The Jeep Wagoneer nameplate has always evoked a sense of classic American adventure blended with a touch of upscale comfort. After its triumphant return a few years ago, the full-size SUV segment welcomed a formidable contender. For 2025, the Jeep Wagoneer and its even more opulent sibling, the Grand Wagoneer, continue to evolve, solidifying their position as compelling choices for families and adventurers seeking a blend of spaciousness, power, and sophisticated features. While the spirit of rugged capability remains, the 2025 models lean heavily into refinement and cutting-edge technology, aiming to challenge established luxury players.
A Commanding Presence: Exterior Design
The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer retains its imposing and stately presence, a design language that clearly communicates its full-size SUV intentions. It’s a vehicle that commands attention without resorting to overly aggressive styling. The iconic seven-slot grille is present, flanked by sleek LED lighting that gives the front fascia a modern yet recognizable Jeep signature. For 2025, the Wagoneer now comes standard with larger 20-inch wheels, a welcome upgrade from the previous 18-inch options, enhancing its stance and visual appeal. The Grand Wagoneer takes this a step further, making 22-inch wheels standard, adding to its already elevated aesthetic. Subtle refinements, such as available power-folding mirrors, contribute to both convenience and a more polished look. The overall design is a harmonious blend of traditional SUV robustness and contemporary elegance, ensuring it looks at home whether pulling up to a five-star hotel or navigating a challenging trail.
Step Inside: Unrivaled Comfort and Cutting-Edge Technology
Where the Wagoneer truly shines is within its cavernous and meticulously crafted interior. Both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer boast an impressive 179.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, offering best-in-class second- and third-row legroom among standard-length models. The Wagoneer comfortably seats up to eight passengers, while the Grand Wagoneer typically features second-row captain’s chairs, accommodating seven. This thoughtful configuration ensures that every occupant, regardless of where they’re seated, enjoys ample space and comfort, making long journeys a breeze.
The materials used throughout the cabin underscore Jeep’s commitment to luxury. The Wagoneer features supple Nappa leather upholstery, while the Grand Wagoneer elevates the experience with premium leather, including exquisite Palermo leather on higher trims, complemented by authentic wood and metal accents. The attention to detail is evident in features like heated and ventilated front seats, standard on both models, and available massaging front seats in the Grand Wagoneer, providing an oasis of comfort.
Technology is seamlessly integrated into the Wagoneer’s opulent cabin. The dashboard is a symphony of screens, headlined by a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment display and a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver. An optional 10.3-inch passenger screen, capable of streaming entertainment via Amazon Fire TV Built-In, is a standout feature, allowing the front passenger to enjoy content or assist with navigation without distracting the driver. A separate 10.3-inch touchscreen for climate controls further streamlines the user experience. The Uconnect 5 system is intuitive and responsive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. For audiophiles, the available McIntosh audio system delivers an unparalleled auditory experience, transforming the cabin into a concert hall.
Power and Performance: The Hurricane Engine
Under the hood, the 2025 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer embrace the powerful and efficient 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, marking a definitive shift away from the previous V8 options. This engine is a marvel of modern engineering, offering impressive power and torque.
In the standard Wagoneer, the Hurricane engine delivers a robust 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. This provides more than enough grunt for confident highway cruising, brisk acceleration, and effortless towing. For those seeking even more exhilaration, the Grand Wagoneer’s version of the Hurricane engine is tuned to produce a formidable 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque (some sources indicate 540 hp), making it one of the most potent engines in its class. Both engines are paired with a smooth and reliable eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capability is, of course, a cornerstone of the Wagoneer experience. While the Wagoneer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive is available across the lineup and standard on higher trims and all Grand Wagoneer models. Features like the Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case and available air suspension (which can increase ground clearance by 3.6 inches) ensure that these large SUVs can tackle more than just paved roads. They offer genuine off-road prowess, allowing owners to venture off the beaten path with confidence.
Towing capacity is another strong suit, with both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer boasting a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes them ideal for hauling boats, campers, or other large trailers, adding to their versatility.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is paramount in a family-focused SUV, and the 2025 Wagoneer models come equipped with an extensive suite of standard and available safety and driver-assistance technologies. For 2025, several key features are now standard across the Wagoneer lineup, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Active Lane Management System, Pedestrian and Cyclist Emergency Braking, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection.
The Grand Wagoneer further enhances its safety credentials with additional standard features like Driver Attention Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intersection Collision Assist. The available Active Driving Assist system provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities, helping with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. Other advanced options include a 360-degree Surround View Camera with washer, a Head-Up Display, and even Night Vision with pedestrian and animal detection, offering comprehensive awareness in various driving conditions.
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer offers a range of trims, with pricing starting around $62,040 and going up to approximately $76,040 for the higher Series III. The more luxurious Grand Wagoneer starts at about $72,040 and can reach over $111,635 for the top-tier Series III Obsidian. This tiered approach allows buyers to choose the level of luxury and features that best suits their needs and budget.
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cavernous and Luxurious Interior: Class-leading passenger and cargo space, premium materials, and exceptional comfort.
- Powerful Hurricane Engine: Strong performance and towing capabilities for both Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
- Advanced Technology: Feature-rich Uconnect 5 system, multiple large screens, and available premium audio.
- Genuine Off-Road Capability: Maintains Jeep’s heritage with robust 4×4 systems and available air suspension.
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: Extensive standard and available driver-assistance features for enhanced peace of mind.
Cons:
- Large Footprint: Its sheer size can make parking and maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.
- Fuel Economy: While improved with the Hurricane engine, it’s still a large SUV, and fuel economy will reflect that.
- Past Reliability Concerns: While the 2025 model aims to address issues, some earlier models faced electrical and fit-and-finish complaints. Potential buyers should research current reliability ratings.
- Price Point: Especially for the Grand Wagoneer, the price can quickly climb into the six-figure range, placing it in direct competition with established luxury brands.
Conclusion
The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer represent a compelling proposition in the full-size SUV market. They successfully blend Jeep’s iconic rugged capability with a newfound emphasis on luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. With powerful new engines, expansive interiors, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, they are well-equipped to handle family duties, long road trips, and even light off-road adventures. While the price point, particularly for the Grand Wagoneer, puts it in a competitive luxury segment, the sheer amount of space, capability, and premium features offered make it a strong contender. For those seeking an American-made luxury SUV that doesn’t shy away from its adventurous roots, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer is undoubtedly worth a closer look.
