Jeep's new Grand Wagoneer aims to compete for Escalade buyers

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Jeep brought back the Wagoneer to compete with the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

Now there's a luxury version called the Grand Wagoneer. That's Jeep's way of going after the Escalade crowd.

The company has been aiming to appeal to more SUV buyers. When it redesigned the Grand Cherokee, a new L model was created to offer a third-row seat for the first time, creating more space for passengers.

But some want even more space - and size. So behold the new Wagoneer from Jeep. It's a full-size, full-capability SUV.

If the name sounds familiar, that's because Jeep used it on an iconic previous model for literally decades, up until the early 1990s.

This one's a clean-sheet design, and it's technically not labeled a Jeep, just Wagoneer. Three rows of seats of course, and a body-on-frame layout with standard V8 power.

Need to tow something? It's rated to pull up to 10,000 pounds.

If you'd like more luxury with your largeness, there's also the Grand Wagoneer, with more of everything, including standard four-wheel drive, air suspension to smooth the ride, and 471 horsepower

The Wagoneer is aimed at people who might be looking at a Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition.

The upscale Grand Wagoneer is aiming higher - at buyers looking at the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator or even a big Range Rover.

And the Grand Wagoneer doesn't come cheap.

Base price for the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is about $87,000. But a fully-loaded example stickered at an eye-popping $109,000.

The regular Wagoneer does start at under $60,000 for a more modest budget.

You'll have to budget for fuel, too. The Wagoneer gets a 5.7-liter engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, good for an estimate of 15 mpg city and 20 highway.

The Grand Wagoneer is thirstier, with its larger 6.4 liter engine and no hybrid help at all. The EPA says 13 mpg city and 18 highway for the luxe model.

Relief in the fuel economy area could be on the way, however. Jeep's parent company has promised electrification across the board, and the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee are already offered as plug-in hybrids.

Stay tuned for Wagoneer news in that regard. In the meantime, Jeep dealers can stop watching brand-loyal owners go elsewhere, when they're looking for a big ride with the Jeep heritage.