Jeep Wagoneer

The beating heart of the Wagoneer is Jeep’s 5.7-liter V8 engine, which makes 392 horsepower. In the standard setup, an eight-speed automatic transmission routes its ample oomph to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is optional, as are air springs, which can give the sport ute as much as 10 inches of ground clearance, increasing its off-road prowess. Maximum towing capacity is rated at a class-leading 10,000 pounds.

With or without air springs, the Wagoneer delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, much like the Ram 1500 pickup that it’s based on. In addition to adding ground clearance, the air springs can lower the vehicle slightly at freeway speeds to improve fuel economy and even more once parked to help people climb in and out. You won’t mistake the Wagoneer for a sports car, though. At the helm, there’s no hiding the fact that this is a large and heavy vehicle.

Inside the roomy and well-appointed cabin, the Wagoneer boasts tons of tech. Screen abound, including a digital instrument panel in front of the driver and a center-mounted 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. There’s even an available display for the front passenger. Navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard equipment. Jeep also provides a gratis suite of active safety features, including forward-collision mitigation, blind-spot monitors, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control is optional.

Even though it’s “just” a Wagoneer (and not the more opulent Grand Wagoneer), all trims include a generous complement of luxury features, such as leather upholstery, three-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free liftgate, and heated and ventilated front seats. Among the numerous available upgrades are rear-seat entertainment displays, active cabin noise cancellation, heated second-row seats, and a 1,375-watt McIntosh premium sound system.