Jeep has released another teaser for the 2022 Grand Wagoneer. This one, a video, comes with an official release date that’s nearly upon us: next Thursday, March 11, at noon Eastern. We also get some peeks at the lights and a closeup of the grille.
From what we can see, the 7-slot Jeep grille will have the same studded detail that’s been captured in spy shots, differing from the vertical chrome lines shown on the Grand Wagoneer concept. Also revealed is the fact that the name “Wagoneer” will be written across the top of the chrome grille, but perhaps kerned a bit closer together than what was shown on the concept.
The front lighting appears to vary slightly from the concept as well. Illuminated, we can see that the fog lamps consist of three elements on each side, rather than the LED bar shown in September.
Other spy shots have shown that the Ram 1500-based SUV’s shape will hew pretty closely to the concept’s. It’s a new deluxe flagship for the brand, going up against the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. And sorry, everyone, design head Ralph Gilles has already nixed the idea of retro wood paneling, but what it will have is Amazon’s Fire TV for Auto (tech companies really need to find better names for these in-car systems).
The original SJ Grand Wagoneer was built from the 1960s, but the final run from 1984 to 1991 are considered the best of the breed. Boosted by appearances in shows such as “The Good Wife” and “Breaking Bad,” they are on the front lines of the classic SUV boom along with similar-era Toyota Land Cruisers and first-generation Ford Broncos. Prices of Grand Wagoneers have been rising steadily for years, to the point where a mint condition 1984-91 Grand Wagoneer can fetch over $40,000.
The 2022 model, on the other hand, may top $100,000 on some trim levels when the model goes on sale in summer 2021. Looks like Skyler White will need some of Walter’s illicit dough if she wants to upgrade.