuring four tie-down loop openings with teak wood. Very on brand here.

Since its a full-size SUV, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept can fit up to seven people thanks to its 2+2+3 configuration – much like the T1 SUV models from General Motors. To step up the vibe, customizable ambient lighting can set the mood at night, and large glass windows along the perimeter of the SUV can capture the vistas during the day.

In addition to the big Grand Wagoneer, Jeep will launch a smaller version, simply called Wagoneer. Think GMC Yukon vs Yukon XL.

Up front in the cockpit, a two-spoke steering wheel pays homage to the original Grand Wagoneer, You don’t see many two-spoke wheels these days. On the far edge of the passenger’s side, the dashboard features an “EST. 1963” homage to the original Wagoneer’s first model year. While the original Grand Wagoneer’s exterior featured extensive use of wood, the new Grand Wagoneer Concept’s interior is trimmed in heat-treated lacewood. And the headliner is made of Dinamica, which is a fully recyclable premium microfiber suede. Very nature-like.

The instrument cluster is made up of a single 12.3-inch digital display, which is flanked by a 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen in the center console, plus a third 10.25-inch horizontal display touchscreen, separated by an aluminum wing that controls the seats, and four-zone climate controls. If that wasn’t enough eye cone-burning blue light, a separate 10.25-inch touchscreen can be operated by the front passenger, and second-row passengers can access a 10.1-inch screen on the center console located between the two captain’s chairs. Plus, each second-row passenger also gets an individual 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreen. This doesn’t feel very nature-like, but okay.

All of this touchscreen processing power is made capable by FCA’s all-new Uconnect 5 system, which is five times faster than the previous generation electrical architecture. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept also features the only vehicle audio system in the world powered by McIntosh, featuring 23 speakers and a 24-channel amplifier.

Production versions of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will arrive in showrooms next year and will be built in Warren, Michigan, alongside the Ram 1500 Classic.