Our week with the Wagoneer L didn’t have the best weather. It’s been snowy, rainy, foggy, cold and muddy. But it’s so welcoming and capable that adventuring in slippery conditions doesn’t matter.
Is the Jeep Wagoneer L worth buying?
Yes, if you’re looking for a family SUV that stands out from the crowd with unmatched comfort, refinement and capability, the Jeep Wagoneer L is the perfect choice. It puts everything you love about Jeep models into one bigger package.
L is extremely comfortable in every row. The front seat has huge leather seats with plenty of adjustment controls to find the perfect amount of lumbar support.
The seats are well padded with ergonomic benefits. The seats support your posture to keep you alert and focused. Driving the Wagonner L on long off-road routes and in the city is not tiring at all.
Plus, the second-row seats are huge and heated. There is plenty of knee room for adults to sit comfortably. Our model had a row of bench seats instead of captain’s chairs, and the center seat could be a little tight for adults. However, it had a nice built-in tray for additional cup holders.
The third row is roomy too, with plenty of legroom for the average-sized adult. Plus, it reclines! Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports are in every row to keep the whole family’s devices charged.
We recommend using the optional all-weather floor mats because the durable rubber protects the plush carpet in each row from mud and slush. They can resist manure!
The interiors are made with high quality materials such as soft leather surfaces to create an exclusive and welcoming space. The steering wheel is soft and premium. It feels so good to wrap your hands around.
Plus, the automatic climate control system is on top of things. It’s nice and warm when it’s cold outside with heated seats and heated steering wheel. There is rarely a need to adjust the controls based on the surrounding temperature. The second row is also equipped with climate control, allowing everyone to feel at ease without compromise.
Is the Wagoneer L easy to drive?
Yes, the 2023 L is surprisingly easy to drive, even though the L stands for LONG! The Wagoneer L is 226.7 inches long and the wheelbase is seven inches longer. You’d think it would be too big to maneuver in tight city areas or on tight trails.
It has a 21.1′ turning radius, which is better than shorter trucks. It’s easy to park and turn around. The optional 360-degree camera view and parking sensors are useful but not necessary.
The new Hurricane 3.0-litre straight-six engine delivers 420PS and 470Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds which makes it quite exciting. But you can relax with Normal mode if you don’t feel like spice things up in Sport mode.
It provides smooth power delivery with responsive handling and virtually no body roll. We were surprised that it didn’t come with paddle shifters because it can offer a sporty experience.
In Sport mode, response times are a little quicker and the brakes are stiffer. Normal mode is a little more reserved and the other driving modes are for off-roading. We wouldn’t mind if the brakes were stiffer in Normal mode.
The Wagoneer L offers an incredibly smooth ride on pavement with almost no wind or road noise. It is comfortable and easy to drive. Plus, the little perks, like proximity, keyless entry, and remote start, add even more convenience.
How capable is the 2023 Wagoneer L?
The is well equipped to master the wilderness. We wouldn’t use it for rock crawling like a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but it’s perfect for tackling moderate off-road trails. In sleet, snow and washed out trails, the tires offer plenty of grip and confidence.
We were concerned that the Wagoneer would be too heavy, but it seemed to glide effortlessly through mud and ruts. The Quadra-Drive II system has off-road modes for Rock/Mud, Sand, Auto and Mud.
Auto mode handles various terrain conditions with ease. It is not necessary to adjust the setting for inclement weather, but it can be useful. For example, Snow mode has a rougher ride but more control.
We found Auto mode to be most comfortable in rocky terrain with steep inclines. Rock/Mud mode uses a lower gear and you can feel the roar of the engine as you climb. It’s also a little stiffer and more bumpy.
Plus, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, heavy-duty engine cooler helps prevent overheating if the engine is strained, and you get a two-speed transfer case on demand.
The 3.92 rear axle ratio is impressive at clearing obstacles, and the semi-active damping system keeps the rattles out of the cockpit.
Additionally, the optional Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise the suspension 3.6 inches as needed. It raises and lowers automatically when certain driving modes are selected. Plus, it can be lowered an inch to provide a more comfortable lift height.
Stay tuned for our full Jeep Wagoneer L review, but for now, know that it’s more than capable of taking on anything Old Man Winter has to throw at it. He is warm, comfortable, relaxing and has above average off-road ability.
