Compared: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
Jeep now offers midsize and full-size three-row SUVs, but key differences could factor in deciding which model is best for you.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L (top) | Jeep Grand Wagoneer L (bottom)
QuickTakes:
Jeep's reputation was built on its rugged, go-anywhere SUVs. But lately, the brand's branched out with two premium, family-friendly vehicles. The 2023 versions of the midsize Grand Cherokee L and full-size Grand Wagoneer L three-row SUVs fit that description but fulfill their duties differently.
Jeep | Grand Wagoneer L
The Premium Grand Wagoneer L Comes at a Premium Price
With a starting price of about $45,000 for the base 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, rear-wheel drive (RWD) Laredo trim, the smaller Grand Cherokee L is significantly more affordable than its larger SUV sibling. Four-wheel drive (4WD) costs an extra $2,000. A 5.7-liter 360-hp V8 is a $4,000 option starting with the Overland 4X4 trim for $67,000. Of the six available trims, the $72,000 Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve sits at the top and is 4WD only with the V6 or optional V8.
A more upscale version of the full-size Jeep Wagoneer L, the premium Grand Wagoneer L starts at about $97,000. That premium includes more exterior chrome trim, nicer interior materials, and standard 4WD. All Grand (and non-Grand) Wagoneer L models use a 3.0-liter 510-hp twin-turbocharged six-cylinder. Through five trims, the top-of-the-line Series III Obsidian starts at about $118,000.
Jeep | Grand Wagoneer L
The Features Are Grand in the Grand Wagoneer L
As the most expensive Jeep SUV, the full-size Grand Wagoneer L offers impressive technology and equipment. All trims include a huge 12.3-inch driver display and a 12.0-inch infotainment screen, while higher trim-level models add a 10.3-inch passenger display. There are also standard heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats with a massage function.
The midsize Grand Cherokee L is decently equipped, with a standard 10.3-inch driver information display and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen. Higher trim levels add bigger wheels, leather seats, a quad-zone climate control system, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
As for cabin space, these three-row Jeeps can seat up to seven passengers. The Grand Cherokee L comes standard with seating for six, but a three-across second-row bench is a $750 option to make it a seven-seater. The Grand Wagoneer L has second-row captain’s chairs for a two, two, three seating arrangement.
Unsurprisingly, the bigger Jeep SUV is more capable when taking your stuff on a road trip. The Grand Wagoneer L has 44 cubic-feet with all seats in place and a maximum of 113 cu-ft with all seats folded down. The smaller Grand Cherokee L has just 17 to 85 cu-ft.
As for towing, the Grand Wagoneer L's $1,000 heavy-duty towing package boosts capacity from 5,400 to 9,750 pounds, compared to only a 6,200-pound maximum for the Grand Cherokee L with the V6 and 7,200-pound limit with the V8.
Jeep | Grand Cherokee L
The Fuel-Friendly Jeep Grand Cherokee L Is the Better Fuel Economy Choice
With its twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder and 4WD, the Grand Wagoneer L gets an EPA-estimated 14/19/16 mpg city/highway/combined.
The fuel-friendly Jeep Grand Cherokee L, especially the six-cylinder models return 18/25/21 mpg in rear and 4WD. The optional V8 with 4WD delivers just 14/22/17 mpg.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
