Jeep is getting ready to introduce the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L to Australia, but we won’t get its Grand Wagoneer bigger brother.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has been ruled out Down Under, as the brand instead focuses on the Grand Cherokee L revealed earlier this month.
“I think we will focus on the three-row Grand Cherokee, which is already a pretty substantial, pretty big SUV. And we’ll deliver high performance with this thing,” said Jeep global president Christian Meunier.
“I think we will cover some of the market with this product that potentially a Grand Wagoneer could have done.”
Grand Wagoneer
Measuring up at 5204mm long, the Grand Cherokee L is already longer than a Hyundai Palisade or Nissan Pathfinder, and even has the new Kia Carnival people mover covered by 50mm.
The Grand Wagoneer is expected to be larger again, although dimensions for the production car haven’t yet been revealed.
The Grand Cherokee L will touch down in Australia late this year, although local engines, prices, and specifications haven’t been locked in. The five-seat Grand Cherokee will be revealed late this year, along with an electrified 4xe variant.
Power in the USA will come from a choice of two engines:
- A 3.6-litre petrol V6 with 216kW of power and 350Nm of torque
- A 5.7-litre petrol V8 with 266kW of power and 530Nm of torque
Grand Cherokee L
Braked towing capacity for the V6 is 2810kg, while the bigger V8 engine can haul 3265kg.
Diesel power is off the table for the new model, with Mr Meunier confirming a plug-in hybrid will instead be offered for buyers who want low-down pulling power.
Inside, the new Grand Cherokee represents a giant leap forward from the current car. Central to the cabin is an 8.4- or 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system built on Google’s latest Android Automotive bones, and the driver is faced with a customisable 10.25-inch gauge cluster.
The system supports over-the-air updates to keep it fresh throughout its life, has 4G capability to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, and packs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Along with wireless charging up front, there are a total of 12 USB-A and USB-C ports so all five, six, or seven passengers can stay charged on the go.
Jeep will use the Grand Cherokee L to debut its rear-seat monitoring camera, which allows the driver to zoom in through the central touchscreen on each seat and see what’s happening, including checking on rear-facing child seats.
The Grand Cherokee L will also debut a digital rear-view mirror and a head-up display for Jeep.
Like the Grand Wagoneer, the Grand Cherokee will be available with a McIntosh premium sound system packing 19 speakers.
It’s not all about high-end sizzle inside. With wider-opening doors and a 3091mm wheelbase, Jeep says the new car is easier to get into/out of and more spacious once you’re inside.
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