Compared: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
When it comes to these family SUVs from Jeep, "Grand" means different things.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L (top) | Jeep Grand Wagoneer (bottom)
Can two Jeeps truly be termed Grand? The Jeep Grand Cherokee L and its bigger, beefier Grand Wagoneer sibling aim to answer that question.
While the Grand Cherokee L is a three-row version of the midsize Grand Cherokee SUV, the Grand Wagoneer serves as the luxury version of the full-size Jeep Wagoneer. While the naming overlap is largely superficial, it's not unreasonable to cross-shop these two.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L Is the Cheaper Undertaking
The base 2023 Grand Cherokee L starts at around $43,000. For that sum, you're looking at a base rear-wheel-drive Laredo model powered by a 3.6-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes at a $2,000 premium, while the optional V8 adds $4,000.
A Limited model equipped with four-wheel drive and some convenience features comes in at around $57,000, while the top-trim Summit Reserve starts at about $73,000.
The base price of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at around $95,000, while a fully loaded Grand Wagoneer Series III comes in at roughly $120,000. AWD is standard on the Grand Wagoneer. If you want even more room, you can opt for the long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer L, which carries a $3,000 premium.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is Grand in Size and Features
Despite its boxy design and available off-roading features, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L at its core is a crossover SUV built on a unibody platform. The Grand Wagoneer, on the other hand, is a large body-on-frame SUV, and it's bigger than the Grand Cherokee L in every dimension. It has more legroom, space for an additional passenger in its third row, significantly more cargo volume, and a higher towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds for the Grand Wagoneer, compared with 7,200 for the Grand Cherokee.
The Grand Wagoneer can be had with 22-inch wheels, while the Grand Cherokee L is limited to 21 inches in its top trim. The Grand Wagoneer also comes standard with a 12.0-inch infotainment screen, while the Grand Cherokee L offers 8.4 or 10.1 inches. Air suspension, a surround-view camera system, and different four-wheel-traction systems and off-road driving modes are optional on the Grand Cherokee L, but again, come standard on the Grand Wagoneer.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L Is the Fuel-Economy Champion
In most cases, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L employs a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 296 horsepower. With two-wheel drive, the V6 Grand Cherokee L returns 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined, while it gets 18/25/21 mpg with AWD. A V8 is available on upper trims, comes exclusively with AWD, and returns 14/22/17 mpg.
The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer comes standard with AWD and offers two engine options. Standard is a 471-hp 6.4-liter V8 rated at 13/18/15 mpg. The Grand Wagoneer's optional engine is a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder putting out 510 horsepower and returning 14/20/17 mpg.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Chris O'NeillI am an auto-industry veteran and a current MBA candidate at the University of Utah. After moving to Utah in October 2015 and being fascinated by the unique car culture of the region, I started an Instagram project highlighting the rare and distinctive vehicles I see in the Mountain West region. I enjoy sharing with others my unique perspective and passion for all things automotive. In my free time, when I’m not thinking and writing about cars, I enjoy photography, toying with my 2011 Volkswagen GTI and 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser, and exploring Utah with my girlfriend and two dogs.
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