The Wagoneer traces its heritage all the way back to 1963 and is often cited as a forerunner to the modern SUV, but it was noticeably absent from the market for almost 30 years between 1993 and the introduction of the fourth-generation model in 2022. The newest version of the Wagoneer, along with its larger sibling in the Grand Wagoneer, are a little different from their pioneering predecessors. While those models traded on their sporty specs and lifted station wagon design, the modern Wagoneer is a luxury model through and through.
Designed with a plush cabin and a host of modern comfort, convenience, and tech features, the Wagoneer is positioned as a premium extension of the Jeep brand. So the Wagooneer might be more luxurious than the average model you’ll find at your local Jeep dealer, but does it boast the same off-road resume that’s made the brand’s vehicles such a popular choice for adventure-seeking drivers? The short answer is a definitive yes, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Join us as we look at some of the cutting-edge tech that makes the Wagoneer such a standout in the full-size luxury SUV segment and see why its long-awaited return has longtime Jeep fans flocking in for a test drive.
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
A good four-wheel drive system lies at the heart of any capable off-road model. The Jeep lineup is packed with a wide range of 4WD systems, from versatile offerings like Quadra-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Quadra-Drive to those built for specific off-road applications such as Rock-Trac. The full-size Wagoneer might not see as much rock-crawling, dune-bashing action as models like the Wrangler, but that doesn’t mean Jeep has skimped out on the 4WD setup. The fourth-generation Jeep Wagoneer is offered with two different 4WD systems in Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Drive II. Let’s take a closer look at each 4WD design and see how they differ in terms of both on- and off-road performance.
Quadra-Trac I
Quadra-Trac represents the Wagoneer’s standard 4WD system, but there’s nothing standard about the level of performance it offers. Quadra-Trac I is a full-time AWD system, which means that it’s always working to deliver maximum traction no matter what kind of conditions you might encounter. While other 4WD systems require drivers to manually respond to changing road conditions, Quadra-Trac I is a seamless solution that makes for a relaxing ride. This feat is accomplished through a network of sensors that continually monitor the wheels as you cruise down the road. If this system detects any slippage, it automatically reroutes power where it’s needed most, shifting up to 100 percent of available torque to the axle where it’s needed.
In addition to being convenient, Quadra-Trac I is also one of Jeep’s lightest 4WD systems. This pays dividends when it comes to fuel economy, allowing the Wagoneer to achieve 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Those sorts of numbers might not make the Wagoneer the most efficient vehicle on the road, but they’re certainly not bad for the full-size SUV segment, especially when you consider the model’s off-road capability.
Quadra-Drive II
If you’re seeking the most off-road-capable version of the Wagoneer you’ll want to add the available Quadra-Drive II system. An improvement on Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II system, Quadra-Drive II uses the same NV247 transfer case but adds limited-slip differentials to the rear axle that gives the Wagoneer an important leg up when encountering more challenging terrain. While Quadra-Trac I can direct 100 percent of the Wagoneer’s torque to the front or back axle, Quadra-Drive II does it one better with the ability to target each individual wheel on the rear axle. The rear limited-slip differential alone makes a pretty strong case for adding Quadra-Drive II to your Wagoneer, but it’s really just the tip of the iceberg as far as off-road capability is concerned.
Jeep has also paired the Quadra-Drive II system with an active two-speed transfer case that lets drivers choose between a full-time AWD approach and a 4-Lo setting that’s ideal for lower-speed applications where maximum torque is required. With the power of Quadra-Drive II ‘s 4-Lo setting and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, the Wagoneer can take on steep rock faces with surprising aptitude. We’re not suggesting that the Wagoneer is a full-time adventure rig, but it can certainly go a lot of places that would leave the average full-size SUV lacing a call to an off-road recovery service.
Selec-Speed Control, Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, and the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System
There’s no underestimating the importance of a off-road SUV’s 4WD system, but it’s far from being the only factor drivers should consider when choosing their next vehicle. In addition to Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Drive II, Jeep has outfitted the Wagoneer with a full suite of advanced driving features designed to tackle steep terrain, maximize traction and provide a comfortable ride with plenty of ground clearance. Let’s examine each of these offerings in depth and see how the Wagoneer manages to offer such a well-rounded arsenal of off-road tech.
