Most SUV enthusiasts crave the driving dynamics of the undaunted Jeep spirit, but while the Wrangler is the purist, back-to-basics workhorse, the Grand Wagoneer strikes a balance between the dirt work and upscale glamor. When it was first introduced, it “forged a new segment as the ultimate premium utility vehicles of the day,” David Hudson, Senior Brand Manager, Grand Wagoneer, told Global SUV. Perhaps that’s why the old Grand Wagoneer sold for crazy prices when it went away, and many couldn’t wait for its return.
The Grand Wagoneer has seen lots of refinement since its return in 2021, and the 2025 version, in particular, offers more power and additional tech enhancements. While we wait for announcements on what the 2026 version brings, Global SUV recently connected with David Hudson for a closer look at the 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Commanding Frame from Premium American Stitching
With a towering height of 75.6″, length of 214.7″, and width of 83.6″, the 2025 Grand Wagoneer boasts an imposing, oversized stance that few other large luxury SUVs can match. No troubles getting into the cabin, though, thanks to the power retractable running boards. While the SUV has grown significantly larger over the years, the latest Grand Wagoneer still shows a clear descent from the 1984 Grand Wagoneer, retaining some vocabulary from its design language.
Speaking of what inspires the design, David explained that:
“For more than a quarter century, the first Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer forged a new segment as the ultimate premium utility vehicles of the day, boasting standard features that were then unheard of in an SUV. The return of the current generation of Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer marks the revival of these iconic nameplates, featuring premium American craftsmanship. The classics inspire them – designed with modern American style, a long list of advanced technologies, and premium features that carry on that tradition.”
We agree because while the front and rear fascias of the Grand Wagoneer appear pretty modern, a closer look reveals subtle nods to its heritage.
Possessed by the Road-Ravaging Jeep Spirit
Although the Grand Wagoneer helps you arrive at a gala in style, it can just as easily tow a trailer through the desert. The SUV gets its juice from Stellantis’ Hurricane Twin-Turbo 540 Engine, which mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission to produce 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 6,412 lbs, the Grand Wagoneer can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 5.9 seconds, and it boasts a maximum towing capacity of 9,800 lbs. While most Grand Wagoneer owners will likely keep it on pavement, Jeep fits it with serious hardware to make it feel right at home on unfriendly terrains. Standard capability features include 4WD, a front-axle differential with a disconnect function, semi-active damping, and air suspension, which allows for adjustable ride height as needed.
When asked about the GW’s capability, David said:
“The Grand Wagoneer sets American Premium as the standard for sophistication, authenticity, and modern mobility. Like all Jeeps, it is highly capable, boasting Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive, along with the class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system and a rear electronic limited-slip differential, all of which are standard. The Grand Wagoneer also offers exceptional driving dynamics and ride comfort, featuring a standard Quadra-Lift Air Suspension with Semi-Active Damping.”
However, don’t expect sports car handling and maneuverability, as it is a massive, family-sized SUV, and it drives just like one.
Spacious Grandeur
The interior is a premium affair, featuring refined materials and high-quality leather upholstery across all trims. Complementing the seat finishes, the door panels and center console are also trimmed in the same premium leather. While the Grand Wagoneer offers a wealth of opulent features expected at its price point, its biggest selling point is arguably its generous space. Even in the third row, there are 36.60 inches of legroom to accommodate an adult comfortably. Front and second-row legroom measure 40.90″ and 42.70″, respectively. Depending on the preferred configuration, the GW seats 7-8 passengers, as there’s an option to replace the second-row captain’s chairs with a bench.
Ahead, a two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel latches onto the walnut wood or dark metal-accented dashboard. The GW may be screen-infested, but the screens’ positioning is more likely to impress anyone. What about the “little” things? Heated seats, massaging seats, ventilated seats, driver and passenger seat memory? Most of them are standard features on the GW. There’s 27.40 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row. For more space, the third-row 60/40 split comes in handy. Or you can lower all the rear seats to get the maximum 94.20 cu ft of space. But what’s opulence without ambience? The Tri-Pane panoramic sunroof creates an airy environment, and you can adjust the mood further by using the in-cabin customizable ambient lighting.
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Elevated Technology
Tech is another area where the GW excels, boasting hundreds of infotainment and safety tech features. First, the GW showboats with lots of screens. A 12-inch touchscreen display sits at the center of the dashboard. Beneath it is a 10.3-inch screen for climate control. The front passenger is not left out with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display. There’s more screen show in the second row with available front-seat-mounted 10.1-inch entertainment screens for passengers in the captain’s chairs. They also have a 10.25-inch touchscreen display for configuring the climate control system and ambient lighting. Compatibilities include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice command, Alexa, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, among others.
The GW’s list of standard safety and driver-assist features is impressive. They include blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, an active lane management system, and drowsy driver detection, among others.
Discussing its most underrated tech feature, David explained that:
“It’s the Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian and Animal Detection. During late-night drives, the available Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian and Animal Detection uses thermal imaging to help detect obstacles, pedestrians, and animals in the dark and project them on the Driver Information Digital Cluster Display.”
Pricing and Competition
The base trim Grand Wagoneer starts at $87,040, while the highest trim starts at $111,635. We wouldn’t recommend the base Grand Wagoneer trim, as intending buyers can save an extra $15,000 by opting for the Wagoneer Overland (which differs from the Grand Wagoneer). With the GW, the grander the better, so we’ll stick to either the Series III or Series III Obsidian trim.
While there is significant competition in the family-sized SUV space, Jeep seems to acknowledge only the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Beyond its considerable price advantage, the GW edges out these SUVs in some features, such as towing capacity.
Jeep says the GW is made from the pursuit of perfection. It may not be perfect, but it is close. David says, “For 2026, the Grand Wagoneer will have product announcements coming soon!” We anticipate.
Gabriel Olakunori
Gabriel likes to (blindly) argue that SUVs are part of nature, and he might just have a point when you're walking in the snow, crossing bone-dry deserts, gliding down splendid park-like boulevards, or navigating rocky roads. He has over seven years of experience writing across a broad spectrum of topics, many within the automotive industry. If he is not at the desk w̶r̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun, he is at the wheel d̶r̶i̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun. Either way, the road leads to the same destination: bliss. Gabriel loves SUVs for their all-inclusiveness, but he cannot turn down an offer to drive or write about any vehicle.
