Best Jeep Wagoneer Model Years (Ranked)

The Wagoneer name spans two very different machines: the legendary wood-paneled Grand Wagoneer (SJ) that ran from 1963 to 1991 and earned a reputation as America's first luxury SUV, and the modern full-size Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer that Jeep relaunched for 2022 to take on the Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade.

Because the modern truck is young and the classic is a collector item, ranking the Wagoneer means weighing model years, powertrains, and configurations across both eras. This ranking covers the Wagoneer years and configs worth buying, with real specs, common issues, and used-value ranges.

Direct Answer

The best overall used Wagoneer is the 2023-2024 model with the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six — Jeep's switch to the powerful, more efficient Hurricane engine after the thirsty launch-year HEMI makes these the smartest modern Wagoneers, pairing genuine three-row space and towing with up-to-date refinement.

The best value is the 2022 Wagoneer Series II with the 5.7L HEMI, which has depreciated hard and offers enormous SUV for the money. Collectors should chase a clean 1987-1991 Grand Wagoneer (SJ) with the 5.9L V8, the wood-paneled icon at its most refined.

1. 2023-2024 Jeep Wagoneer (3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The 2023-2024 Wagoneer is the modern truck at its best, thanks to Jeep's adoption of the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, which in standard-output form makes about 420 hp and 468 lb-ft and in the high-output Grand Wagoneer tune makes up to 510 hp and 500 lb-ft — more power and better fuel economy than the launch-year HEMI it replaced.

Paired with the smooth 8-speed automatic and available 4WD, it tows up to roughly 10,000 lbs and seats up to eight across three genuinely usable rows. The cabin is large, quiet, and well-equipped, and the ride is composed. Clean examples run $45,000-$70,000 depending on trim.

For a modern full-size family SUV with power, space, and towing, the Hurricane Wagoneer is the one to buy.

2. 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II (5.7L HEMI V8) 💎 BEST VALUE

The launch-year Wagoneer Series II is the value-buy of the modern range. It uses the 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist (392 hp, 404 lb-ft) and the 8-speed automatic, and as a full-size three-row SUV it delivers the same enormous interior space, towing capability up to about 10,000 lbs, and comfortable ride as later cars.

The trade-offs are the HEMI's thirstier fuel economy (mid-teens) versus the later Hurricane six, and the fact that 2022 was the first model year with the most teething complaints. But depreciation has been steep, so clean Series II examples are commonly $38,000-$52,000 — a lot of luxury SUV for the money.

For value-focused buyers who don't mind the HEMI's fuel use, the 2022 Series II is the smart pick.

3. 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (3.0L Hurricane High-Output I6)

The Grand Wagoneer is the luxury flagship, and the 2023-2024 cars pair the high-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo six (510 hp, 500 lb-ft) with the most opulent cabin Jeep has ever built: available semi-aniline leather, real wood, a McIntosh audio system, multiple passenger displays, and air suspension.

It genuinely competes with the Escalade and Navigator on luxury while towing up to around 10,000 lbs. It ranks behind the standard Wagoneer only on price — clean Grand Wagoneers command $55,000-$85,000+ — and on the added complexity of all that tech and the air suspension.

If you want a true full-size luxury SUV with the strong Hurricane engine, the Grand Wagoneer delivers.

4. 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (6.4L HEMI V8)

The launch-year Grand Wagoneer used the big 6.4L (392) HEMI V8 making 471 hp and 455 lb-ft, giving it effortless V8 thrust and a classic American luxury-SUV character. It came loaded with the premium interior, air suspension, and full tech suite. It ranks here because the 6.4 is genuinely thirsty (low-teens mpg), 2022 carries the most first-year complaints, and the later Hurricane Grand Wagoneers are both more powerful and more efficient.

The upside is value: clean 2022 6.4 Grand Wagoneers have depreciated to $48,000-$68,000. For buyers who specifically want a naturally-aspirated V8 luxury flagship and don't care about fuel economy, the 2022 Grand Wagoneer is a lot of truck for the money.

