Jeep fans have had a lot to be excited about lately. From the powerful Wrangler Rubicon 392, to the hybrid performance of the Wrangler 4xe and recently updated, all-new Grand Cherokee, there have been a lot of great announcements coming out of that camp. One of the most exciting reveals, however, came last year when Stellantis announced the return of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. (You’ll see them called “Jeep” by a lot of sites but the official word is that they’re their own brand). Before you head to your local Grand Wagoneer dealer, though, you might be wondering if this beast of an SUV is really all that it seems.
Whether you’re a long-term Jeep fan or simply looking forward to your next luxury SUV, the Grand Wagoneer has probably caught your eye. The large luxury SUV market might not be the most crowded, but there are quite a few competitors that the Grand Wagoneer will need to surpass if it wants to be the best on the road. For example, the Lexus LX has been an iconic luxury SUV for quite a while now and is launching an all-new generation this year. Let’s take a look at the 2022 Grand Wagoneer vs. the 2022 Lexus LX to see how they compare—and determine if the excitement for the Grand Wagoneer is really justified.
Engine Matchup
The engine might not be the most important part of a luxury SUV, but it certainly does matter—especially in large models like these two. You want a vehicle with enough power in it to enjoy a fun drive, after all. The Lexus LX used to have a V8 engine, but with the launch of this new generation, it now comes with a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 that offers 409hp; that’s a good engine, but I’m a bit surprised they shifted from a V8 down to a V6. There are some rumors that we might see a hybrid in the LX at some point, but for now, this is the only powertrain option.
By comparison, a 6.4L V8 engine powers the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, producing up to 471hp. This, as you can see, is quite a bit more powerful than the Lexus’ engine. This is also the only engine offered here, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see a hybrid option come around in the future. The 2022 Wagoneer has an eTorque hybrid engine, so this is already something they’re playing around with. In any case, for now, I’d have to give this one to the Grand Wagoneer; the power from its engine definitely leaves the Lexus LX behind.
Performance Features
When it comes to your driving experience, the engine isn’t the only thing that matters. So, we should look at some other performance features of these two models. Both of these large SUVs come with Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) standard, with no option for Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). RWD is offered on the Wagoneer, just not the Grand Wagoneer. The Grand Wagoneer has an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Lexus features a 10-speed. This is one area in which the LX takes a bit of a lead.
Both of these models can offer a smooth and sophisticated ride that is surprisingly responsive, given their sizes. One major advantage the Grand Wagoneer has, however, is the inclusion of an innovative adaptive air ride suspension that can raise and lower the vehicle to adapt to different road conditions. This is not only incredibly comfortable, but it eases entering and exiting the Grand Wagoneer. Meanwhile, adaptive air ride suspension optimizes performance and aerodynamics on the road. This perk certainly makes the Grand Wagoneer stand out.
Off-Road Capability
Not everyone is going to choose a large luxury SUV to take off-road, but both of these models actually have pretty impressive capabilities on the trail. As mentioned up above, both the 2022 Grand Wagoneer and Lexus LX come with 4WD standard. This feature improves traction and smooths performance on rough terrain. The Lexus LX has some impressive features for going off-road, including front and back Underfloor View cameras that let you see underneath your vehicle, a Multi-Terrain Monitor that helps you focus on what’s around you, and six terrain modes to choose from.
Although the Grand Wagoneer is not technically a Jeep model, there’s clearly been some off-road influence here from Jeep’s designers. The adaptive air ride suspension lets the Grand Wagoneer achieve 10 in. of ground clearance and enjoy up to two feet of water-fording capability. With a Selec-Terrain traction management system that features numerous drive modes and more than 9,850 lbs of towing capacity, the Grand Wagoneer is a great choice for camping, hiking, or just about any other outdoorsy activity.
Interior Space and Design
One of the starkest differences between these two models actually comes down to their interior designs and cabin capacities. There is a definite difference in overall size: the Lexus LX measures just over 200 in. of total length with a 112.2-in. wheelbase; the Grand Wagoneer, on the other hand, is over 214 in. long and has a 123-in. wheelbase. That difference of more than a foot of overall length results in more interior space—along with some major distinctions in how that space is used.
The Lexus LX has a couple of different seating setups that can actually get a bit confusing. The standard model has just two rows of seats for five people, while other models have three rows for seven passengers. Every Grand Wagoneer has three rows of seating, though you can choose either a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain’s chairs for eight- or seven-passenger seating inside. This is a lot simpler and makes interior space more reliable overall. The Grand Wagoneer has up to 94.2 cu.ft. of interior cargo volume, while the smaller Lexus tops out at just 64 cu.ft. of space.
Interior Technology
These days, few things are as remarkable as the kind of technology available to pack into your vehicle, especially a luxury SUV. The Lexus LX certainly has impressive features, such as a 12.3-in. infotainment display, alongside a second, 7-in. cabin control screen in the center stack and an 8-in. gauge cluster display. Combine this with a wireless charging pad, an available head-up display, and the Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound speaker system, and you have something pretty impressive.
Unfortunately for the Lexus model, however, the Grand Wagoneer’s interior is on another level entirely. There’s a 12-in. infotainment display, joined by a 10.25-in. secondary display on the center console, plus a 12.3-in. instrument cluster display, AND an available 10.25-in. passenger screen with dynamic controls for entertainment, co-pilot navigation, and more. If that’s somehow not enough for you, there’s also a 10.25-in. display screen available on the back of the center console for second-row passengers, plus a pair of 10.1-in. entertainment screens also available—if you want a display for each person in the back. Throw in the available 23-speaker McIntosh Reference Entertainment System audio setup and you have an experience beyond anything else on the road.
Who Comes Out on Top?
As far as I’m concerned, the Grand Wagoneer has what it takes to establish itself at the top of the large luxury SUV market. The Lexus LX is a gorgeous piece of machinery, don’t get me wrong, but the Grand Wagoneer just has enough going for it that it takes the proverbial cake.
It’s possible that the Grand Wagoneer might actually go a bit overboard with its available 75 in. of total screen display area, but who am I to judge? Based on current tech trends, consumers want more screen area than ever. Plus, the inclusion of a dedicated front-passenger display is ingenious—and something I think we’re going to see a lot more of in other vehicles. But, for now, the Grand Wagoneer is in a league of its own and leading the pack.
