2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer First Drive Review
Our auto expert shares new photos and opinions on the refreshed and streamlined Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is big on power and size.
Austin Lott
Pros: Whether you get the base trim, or a lavishly equipped Summit Reserve, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is roomy, powerful, and capable.
Cons: The high-output Hurricane six-cylinder from last year's Grand Wagoneer is missing, and the extra power will be missed when towing.Â
The Takeaway: The off-road capability, huge interior, 10,000 pound towing capacity, and long available options list should help the Grand Wagoneer hit the right balance for a wide range of SUV shoppers.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer continues to challenge the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban with its class-leading 10,000-pound towing capacity and dedicated long-wheelbase "L" version. For 2026, the Wagoneer receives a modern, chrome-free refresh and a simplified naming structure that mirrors the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup.
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During a recent Jeep driving event in Austin, Texas, I tested the Grand Wagoneer L Summit Obsidian, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $107,585, and the new off-road-oriented Upland trim, which costs $77,345. The Grand Wagoneer lineup starts just under $67,000. Jeep provided the vehicles for this Grand Wagoneer review and paid for lodging and meals during the evaluation period.
Austin Lott
What's New for the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer?
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has been refreshed, with a redesigned front end, fresh signature lighting elements, and a chrome-free exterior. The new look feels more modern, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Jeep. When Jeep launched the big SUV, there was a Wagoneer and a Grand Wagoneer, and the trim levels didn't match the other vehicles in the Jeep lineup. For 2026, the name is simply Jeep Grand Wagoneer, with trims that mirror the brand's other popular models.Â
At the dealership, if you see a Grand Cherokee Summit and a Grand Wagoneer Summit Reserve, you know you're getting a higher equipment level. If there's an L on the name, you're getting the model with extra room.Â
Austin Lott
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Interior and Technology
The cabin is remarkably spacious, with seating for 7 or 8 passengers. At just over 6 feet tall, I fit comfortably in the reclining third row, which felt airy thanks to massive side windows and a three-pane sunroof. In the L model, the extra length translates directly to cargo space. Small item storage, USB charging ports, and cupholders were thoughtfully placed in all three rows, and the Summit Obsidian had a hidden compartment behind the lower screen for the wireless phone charger.
That said, at 228.1 inches long, the Grand Wagoneer L lives up to its letter: I could fit it in my 2-car garage, but I'd have to leave the nose sticking out to open the hatch if I wanted to unload cargo or groceries.Â
Austin Lott
Technology is plentiful, with the Summit Obsidian featuring up to six front displays: two center screens, a driver instrument display, a head-up display, a rearview camera mirror, and a passenger screen. I utilized the head-up display for navigation and the lower screen for seat massagers, while my passenger used their dedicated interactive display to monitor the rear seats via the "FamCam" and to add a destination to the active route.
Austin Lott
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Power and Towing Experience
The standard engine is a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged six-cylinder producing 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy averages 18 mpg to 19 mpg in combined city and highway driving. While the previous 540-hp high-output engine is gone, the standard Hurricane is competent for daily driving.
Austin Lott
To test the SUV's utility, I took a Grand Wagoneer Upland for a drive with a 6,500-pound Airstream trailer attached. The power felt adequate for the task, though the trailer's mass became evident when pushing toward 75 mph. It's a stable hauler, but you'll want a sizable gap in traffic before pulling onto a highway.
Austin Lott
Off-Roading With the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Upland
The new Upland trim adds 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and skid plates. During a rainy trek through a Texas ranch, the Sand/Mud mode and adjustable air suspension allowed the Jeep to navigate deeply rutted single-track trails that would have stranded less capable SUVs.Â
Austin Lott
Verdict: Is the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer a Good SUV?
Yes, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a compelling SUV, despite established rivals. By blending genuine off-road prowess with a 10,000-pound towing capacity and a high-tech, cavernous interior, this SUV has firmly established its place in the full-size segment.
Austin LottAustin has been in the automotive industry since 2014. Before joining Capital One, he got his start at Motor Trend magazine in his native Southern California. Since then, he's written for publications such as Edmunds, The Drive, Super Street, Automobile, Hagerty, and Diesel Power. In his free time, Austin works on older cars and enjoys interesting experiences — once he even got to operate a 1948 GE diesel-electric locomotive.
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