5. 2023-2024 Jeep Wagoneer L / Grand Wagoneer L (Extended Wheelbase)

The L variants stretch the wheelbase and overall length for maximum third-row space and cargo room — the Jeep answer to the Suburban and Escalade ESV. They pair the long body with the 3.0L Hurricane six (standard or high-output) and the 8-speed, keeping the strong towing and adding a cavernous rear cargo area behind the third row.

They rank here because the extra length suits a narrower set of buyers (big families, max-cargo haulers) and costs more, with clean examples at $50,000-$80,000+. If you genuinely need the largest possible interior and cargo capacity in a Wagoneer, the extended-wheelbase L is the configuration to seek out.

6. 1987-1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ, 5.9L AMC V8)

The final years of the classic SJ Grand Wagoneer are the most desirable of the wood-paneled icon. By 1987 the 5.9L (360 cu in) AMC V8 (about 144-150 hp) was paired with a refined interior — leather, power everything, the iconic faux-wood paneling — and Jeep's Quadra-Trac full-time 4WD.

These were genuine luxury SUVs decades before the category existed, and clean, original examples have become serious collector items, commanding $25,000-$70,000+ for the best cars, with restored examples higher still. The 5.9 is low on power and thirsty, and rust and worn trim are the enemies.

For collectors who want the original American luxury SUV at its most refined, the late SJ Grand Wagoneer is the prize.

7. 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series I (5.7L HEMI V8, Base)

The base Series I is the cheapest way into a modern Wagoneer. It has the same 5.7L HEMI eTorque V8, the 8-speed, the three-row body, and the strong towing, but with cloth or basic interior trim and fewer tech and comfort features than the Series II and III. As an honest large family hauler with the core capability intact, it's a sensible buy, and as a base launch-year trim it's the most heavily depreciated, often $34,000-$46,000.

It ranks lower because the stripped equipment and first-year status make it the least refined modern Wagoneer. For a budget-focused buyer who wants the space and towing without paying for luxury features, the Series I works.

8. 2023-2024 Jeep Wagoneer Series III (Loaded HEMI/Hurricane)

The Series III is the top standard-Wagoneer trim, sitting just below the Grand Wagoneer. It adds nicer leather, upgraded audio, more driver-assist tech, larger wheels, and additional comfort features while using either the late HEMI or the Hurricane six depending on year. It's the trim for buyers who want most of the Grand Wagoneer's luxury without the flagship's price.

It ranks here because it overlaps in cost with entry Grand Wagoneers and base Hurricane models that may be better values, with clean examples at $48,000-$68,000. If you want a fully-loaded standard Wagoneer and prefer it over a base Grand Wagoneer, the Series III is a strong, well-equipped choice.

9. 1963-1986 Jeep Wagoneer (SJ, Earlier Years)

The earlier SJ Wagoneers — running from the model's 1963 debut through the mid-1980s — are historically significant as the vehicles that defined the full-size 4x4 wagon, with engines ranging from inline-sixes to AMC V8s over their long life. They're charming, simple, and increasingly collectible, but they rank lower than the final Grand Wagoneer years because the interiors are far more basic, the engines and 4WD systems are older and less refined, and parts for the earliest cars can be harder to find.

Condition dictates everything: solid drivers run $12,000-$35,000, with exceptional or rare early examples higher. For collectors who want the earliest, purest Wagoneer history, these are the cars.

10. 1984-1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ, Project/Driver Examples)

Plenty of SJ Grand Wagoneers survive as rougher driver or project cars rather than concours pieces, and these are the entry point to classic Wagoneer ownership. They have the same 5.9L AMC V8 and Quadra-Trac 4WD as the prized examples but show their age with faded wood paneling, worn interiors, and rust in the usual spots — rockers, floors, tailgate, and around the trim.

