- jeep is bringing back the wagoneer and grand wagoneer names for its new full-size suvs.
- these models will compete with the ford expedition and lincoln navigator along with gm's cadre of full-size suvs from chevy, gmc, and cadillac.
- production will start in early 2021, meaning the wagoneer models are likely to debut in late 2020.
a new full-size flagship suv with a familiar name is coming soon to the jeep lineup. yep, that's right, the wagoneer and grand wagoneer will be making their return in 2021, and we have a pretty good idea of what to expect given what we've seen in spy photos and learned from interviews over the past few years. here's what we know about the new wagoneer models that should make their debuts within the next year or so.
it will be based on the ram 1500
photos of a test mule in april 2019 were our clearest indication yet that the grand wagoneer would use a modified version of the ram 1500 half-ton pickup's body-on-frame platform. this mule featured an independent rear suspension, which is now present in both of the jeep's biggest competitors, the ford expedition/lincoln navigator and gm's new generation of full-size suvs including the chevy tahoe and suburban and the upcoming gmc and cadillac variants. this suspension setup should serve to improve ride and handling while also opening up more space in the cabin, especially in the third row and cargo area, due to its more compact design and superior packaging.
there will be a hybrid model
in 2016, mike manley, then the head honcho at jeep and now ceo of fiat chrysler automobiles, suggested to c/d that the grand wagoneer would offer a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. jeep has since reconfirmed electrified variants of both the wagoneer and grand wagoneer as part of its production plans. the ram offers 48-volt hybrid systems for both its 3.6-liter v-6 and 5.7-liter v-8 options, and both of those engines are likely for the wagoneer models. four-wheel drive should be standard equipment, and there are likely to be off-road packages available to augment the wagoneer's rock-crawling chops.
short- and long-wheelbase models will be available
we expect that jeep will follow the same strategy as ford and gm in offering two wheelbase lengths. the wagoneer name is likely to be applied to the shorter model, while grand wagoneer will be reserved for the longer model. both will have standard third-row seating, but the long-wheelbase grand wagoneer will offer considerably more space for passengers and cargo.
production will start in 2021
jeep confirmed way back in 2017 that both the wagoneer and grand wagoneer would be built at fca's warren truck assembly plant in michigan. more recently, it announced a further investment in that facility and said that production of both the wagoneer and grand wagoneer would begin in early 2021. this means that the trucks will debut sometime near the end of the 2020 calendar year and are likely to be designated as 2021 models in the united states.