Selec-Speed Control
Selec-Speed Control is a sort of off-road cruise control that allows drivers to summit challenging grades and descend the diciest hill with minimal distractions and maximum safety. Simply set your desired speed, and Selec-Speed Control will handle the nitty-gritty, manipulating the throttle and brakes to keep the Wagoneer at the desired pace so that drivers can focus all of their attention on the road ahead. This technology comes in clutch when tackling off-road paths, giving drivers one less thing to worry about as they try to avoid obstacles or keep the Wagoneer from coming too close to a sheer dropoff.
Available when the vehicle is in 4-Lo mode, Selec-Speed Control can be selected on the fly using the Wagoneer’s steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In first gear, the SUV will crawl along at 0.6 mph, while seconds limit the Jeep to 1.2 mph, third to 1.8 mph, and so on. The system works all the way up to eighth gear with a maximum operating speed of 5 mph. It might sound like a frustratingly slow pace, but there’s nothing wrong with taking it easy when facing particularly daunting hills.
Selec-Terrain Traction Management System
Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Drive II do a lot of the heavy lifting that’s needed to keep the Wagoneer on the road, but they’re only part of the equation. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system also plays a big part in the SUV’s on- and off-road success with five selectable drive modes that allow drivers to find success no matter what sort of conditions they might encounter.
Auto Mode leverages the power of the Wagoneer’s AWD system, letting it make all the decisions when it comes to traction management and freeing the driver up to focus on the road ahead. Sport mode drops the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System into Aero Mode while subtly adjusting the throttle control to make for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat driving experience.
When venturing off-road or tackling winter weather conditions, you’ll be glad to have Rock, Snow, and Sand/Mud Mode on your side. Rock Mode increases the Jeep’s ground clearance to the maximum 10 inches and tunes the throttle, transfer case and differentials to the ideal settings for low-speed crawl control. Snow Mode ups the traction control to dramatically limit wheel slippage while Sand/Mud Mode does much the same with a few important adjustments.
Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System
Ground clearance is key when venturing off-road, and there are a number of ways to achieve it. While many drivers will gravitate towards upsizing their tires or performing an expensive suspension life, Jeep offers a decidedly more convenient option in the form of its Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The standard Wagoneer has around 8.3 inches of ground clearance right off the factory line, but adding Quadra-Lift increases that number by 3.6 inches to give drivers a lofty ride that’s far less likely to sustain any lasting damage from rocks, logs, and other common off-road obstacles.
This is accomplished with the help of air springs that can be found in each corner of the vehicle. Quadra-Lift comes with five settings: Normal Ride Height (NRH), Off-Road 1, Off-Road 2, Park Mode, and Aero Mode. The NRH setting keeps to the stock 8 inches of ground clearance while Off-Road 1 raises the Wagoneer up to 9 inches. Still need a little extra bump? Off-Road 2 brings the SUV to its maximum ride height of 10 inches, which should be more than enough for all by the most extreme off-road conditions.
Quadra-Lift isn’t just handy when venturing out on the road less traveled; it can also play an important role in improving the Wagoneer’s fuel economy and comfort. The Quadra-Lift system’s air spring-based approach helps smooth out the bumps in the road, while Aero mode lowers the Wagoneer by 0.6 inches to create an aerodynamic profile ideal for cutting through the wind at higher speeds. It also provides a slightly more dynamic ride, lowering the SUV’s center of gravity for increased responsiveness, and will automatically kick into gear when the Wagoneer is driven in Eco Mode. In Park Mode, the Quadra-Lift can drop the ride height by up to 1.6 inches, making it a lot easier for passengers to climb into the cabin.
The Jeep Wagoneer is Made for Adventure
The Wagoneer is undoubtedly a luxury model with a plush cabin and plenty of creature features that’ll keep you riding in style and comfort, but the SUV’s off-road credentials often don’t get their due. That’s a shame because while it might be an opulent ride, it’s still a Jeep and takes seriously the reputation to which that name is irrevocably tied. From its heavy-duty body-on-frame construction and rock-solid 4WD systems to features like Selec-Speed Control, the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, and the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System, the Wagoneer can go toe-to-toe with almost any other full-size model in its class. While the SUV tends to see more use as a daily driver, it’s good to know that the Wagoneer is more than up for the challenge when the going gets tough. The Wagoneer’s return to the Jeep lineup has been one of the highlights of the last few model years, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for the storied nameplate.
