Tested: 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Leads the Eight-Seater Charge

A New Era for Jeep's Three-Row SUV Lineup

Jeep has a long history of producing three-row SUVs, with the latest model being the Wagoneer. This is the fourth iteration in the brand’s domestic three-row franchise, following the 1946–1964 Willys Station Wagon, which was the first in the series. The Station Wagon featured a side-facing single seat in the cargo area behind two three-person benches and was notable for its all-steel construction. In 1949, it became one of the first vehicles to offer four-wheel drive, marking it as a pioneer in the SUV segment.

The next major entry came in 2006 with the Jeep Commander, which, despite being a box office disappointment, introduced a full third row that faced the direction of travel. However, it struggled with several design and development choices that made it difficult to recommend. Fast forward to 2021, when the Grand Cherokee L marked the third installment, but it was the 2022 Wagoneer that truly redefined the category by reviving a historic nameplate and bringing back the standard Hurricane engine.

Accessing the Third Row: A Smooth Experience

One of the biggest challenges with any three-row SUV is access to the rear seats. The Wagoneer addresses this with large rear door openings and ample footing, making the third row surprisingly easy to reach. The running boards, while wide, are designed to integrate seamlessly into the vehicle’s exterior, appearing as contrasting-color rocker panels when retracted.

Inside, the second-row seating offers flexibility. A button on the shoulder of the seatback allows the entire seat to lean forward and slide, while a lever on the base enables the seatback to fold flat. Another pull flips the folded seat against the first-row seatbacks, providing a variety of options for loading and unloading passengers or cargo.

Design and Comfort in the Third Row

The third row is a game of inches, and Jeep designers have done an impressive job ensuring comfort for adults. The Wagoneer measures 83.6 inches wide and up to 79.3 inches high, making it wider and taller than the Chevrolet Suburban. It also boasts better headroom and shoulder room compared to the Suburban and outperforms the Tahoe in passenger space and cargo room.

Adults will find the third-row bench comfortable, with padded seats and stadium-style seating that helps reduce motion sickness. The cabin features ample lighting, cupholders, and USB ports for the rear passengers, along with two coat hangers for convenience.

The Second Row and Interior Details

While the third row shines, the second row presents some mixed results. The standard configuration includes two captain’s chairs, but a $595 option adds a bench that can accommodate three adults. However, the bench could use more cushioning and longer bolsters for added comfort. Choosing the bench also means losing two small cupholders at the back of the front console, leaving only door pockets for beverages.

The driver’s seat is well-cushioned and comfortable, though the interior materials are somewhat inconsistent. The pebbled plastic dash topper feels cheap compared to the lower dash, which is covered in plain black plastic. However, the aluminum strip separating the upper and lower dash is a nice touch.

Infotainment and Driving Experience

The infotainment system features a 10.1-inch screen that is bright and functional, though its dark flanks can make it hard to see in strong daylight. The driving experience is balanced, offering a mix of comfort and capability. The Wagoneer is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Despite its size, the Wagoneer handles twisty roads with surprising composure. The steering is direct, and the brakes provide fine modulation. However, the ride quality is slightly compromised on rough roads due to the 22-inch wheels and Pirelli tires, which contribute to a minor "jiggle" through the structure.

Everyday Performance and Features

In everyday driving, the Wagoneer strikes a satisfying balance between comfort and performance. The digital gauge display is intuitive, and the touchscreen is easy to use. Passing maneuvers are smooth, with quick acceleration from 30 to 50 mph. At highway speeds, the cabin remains relatively quiet, with just 67 decibels of noise. However, stopping distances from 70 mph are slightly longer than expected.

Jeep continues to offer both standard and adaptive cruise control, which is useful in different driving scenarios. The third-row sunshade is manual, requiring the driver to return to the rear to close it. While a motorized mechanism might have reduced headroom, the current setup is preferable. Additionally, the driver can lower the second- and third-row headrests from the front seat.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wagoneer proves that a great ending makes for a great movie, and the third row is one of the best in the business. The rest of the vehicle is well worth the price, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury three-row SUV.