Shopping for a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look At Instead

Miami Herald

28-04-2025

It's been three years since the famed Wagoneer name returned following a three-decade hiatus. The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer remains emblematic of those who like living large. Offered in standard and L extended-wheelbase models, the standard Wagoneer measures 215 inches long and 94 inches wide. (We review the extended-length SUVs separately.) Being that sizable, it's no surprise that the Wagoneer offers three rows of seating and 179 cubic feet of passenger space, as well as 26 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 117 cubic feet with rear rows stowed. Riding atop the Ram 1500 pickup's underpinnings, this massive body-on-frame SUV clocks in at about three tons.
Moving this mastodon is a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder powerplant. It provides a smooth 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or through one of three available 4×4 systems. Towing is rated at 10,000 pounds, depending on the axle ratio. A fully independent suspension is standard, while a Quadra-lift air suspension with semi-active damping and a solid or hollow stabilizer bar is optional. The ground clearance is 8.3 inches with the standard suspension and 10 inches with the air suspension.
Piloting this pachyderm is far less intimidating than you might expect, as it feels smaller than it is. Of course, smaller is relative here. The steering is perfectly weighted, and the ride proves refined with the air suspension. Stopping does take time, but it's always controllable and fairly prompt. Not surprisingly, the ride is supple and soft. The instrument panel features a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front seat passenger. The system comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Amazon FireTV and Alexa, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, so this sucker is connected.
It's quite the package, but one that's not without its competition. Here's what else you should consider.
Derived from the Chevrolet Silverado pickup platform, the Chevrolet Tahoe is one smooth operator, delivering the power, space, and capability you'd expect. Being a Chevrolet, you won't get the fancier trim you'd get in the costlier GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, but you won't pay their prices either. For 2025, there's a newly-standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charger. Dual rear seat displays and a Bose audio system are optional. The Tahoe offers 176 cubic feet of passenger space, including a surprisingly sizeable third row, while still offering 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 123 cubic feet. It can carry 330 pounds of stuff on its roof and hold 825 pounds when parked. It also has eight inches of ground clearance.
Powertrains are unchanged, with a choice of a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8, and a 305-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel. Notably, the larger V-8 requires premium fuel, while the smaller one doesn't. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 8,400 pounds, which is below its competition. GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension is optional, and very worthwhile as it provides a comfortable ride without undue body motions after hitting a bump. There's body roll in corners, and the steering feels artificial and light, as you'd expect. There's more than sufficient power, with the transmission providing prompt downshifts or staying in gear long enough to provide the power requested. Altogether, it makes for a very satisfying-to-drive, full-size SUV.
Despite not being as large as its leviathan rivals, the 2025 Ford Expedition still proves competitive. At 210 inches long, the still-sizeable SUV provides 172 cubic feet of passenger room and 22 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 109 cubic feet with rear rows folded. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches. Its instrument panel features a 24-inch instrument display and a 13.2-inch center-mounted touchscreen that incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and built-in Google software.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and 10-speed automatic transmission with rear- or four-wheel drive. It delivers 400 horsepower, although a high-output 440-horsepower version is offered. Its suspension is fully independent, and towing is rated at up to 9,600 pounds. Nevertheless, the Expedition trails its Detroit rivals in driving pleasure, although the Ford nearly matches the Jeep for towing. Still, it lacks the engine choices of the Chevrolet or the indulgent detailing of the Jeep or Nissan. It does still feel quicker than its rivals, and that might matter more to some.
Sharing much with its international stablemate, the Nissan Patrol, the Nissan Armada is a body-on-frame SUV that's the same length as the Ford, but four inches wider. Like the Ford, the Nissan comes with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 delivering 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. Towing is rated at 8,500 pounds. The Armada shares its major components with the redesigned Infiniti QX80, but it uses regular unleaded fuel rather than premium, which the Infiniti requires. A fully independent suspension is standard, and an air suspension is offered on top trims and is tuned for off-road comfort, which brings out body lean while cornering. Steering is nicely weighted, however.
But there are other differences from the Armada as well. The Nissan uses physical buttons, not on-screen controls, for its climate control, drive modes, and other systems. Speaking of screens, the Armada comes with dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment systems, growing two inches larger on posher models. There's also standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging on all but the base trim. The interior is beautifully crafted, boasting upscale touches we didn't expect in a mainstream SUV. Altogether, it makes for a very competitive full-sizer that too many buyers bypass.
Completely redesigned for 2023 with mechanicals borrowed from the Toyota Tundra pickup, the body-on-frame Sequoia is the smallest rig here, at 208 inches long. That doesn't mean it's small, but it should be easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Sequoia differs in other ways as well. Consider its powertrain: a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine mated to an electric motor that generates 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is optional. Towing is rated as high as 9,520 pounds, depending on model, beating the Chevrolet, Ford, and Nissan, but not the Jeep. Still, the Sequoia is fairly quick, with the hybrid's motor negating any turbo lag. It's also fairly fuel efficient for such a big boy, but light steering and soggy brakes don't make this much of a joy to drive.
There are other issues that may have you thinking twice about the Toyota. It's the only vehicle here that uses a solid-axle rear suspension, rather than a more sophisticated independent rear suspension, and the hybrid battery pack gobbles up space. This means a relatively high cabin floor, with only 157 cubic feet of passenger space. Cargo space also trails its competitors at a mere 12 cubic feet, expanding to 89 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That said, folding the third row doesn't make for a flat load floor, as in its rivals. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard, with posher trims getting a 14-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Unless a top tow rating is your concern, of the vehicles here, we'd opt for the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe. It offers a range of driveline options and interior features that make it a top full-size SUV. It just edges out the Jeep in our opinion, although the latter offers the most interior space here, which is better than the Chevrolet if that's your priority. The Nissan is a surprisingly strong entry since its redesign, and well worth testing before you decide. We are less enthralled with the Ford, although we love its speediness. The Toyota's hybrid driveline is impressive, and its towing capacity is strong, but its interior packaging noticeably trails its rivals, limiting its practicality and usefulness. In the end, whichever of these you choose depends on what you prioritize in a new SUV.
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