Before the new year emerged, 2023 was already a big model year for the Jeep Wagoneer. In its second year of production, the new-generation Wagoneer earned the highest honor from a leading 4×4 authority. Four Wheeler judges conducted a week of tests that included on- and off-road evaluations and track tests before awarding the 2023 SUV of the Year to the Wagoneer equipped with the Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6.
The Twin Turbo engine establishes a new standard for power and efficiency and distinguishes the Wagoneer from the rest of the large SUV segment — even more than it already was. Not only does the vehicle give V8 SUVs a run for their money, but it also happens to be 15% more efficient.
It’s worth noting that Jeep also claimed second place in the 2023 Four Wheeler competition with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe. What’s more, the auto brand has received more Four Wheeler honors in the last 50 years than any other. Mount Airy CDJRF shares more about the prestigious SUV of the Year award and explains what makes the Wagoneer and the Hurricane Twin Turbo so special.
What Is the Four Wheeler SUV of the Year Award?
Four Wheeler is a widely respected 4×4 enthusiast publication, and every year the editors judge an array of all-new and redesigned SUVs. The SUV of the Year award is one of the most coveted in the industry.
The testing process for the award is wide-ranging and strenuous, including a week of:
- Off-road assessments on mountainous and desert terrain
- Quarter-mile and 0-60 acceleration
- 0-60 braking distance
Each vehicle must navigate a range of off-road conditions, such as loose dirt, hill, climbs, rotted, back roads, loose surface trails, Rocky to rain, mode, snow, ice, and sand. The judges even evaluate the SUVs’ performance at night to assess their lighting capabilities. The 2023 Wagoneer earned top honors when all categories were considered.
Here’s the thing: the Wagoneer has established itself as a luxurious, plus-sized SUV. In other words, performance and capability may not be the first characteristics that come to mind, which is what makes this award so special.
What the Experts Think
Here’s how Four Wheeler Content Director, Sean P Holman, described the competition results:
“The big Wagoneer is going to get the family down the road in comfort and style and right past the trailhead. The traction control is exceptional, the suspension supple, and that new I-6 engine is a powerhouse of torque and refinement. We didn’t go into the test thinking the Wagoneer would win, but it earned every vote thanks to how well it did everything we asked of it.”
Mr. Holman wasn’t the only Four Wheeler staff member to comment on the Wagoneer’s extraordinary achievement. Editor Ken Brubaker stated:
“Four Wheeler’s comprehensive 2023 SUV of the Year testing proved that Stellantis has eloquently achieved the elusive task of creating a full-size SUV that can dominate challenging terrain including rocky trails, mud, and snow. We found the Wagoneer’s Hurricane twin-turbo engine to be a powerhouse, the vehicle’s on-road manners are impeccable, and the fit and finish is superb. The Wagoneer demonstrated that it’s worthy of wearing the storied Wagoneer nameplate and the 2023 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year crown.”
Truck Trend editor, Jason Gonderman, has commented on how the Four Wheeler SUV of the Year winner is often a vehicle that no one expects to win. According to him, the Wagoneer “[snuck] in and [took] the prize from the more outwardly off-road oriented competitors.” He added that the full-size SUV “combines a quiet and comfortable cabin with legendary off-road pedigree and the hardware to back it up…opting for the company’s phenomenal new twin-turbocharged I-6 engine makes the package truly irresistible.”
The competition panel consisted of the entire MotorTrend & Off-Road Group staff. That is, all the judges come with a rich history of experience working with Truck Trend, Diesel Power, Jp, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Four Wheeler, and other respected brands.
Jeep for the Win
As mentioned, Jeep has won the Four Wheeler SUV of the Year award more than any other brand. While many were surprised by the Wagoneer winning it all this year, it’s nothing new for the legendary 4×4 automaker.
Jim Morrison, senior vice president of Jeep Brand North America, noted that the brand works from a foundation of more than 80 years of industry-leading 4×4 capability, which the Wagoneer has now injected into the large SUV segment. He stated:
“To earn the prestigious title of Four Wheeler SUV of the Year for the second year in a row and the 18th time overall is a testament to our core values of delivering Freedom, Adventure, Authenticity and Passion to our Jeep customers, and now our Wagoneer customers, by giving them the capability to truly go anywhere and do anything. The Four Wheeler SUV of the Year test is unmatched, and we’re truly honored to be recognized by a team of avid and expert off-roaders who truly understand 4×4 capability.”
Here’s a list of all the Jeep vehicles (18) that have captured the Four Wheeler SUV of the Year through the 50 years of the competition:
- 2023 Wagoneer
- 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel
- 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
- 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
- 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
- 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab JK
- 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JK
- 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland WK2
- 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JK
- 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland WJ
- 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ
- 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ
- 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
- 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
- 1986 Jeep Comanche
- 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ
- 1974 Jeep Cherokee
What Is the Hurricane Twin Turbo?
The Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 has instantly become the benchmark for power and efficiency in the large SUV class. It produces more horsepower and torque than most of the rivals’ boosted six-cylinder and naturally aspirated V-8 engines — all while minimizing emissions.
Coming standard on Wagoneer Series II and Series III, the new engine yields 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. It has also measured up to 15% more efficient than other large engines, and it provides up to 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
It’s hard to overstate how smooth the Hurricane Twin Turbo feels when driving, and it consists of next-level engineering and technologies. Drivers can enjoy enhanced throttle response thanks to two low-inertia, high-flow turbochargers, as well as low-friction wear surface from the plasma transfer wire arc coating in the cylinder pores. Moreover, the engine provides high-pressure direct fuel injection.
Stellantis has made no secret of its goal to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, repeatedly stating its intention to reduce its carbon footprint 50% by 2030. The auto manufacturer also plans to reach net carbon zero by 2038, among other goals outlined in the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.
What’s With All the Wagoneer Hype?
Jeep brought back the Wagoneer for the 2022 model year after a 30-year hiatus. As in the 1970s–90s, the new generation of the large SUV is designed for growing American families (or the couples who simply want luxury). Perhaps what makes the Wagoneer so unique is that it creates a sense of adventure while seating up to eight passengers and carrying an extraordinary amount of cargo.
Distinguished Capability
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer leads the class with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, meaning you can drive around with pretty much any equipment and toys you want without compromising comfort in the cabin. Plus, you can enjoy unmatched technology and connectivity.
Aside from first-rate driving dynamics, the entire Wagoneer lineup offers impressive 4×4 capabilities. Every version comes with the Selec-Terrain system, which lets drivers choose from five modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Sand/Mud. You can also fine-tune your 4×4 performance by selecting the on- or off-road setting. The Selec-Terrain system manages up to 12 different powertrain, 4×4, torque split/ suspension, and braking systems electronically. Some of these include:
- Throttle control
- Transmission shift
- Selec-Speed control
- Hill-descent control
- Transfer case
Then, you have the Advanced All Terrain Group, which is optional on the Wagoneer Series II. This package takes the vehicle’s capability even further with beefier off-road tires, a two-speed transfer case, and a 3.92 rear axle ratio. The package also provides:
- An electronic limited slip differential
- A Quadra-Lift air suspension system
- A front suspension skid plate
- A transfer case skid plate
- A fuel tank skid plate
- Chrome tow hooks
- Removable rear tow hooks
Refined Interior
It would be difficult to find a more impressive cabin than that of the Wagoneer. The heavily lauded interior exudes elegance at every turn with top-notch materials and class-leading technology. The SUV can comfortably seat eight adults, due in part to the spacious third row.
The advanced Uconnect 5 system, 360-degree surround view, and head-up display are sure to please even the most critical drivers. And the Wagoneer provides up to 50 inches of total screen surface! Further, you can get a McIntosh audio system (an industry first) and have Amazon Fire TV built into the infotainment system.
The 2023 Wagoneer comes in four different trims: Wagoneer, Series II, Carbide, and Series III. Its more luxurious sibling, the Grand Wagoneer, is available in the base model, Series II, Obsidian, Series III, and Series III Obsidian.
What Size of SUV Do You Need?
Jeep offers SUVs at every size (and budget), but how do you know which size will fit your family’s needs now and in the future? As you look at different models, you’ll quickly find that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
When selecting an SUV for your family, you’ll want to consider factors like price, cargo space, seating capacity, and fuel economy. Here are some quick tips for picking the optimal vehicle:
Think about how much cargo space you need. A large SUV (like the Wagoneer) might be the way to go if you plan to carry a lot of gear or luggage when traveling. You should also assess how many people will ride in the vehicle regularly.
Consider the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you typically drive on off-road paths or unpaved roads, an all-terrain option (e.g., Wagoneer, Wrangler, Cherokee, etc.) may be more suitable than a standard road vehicle.
Take fuel economy into consideration. Getting a model with better gas mileage could save you money in the long run if you frequently drive long distances or have multiple passengers in the car often. The Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe models are hard to beat!
Compare prices of different models and brands. Taking time to shop around can help ensure that you find one that meets all of your needs while still staying within your budget constraints.
The 2023 Wagoneer with the Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 is an SUV that will take you anywhere, in comfort and style. A powerful engine and cutting-edge technology make this vehicle stand out from its rivals. Considering its impressive performance and fuel efficiency, it’s no wonder that it was voted the Four Wheeler 2023 SUV of the Year. Give us a call at Mount Airy CDJRF to learn about the remarkable Jeep models on our lot — as well as those that are coming soon!
