Though the latest generation of the Wagoneer has only been around since the 2022 model year, the premium SUV has already won plenty of drivers over with its unique combination of a spacious interior, off-road capability, and luxury features ranging from quality materials to the latest convenience technology. For the 2023 model year, a new version has been added to the lineup alongside the standard variety. The 2023 Wagoneer L offers all of the advantages of the basic Wagoneer in a longer package.
The Wagoneer L has the same height as its standard counterpart, but it adds seven inches to the wheelbase and twelve more inches in length overall. This takes the already spacious interior to the next level, giving you a lot more volume to play around with. There are plenty of ways that you can make use of that extra space, and we’re going to explore a few of them in this article. So let’s take a look at how big of a difference a few extra inches can make when it comes to this large-and-in-charge SUV.
Store More Cargo
Probably the most obvious advantage of the extra length is that it gives you more room to store cargo. While the standard Wagoneer has 27.4 cu.ft. of cargo capacity behind the third row of seats, the Wagoneer L has 44.2 cu.ft., which is almost double the volume. That means you can load up the back with plenty of luggage, boxes, groceries, or whatever else you need to transport without having to fold down any of the seats. This is great for trips where you have both a large group of people and a fair amount of cargo: you’ll be able to have your cake and eat it too.
This roomy space is also plenty big for man’s best friend, no matter what breed. While chihuahua owners may be able to keep their furry friends happy on a passenger’s lap, those with mastiffs or great danes will appreciate the ability to comfortably transport their dogs, whether it’s a quick trip to the vet or a weekend getaway at a pet-friendly campsite. And since the back row can fold down with a 60/40 split, any passengers in the back can keep tabs on the dogs while en route.
If you’re drawn to the Wagoneer for its rugged capability and are looking to explore the great outdoors, the extra space means there’s room for larger items, like tents, coolers, and other bulkier gear. If you don’t have passengers along, you can even fold down the back two rows of seats flat to unlock a massive 130.9 cu.ft. of cargo space. Then again, if you have a boat or like to go glamping with a tricked-out trailer, you still might want to hitch something up to the back instead of sticking with the vehicle’s interior space. Fortunately, the Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 lbs when properly equipped, so you’ve got plenty of capacity to work with.
Stretch Your Legs
The standard Wagoneer already features plenty of space for up to seven or eight passengers (depending on whether or not you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row). Its tall roof means plenty of headroom, even for taller people, and adults should be satisfied with the generous amount of legroom no matter what row they’re in. But when you’re sitting in a car for a while, especially on road trips where you might be doing long drives for several days in a row, every inch counts, and the Wagoneer L does offer a bit more room for passengers to stretch out.
Enter With Ease
Because the axles on the Wagoneer L are further apart than those on the standard Wagoneer, there’s room for the rear door to be a more complete rectangle instead of getting a corner cut off to make room for the back wheel. While this difference is probably negligible for most passengers, it does provide a larger opening, which might come in handy for those with mobility issues, especially people who use walkers, crutches, or canes. It also gives the front and rear doors a uniform shape, giving the exterior a nice look and emphasizing how spacious the Wagoneer L is.
Make a Statement
You may not be able to measure it objectively, but there’s something about an extra-long vehicle that’s just bound to impress a crowd. There’s a reason that the stretch limousine has become a symbol of glamor and luxury. So when you roll up to an event in a Wagoneer L, you’re sure to turn a few heads, especially if you opt for the Carbide edition. New for the 2023 model year, this package spruces up the Wagoneer’s exterior with black accents instead of chrome, as well as gloss-black wheels. The inside gets some special touches as well, like bronze and gold accents that make the cabin look even classier.
Drive Smoothly
The Wagoneer L’s longer wheelbase can help make rides a bit smoother both on paved roads and rocky trails. If you hit a bump, whether it be a pothole, a speed hump, or debris in the road, there’s a long time between when it affects the front wheels and when it hits the rear ones, which spreads the effects out and makes the jolt less abrupt. The extra length and weight can also make the vehicle feel more stable for the driver, particularly at higher speeds. Finally, the increased length can come in handy if you get stuck in a bad situation while off-roading. For example, if you accidentally veer into a patch of deep mud, you’re more likely to notice the problem while the back wheels are still on solid ground and able to get traction, so you can back up and drive away instead of needing to call for a tow.
Go Further
You may be thinking that adding extra length also adds extra weight, and, of course, you’d be right. The Wagoneer L is a few hundred pounds heavier than the standard Wagoneer, which means it takes a little more power to move it around. Luckily, the designers thought of that and more than made up for it by using some of the extra space to expand the size of the fuel tank. Because of this, the Wagoneer L can hold an additional four gallons, giving it around 30-70 miles more range.
This means you can go longer in between stopping at the gas station, which is great news, especially for road trips. Making good time on the road means spending longer at your destination. The extra fuel can be particularly helpful for traveling through rural areas or off-roading, where gas stations can be few and far between. And, of course, even if you’re just driving around town, it’s always nice to save a little time by making each refuel count.
More to Love
As you can see, there are plenty of advantages that come with upgrading from the Wagoneer to the Wagoneer L. Whether you’re looking to cruise around town in style, travel the open road, or explore the wilderness; there’s sure to be something that will come in handy for you. And on top of everything that the Wagoneer L has to offer with its expanded length, it also comes standard with a new twin-turbocharged engine called the Hurricane, which can provide up to 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. This beast of an engine can easily handle the long SUV’s extra weight, along with whatever cargo you’re bringing along for the ride. So if you’re in the market for a 2023 Wagoneer, make sure not to write off all of the benefits that the Wagoneer L has to offer.
