The return of the Grand Wagoneer is upon us! The Motor Authority crew took the 2021 Grand Wagoneer on a fishing trip to Canada to gauge its wilderness abilities.
The six-lug wheels indicate the Grand Wagoneer is now based on the ultra-capable Ram 1500. The center console is a bit narrower, and the C-pillars don’t lean quite as far out compared to the Escalade. Inside, the low-set dashboard and high seating position offers a view well-situated for highway driving. The air suspension and adaptive dampers made the Grand Wagoneer come out ahead of the Escalade in terms of navigating frequent bumps.
The testing team’s Grand Wagoneer model featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen for the climate controls. This screen is motorized and can be flipped up to make way for a compartment that houses the wireless phone charger and onboard USB-A and USB-C ports that keep your devices juiced.
Power is sourced from a 6.4-liter V8 that cranks out 471 horsepower and 455 lb/ft of torque. It is paired to an 8-speed automatic, and goes 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. This is an impressive accomplishment for a vehicle that weighs in at 6,340 lbs, and the V8 emits an authentic noise that will surely please the “purist” crowd before the inevitable electrification of the Stellantis fleet. Each new Grand Wagoneer comes with a 2-speed transfer case that will provide extra muscle, a feature that you won’t be able to find in the rival Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
Jeep has long been a brand popular with those ready to pack up and go, and this entry offers a feature-rich and powerful vehicle!