One of the largest drivers for Chevrolet Suburban purchases is ample space for people and their things. But what if you don’t want a Suburban? That was one of the major reasons we picked up our Jeep Wagoneer Series II yearlong review test SUV. The dirty little secret of full-size three-row truck-based SUVs, however, is that many of them can haul people or things well, but not both at the same time. In the past, standard-length versions of these SUVs have typically featured cramped second rows and uncomfortable third rows, and cargo capacities with all the seats raised leave sports car owners laughing. So how does our Wagoneer stack up? Quite well — but as we found after spending a week shuttling around a half-dozen adults, there are some obvious flaws, too.
The view from the front
Although our Wagoneer Series II is a midgrade trim, you wouldn’t know it from the front seats. Compared to similar offerings in the lineups of the rival Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia, our Jeep feels downright luxurious. Our Sea Salt and black-trimmed interior features accenting piano black and satin silver trim; thick, rich-feeling Nappa leather and two comfy, easy-chair-like thrones. The doors’ armrests are nicely padded, while the center console features both a small tambour-covered cubby and a large, purse-swallowing storage space below. In front of the driver is a thick-rimmed two-spoke steering wheel wrapped with stitched leather and featuring controls for the digital instrument cluster, radar cruise control system and the infotainment suite.
The digital displays include a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Stellantis’ latest Uconnect 5 software teamed with a 10.3-inch passenger display that, so far as we can tell thus far, largely mirrors the functions of the middle screen. Found on either side of the main screen are touch-sensitive buttons that control the heated seats, steering wheel and on/off functionality for the display. Beneath the wireless phone charger (itself a deep cubby hidden behind a rotating piano black panel) are touch buttons for the automatic stop/start system, lane keep assist, traction control, a hard button for the hazards and more soft buttons for the Wagoneer’s parking sensors, tow/haul mode and the passenger display’s on/off switch. Although the capacitive buttons are intuitively laid out, we really wish they offered some sort of haptic feedback — we hate having to take our eyes off the road to confirm lane keep assist is on or our heated seat is off.
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The view from the second row
While it used to be rare to find a three-row full-size SUV as roomy in the cheap seats as it is up front, our Wagoneer scored high marks from our passengers with regards to space. The second-row bench in our Jeep (captain’s chairs are also available) slides fore and aft and reclines in multiple sections. This versatility ensured every adult was comfortable in the roomy second row while also allowing us to slide the middle seat forward for easy access to a small pup we had in tow.
Second-row passengers can individually set the temperature for their area of the passenger compartment, access six USB ports (two of which are USB-Cs), draw power from a 115-volt outlet, and plug devices into the seat-back-mounted dual 10.1-inch displays via HDMI ports. Those prone to motion sickness might not have much use for the dual displays and their Netflix, Prime Video, Freevee, or Amazon Music functions, but the apps offer a broad assortment of entertainment options. That said, our second-row riders felt there could be more cupholders — the ones allotted to them are in the door pockets or the middle seat’s fold-down armrest, the latter of course inaccessible if you’re using that seating position.
The view from the third row
Our Jeep Wagoneer’s third row is its biggest drawback — but not for the reason you’d likely expect. We opted for an eight-person layout via the second-row bench seat (instead of a seven-seater with second-row captain’s chairs), and that means there’s no aisle to reach the third row. Instead, as is the case with many other three-row SUVs, the third row is accessed by mechanically moving the middle row out of the way.
In our Wagoneer’s case, pressing a shoulder-mounted button on either of the second row’s outboard seats causes that seat to tilt up and slide forward, allowing for easy ingress to the third row.
Unfortunately, this thumb-sized button is easily missed by those who aren’t aware of it. Multiple passengers who sought access to the third row instead grabbed the second row’s prominent and unlabeled recline-function lever. Without an occupant to hold it in place, the second-row seat back springs forward like a mousetrap — in one case hitting a person in the face and knocking their glasses onto the ground. We’ve not experienced another second-row seat that snapped forward quite as quickly as the Wagoneer’s.
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Once safely ensconced in the Jeep’s third row, glasses back in place, the way back isn’t a bad place to be. Although squeezing a person in the middle seat feels cruel, the outboard seats are relatively roomy for the class. Those passengers get their own armrests, cubbies and dual USB-A and -C ports, as well as overhead HVAC vents. The seat cushioning itself is comfortable, though we heard some minor grumbling about back pain due to the higher floor relative to the second row and seat-back angle. The third row’s panoramic roof panel earned rave reviews from passengers in helping the area feel open and airy.
The cargo space
Considering how massive the Wagoneer and its ilk are, you’d be forgiven for thinking that large cargo areas are a given. Yet vehicles like the Nissan Armada, with 16.5 cubic feet of storage behind the third row (less than the brand’s own subcompact two-row Kicks), prove that isn’t the case.
The Wagoneer’s cargo area more than holds its own, however — as well as plenty of stuff. With 27.4 cubic feet behind the third row, the Jeep’s best-in-class trunk allows all three rows to be in use while still hauling multiple large suitcases and rollaboards, sports equipment, or the latest haul from Costco. If more room is needed (and provided the other rows aren’t in use), the Wagoneer can swallow up to 70.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 116.7 cubic feet with the rear two rows laid down, just a hair behind the Tahoe’s 72.6- and 122.9-cubic-foot figures.
So far, we’re loving living with our Wagoneer’s comfortable, quiet and spacious cabin. We’re looking forward to spending more time in it in all scenarios, including taking a break from the pavement to see how well the big Jeep performs as, well, a Jeep.
