In America, the saying “bigger is better” often rings true, especially when it comes to vehicles. Many Americans seek spaciousness and power in their cars, and Jeep understands this sentiment. Following in the footsteps of Cadillac and Lincoln, Jeep has introduced a long wheelbase version of its three-row, full-size SUV – the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. This new model offers even more interior space while downsizing under the hood. As someone who recently embarked on a fishing trip to Canada with my dad, two friends, and an excessive amount of gear in the Grand Wagoneer L, I have experienced firsthand the pros and cons of this luxurious and expansive people mover.
The Grand Wagoneer L was made for road trips like ours. While we didn’t need to utilize the third row during the trip, it offered a lounge-like experience with its impressive 36.6 inches of legroom. With the third row folded, we had a generous 88.8 cubic feet of space to load all of our equipment. We made sure not to place anything above the seat backs to ensure safety in case of an accident and to maintain clear rearward visibility. The additional 12.0 inches of overall length in the Grand Wagoneer L played a significant role in improving storage capabilities. Unlike in the shorter wheelbase model, we didn’t have to worry about our 7-foot-long fishing rod coming into contact with the 10.1-inch touchscreen for the rear climate controls. Instead, it easily slipped between the second-row captain’s chairs.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with driving such a massive vehicle. Piloting the Grand Wagoneer L often requires frequent three-point turns, which can become a daily part of life. Cadillac’s Escalade ESV and Lincoln’s Navigator L present similar challenges. Choosing the Grand Wagoneer L, with its length of 226.7 inches, means embracing the considerable size. Buyers should carefully consider their reasons for opting for such a large vehicle, as the standard length model, measuring a full foot shorter, offers similar features and functionality while being easier to park in crowded lots.
In terms of performance, the Grand Wagoneer L impressively achieves more with less. While the shorter wheelbase Grand Wagoneer continues to be equipped with the old 6.4-liter V-8 engine, rated at 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, the Grand Wagoneer L exclusively comes with the high-output variant of Jeep’s new 3.0-liter turbo-6 engine, delivering a robust 510 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. This turbo-6 engine pairs well with the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine feels incredibly responsive, with the turbos kicking in early and providing a continuous surge of power. Despite weighing in at 6,335 pounds during my test drive, the Grand Wagoneer L proved to be surprisingly quick, easily reaching triple-digit speeds within seconds, even with a full load of passengers and fishing gear.
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Unfortunately, the Grand Wagoneer L falls short in terms of fuel efficiency. Jeep has promised to electrify its entire lineup by 2025, and this development can’t come soon enough. The Grand Wagoneer L achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. These figures are only slightly better than the ratings for the V-8-powered short-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer, which stands at 13/18/15 mpg. During my trip, the turbo-6 engine averaged 18.7 mpg over 707 miles, according to the trip computer. Comparatively, the V-8 engine in the shorter model achieved an average of 17.9 mpg on the same route with the same load. While the reduced number of cylinders helps improve fuel economy, the presence of turbos leads to increased fuel consumption once they start working. Unfortunately, there’s no boost readout in the digital gauge cluster, making it challenging to determine when the turbos are in operation.
One advantage of choosing the Grand Wagoneer L is its ability to offer a sense of stealth wealth. Pulling up to a country club or evening gala in an Escalade or Navigator immediately signals that you’ve made a substantial financial investment. In contrast, the Grand Wagoneer nameplate may not hold as much recognition among individuals born within the last 30 years. However, don’t be fooled – a fully loaded Series III Grand Wagoneer L, like the one I tested, costs $123,045, which is slightly more than a Navigator Black Label L or a fully loaded Escalade ESV. If you’re seeking a luxury SUV that flies under the radar but still offers all the amenities and features you desire, the Grand Wagoneer L is an excellent choice.
On the downside, the Grand Wagoneer L’s cabin lacks the pizzazz of its competitors, the Escalade ESV and Navigator L. Opening the doors of these vehicles will leave you awestruck, but the Grand Wagoneer L fails to deliver the same level of glamour and grandeur. As I entered the Jeep, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities to the larger Grand Cherokee, albeit with more screens. While the interior is undoubtedly nice and offers a pleasing aesthetic, it lacks that “wow factor” present in the Escalade and Navigator. The absence of a massive OLED display rising from the dashboard, the feeling of being in a lavish cigar lounge with thick leather and engraved wood, or the presence of delightful details within the gauge cluster or infotainment system leaves much to be desired. In this price range, attention to detail matters, and unfortunately, the Grand Wagoneer L falls short in this aspect.
Overall, despite its shortcomings, the Grand Wagoneer L proves to be an ideal vehicle for those seeking a testosterone-laden adventure, such as a Canadian fishing trip. Similar to its shorter counterpart, the Grand Wagoneer L offers a smooth driving experience, a luxurious interior, and excellent visibility. Additionally, it boasts increased power, enhanced fuel efficiency (albeit slight), and significantly more space for all essential equipment. Ultimately, the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L caters to the American desire for size, power, and luxury.