They rank last because they need work, but for a hands-on buyer they're the cheapest path to the wood-paneled icon, typically $8,000-$20,000. Budget realistically for restoration, since trim and wood-grain pieces are pricey. For a project-minded enthusiast, a driver-grade SJ Grand Wagoneer is a rewarding entry.

What to Watch For When Buying

On the modern Wagoneer (2022+), the launch-year cars carry the most reported teething issues — electronics, infotainment glitches, and assorted first-year niggles — so favor 2023+ where possible and confirm all software updates. The air suspension on Grand Wagoneer and higher trims can develop leaks and sensor faults that are costly to repair, so verify it raises and lowers evenly.

On HEMI V8 models, watch for the lifter/cam (MDS) tick that affects some Chrysler V8s, and expect mid-teens fuel economy. The newer Hurricane twin-turbo six is strong and more efficient but has a shorter reliability track record, so prioritize service history. On the classic SJ, rust is the killer — inspect the tailgate, floors, rockers, and around the wood trim — and the faux-wood paneling and interior trim are expensive to source.

On any used example, confirm the 4WD system engages properly.

How to Choose

Decide first whether you want the modern truck or the classic icon. For a modern family SUV, buy a 2023-2024 Wagoneer with the Hurricane six for the best blend of power, efficiency, space, and towing; drop to a 2022 HEMI Series II if value matters most. Choose the Grand Wagoneer if you want a true luxury flagship, and the L variants if you need maximum third-row and cargo space.

If you want the wood-paneled classic, chase a clean 1987-1991 Grand Wagoneer for the best condition and collectibility, or a driver-grade SJ if you're hands-on and budget-conscious. In every case, favor documented service history, a healthy air suspension on modern luxury trims, and rust-free bodies on the classics over chasing the lowest price.

FAQ

Should I buy the HEMI or the Hurricane Wagoneer? The newer 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo six (2023+) makes more power and returns better fuel economy than the launch-year 5.7L HEMI V8, making it the better all-around engine. The HEMI is proven and offers classic V8 character, and the depreciated 2022 HEMI cars are the value play if fuel economy isn't a priority.

How much can a modern Wagoneer tow? Properly equipped, both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer tow up to roughly 10,000 lbs, among the best in the full-size SUV class. Towing capacity varies by configuration and rear axle, so check the specific vehicle's tow rating and payload sticker.

Is the classic Grand Wagoneer a good investment? Clean, original 1987-1991 Grand Wagoneers have appreciated into serious collector territory, with the best and restored examples bringing strong money. They're not stock-market investments, but a well-kept, rust-free SJ holds value better than almost any other vintage SUV.

Condition and originality drive the price.

What are the common problems with the new Wagoneer? The biggest items are first-year (2022) electronics and infotainment glitches, air-suspension leaks on luxury trims, and the HEMI's thirsty fuel economy. Favoring 2023+ models, confirming software updates, and verifying the air suspension works evenly addresses most concerns.

Bottom Line

For the modern Wagoneer, the 2023-2024 model with the 3.0L Hurricane six is the best overall — more power, better economy, and refinement past the first-year bugs — while the depreciated 2022 HEMI Series II is the value pick. Step up to the Grand Wagoneer for luxury or an L variant for maximum space.

For the classic, the 1987-1991 Grand Wagoneer is the collectible icon at its best, with driver-grade SJs the budget entry. Whatever you choose, favor 2023+ build years and a healthy air suspension on the modern trucks and rust-free bodies on the classics, and the Wagoneer rewards you with space, capability, and presence few rivals match.

Sources

• Jeep Wagoneer (WS, 2022-present) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Wagoneer_(WS)
• Jeep Wagoneer (SJ, 1963-1991) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Wagoneer_(SJ)
• Jeep official Wagoneer page: https://www.wagoneer.com
• Hurricane engine (Stellantis 3.0L twin-turbo) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_engine
• Chrysler HEMI engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine
• AMC V8 engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_V8_engine
• Full-size SUV — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full-size_SUV
• ZF 8HP transmission — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_8HP_transmission