We can all agree here at Landmark Dodge of Atlanta that it’s not easy making an XXL-sized SUV with the proper pose and illustrious trim of a runway model, as they can tend to be slowly-plodding and lumbering space-stealers. Taking a luxury-quality 3-row full-size SUV and stretching it to create a long-wheelbase version can make a tedious job that much more difficult, but it can be completed. The 2023 Wagoneer L and the 2023 Grand Wagoneer L were just featured on Motortrend.com considering their many useful strengths.
On display for the first time at this year’s New York Auto show, these are more than a foot longer than the short-wheelbase Wagoneer family, and a grand total of 226.7 inches long. The current-model 2022 Wagoneer derives power from a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which allows for 392 horsepower and 22 mpg on the highway. Before you begin to raise your eyebrows in pure-bred and seasoned auto lover’s criticism, the new U-shaped windows emphasize a large greenhouse, which is accented by the black roof and pillars, and are much better situated on the longer wheelbase.
The Chrysler 300 wagon commanded quite a bit of unique prowess and character, and this is what the rear doors of the Wagoneer remind us of: both of these long-wheelbase SUVs are fairly identical from the C-pillar forward. The extra length is allocated to the increased passenger space and much more cargo space behind the third row, giving the Jeep some of the best dimensions in its class, with even 22-inch wheels fitting perfectly in the oversized scheme of things.
So many diehard Jeep fans are also excited about the brand-new Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6 engines that will make their debut in these two models: there was another family of powerful and capable combustion engines needed that will still supply the powertrain needs over the next ten years for so many of the most iconic and legendary vehicles on the planet. Under the guise of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 plan, 50 percent of new vehicles sold in North America will source electric power in 2030, but the act of starting from complete scratch is always appropriate and timely.
This is what allows skilled engineers to pack more raw performance and sheer efficiency into a bit smaller of an engine, with the standard number on the 2023 Wagoneer being the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I-6 cranking out 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. The monumental beast in the form of the high-output Hurricane engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 boasting an output of 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, and both are paired with an 8-speed transmission.
What will techies love most about this high-performance pair? There are 7 available screens on board that all use the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system which runs Android, and offers five times more power: you can even entertain rear passengers with Fire TV and set your home’s temp directly from the car.
