By Michael Kinney
NEW YORK– In 2021 Jeep was one of the few companies to actually bring new products to the market when they introduced the reimagined Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee. Both instantly were welcomed into the Jeep family.
Yet, instead, of resting on its laurels, Jeep does what it does and got back to work. At the 2022 New York International Auto Show (April 13-24) they decided to step it up a notch and unveiled the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L.
The most important thing you need to know about both vehicles is they provide more space than their predecessors, according to Jim Morrison, Senior vice president and head of Jeep North America.
When Morrison says more space, he means it. Both models in the L series are a foot longer than the 2022 versions. They also have seven-inch longer wheelbases than the standard length.
The biggest thing they will notice on the Grand Waggoneer is the L, the extra length,” Morrison said. “It’s a whole foot in length, seven inches of wheelbase and it still drives like a car. It’s amazing. But it has so much more space for people and stuff. It’s great.”
Under the hood, Jeep designers also moved the needle with the all-new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine. Jeep officials named it the Hurricane.
The Wagoneer L runs with 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque while the Grand Wagoneer L is a slight step up at 510 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
“Drivers are surprised with the drive, especially now adding in the improvements that we’ve got with the inline turbo,” Morrison said.
The Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L still come with the 5-star treatment inside as well. From the premium leather seats to the large console monitor and backseat monitors, comfort and luxury are still mainstays with the Wagoneer line.
“The customers that we see coming into the new Grand Waggoneer, they just need more space for their life,” Morrison said. “And they love to have all the premium and luxury with the way we have done the interior.”
Pricing for the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L is expected to be listed later this summer.
Not to be outdone, Jeep also debuted another member of its ever-growing family at the New York Auto Show with the Grand Cherokee 4xe with the High Altitude package.
“The stunning High Altitude appearance package and the new premium Hydro Blue exterior paint option gives the Grand Cherokee 4xe a customized look for those who want the peak of capability, performance and luxury with unique exterior style,” Morrison said.
The 4xe propulsion system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, a 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
With it, the 4xe gets 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).
“Our 4Xe is perfectly timed I think,” Morrison said. “It needed to be a real Jeep. With the 4Xe, we have a really good Jeep first and foremost. But we’re also delivering great fuel efficiency. With Wrangler 4Xe and now the new Grand Cherokee 4Xe. With 56mpge, 25 miles all-electric range with a Grand Cherokee that will crawl up a wall. It’s incredible.”
Story & Photos: Michael Kinney Media
