2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L Prove Big Isn't Big Enough
Weren’t happy having only the sixth-largest SUV on the block? L models add another foot in length.
Jeep on Wednesday debuted the 2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L. The extended-wheelbase versions of the body-on-frame behemoths promise best-in-class overall passenger volume, and stop just shy of being the very largest SUVs you can buy right now.
SEE ALSO: Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Cadillac Escalade ComparisonIt’s not as if the regular Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer—the latter our reigning Luxury Utility Vehicle of the Year—are exactly tiny. Yet the L adds seven inches between the axles, and twelve overall, for a wheelbase of 130.0 inches (3,303 millimeters) and total length of 226.7 inches (5,759 mm). The Cadillac Escalade remains the longest overall, but the Wagoneer outpoints its competitor in terms of passenger and cargo space. How’s 179.3 cubic feet (5,077 liters) of the former sound, or up to 130.9 cubes (3,707 L) of storage space?
From the outside, the extra length is pretty easy to spot, since it goes into an even longer rear side window. If you weren’t a fan before, that’s unlikely to change now.
The other big news exists under the hood, with Stellantis’ new Hurricane 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six subbing in. It will come in two outputs: the Wagoneer L will feature a 420 horsepower version, backed up by 468 pound-feet of torque. Those are gains of 26 and 64, respectively, routing through the same eight-speed automatic transmission as before. Jeep recommends mid-tier 89-octane fuel for this Hurricane Standard Output, but it will run on the 87 stuff, too. Despite the increased power, Jeep is estimated 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for rear-drive models, improvements across the board. The 4×4 model shaves 1 mpg off both city and highway numbers, yet the joys of math keep its combined figure at 19 mpg.
A higher-powered Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 will sit behind the Grand Wagoneer L’s iconic seven-slot grille. As the name implies, this one spits out 510 hp, along with 500 lb-ft. This one is sips only premium, however. Jeep will offer the current 2022 Grand Wagoneer with the choice of this option for a short time. Fuel economy numbers are 14, 19, and 16 mpg, respectively; 1 mpg improvements over the 6.4-liter V8 in every measurement.
Jeep will also be adding a stealthy Carbide model to the Wagoneer L lineup. Like the existing Obsidian edition of the Grand Wagoneer, the Carbide gets its black trim game on, with the wheels, grille, mirrors, and interior garnishes going dark.
Nothing else has changed with the Wagoneer package, which is just as good, as it has one of the best interiors in its class. Leather and wood are everywhere, while Uconnect 5 is one of the most user-friendly (and powerful) infotainment systems out there. High-tech optional features include night vision, 360-degree camera, an excellent McIntosh sound system, and more. The Wagoneers still go hard on the screen count, with the Grand model providing up to 75 inches of total screen area if you opt for all seven (yes, seven). There is a full suite of standard driving assists too, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control (with stop and go), rear cross-path detection, and more.
The 2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L will start arriving in dealerships in the second half of the year. Expect pricing and a full trim breakdown closer to launch.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
More by Kyle Patrick
Comments
Join the conversation