2023 Jeep Wagoneer vs Cadillac Escalade

One of the newest and biggest 3 row SUVs for large families, the 2023 Wagoneer arrived with something to prove. And it has proven it quickly. It has risen to the #1 ranking at Kelley Blue Book and at US News and World Report in its large SUV class.

Shoppers should know that this moderately priced big rig isn’t just a better choice than its direct competitors. It is so well done that it actually can stand up to the likes of the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, 2023 Cadillac Escalade and other well-established luxury rides.

With these questions and answers, you’ll learn Wagoneer pros and cons in all the categories that matter most. Earnhardt CDJR is your Phoenix Wagoneer dealer.

1. What’s new for 2023?

   The 2023 Wagoneer is only the second model in its generation. Nonetheless there were many improvements over the 2022 package. There’s a new L model to compete with the Escalade ESV, and there is a new twin-turbo V6 that competes with the Navigator’s twin-turbo V6.

   The Lincoln Navigator is in the sixth year of its current generation, which was introduced in 2018. There were no big changes for 2023, but 2022 saw updates to the infotainment system and the exterior.

   Cadillac Escalades are in the third model year of their current generation, which was first introduced in 2021. For 2023, the biggest change was the introduction of a high-performance Escalade V.

2. What is the Price and Warranty?

   If you are looking to save money on a premium SUV or simply to get more for your money, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer starts out nearly $20,000 less than the Escalade or Navigator. If you choose the Wagoneer L, you can still save thousands over the standard size of either rival. Plus you can get all-wheel drive and still be saving money.

   As for warranties, the two have similar warranties. However, the Wagoneer includes a worry-free package for buyers. This provides up to five years of free scheduled maintenance. A Wagoneer lease comes with a similar 3-year package.

   Plus the Wagoneer shopping and ownership experience is guaranteed to include the VIP treatment. This includes such extras as loaner vehicles for service visits. If you are thinking about trading up to the Wagoneer, let Kelley Blue Book evaluate your trade.

3. How does the Wagoneer Compete with Luxury Brand Features?

   Most important to buyers who value technology and style, the Wagoneer offers more premium luxury standards for the money. This helps the premium full size SUV attract customers who are looking at its more luxurious competitors. In fact, it has leather seats, which represent an extra cost on its already higher priced rivals.

   And it has ventilated front seats for our Phoenix summers. Surprisingly, that’s not a Cadillac standard. So again, it would be an extra cost if choosing the Escalade.

   

   Shoppers might find differences in the infotainment, but they won’t be disappointed with the many standards on the Wagoneer, including its new 10.25-inch digital instrumentation. When these Jeep 3 row SUVs have the rear-seat entertainment group, there are two large 10.1-inch screens. Amazon Fire TV is built into the system.

   When there are second-row captain’s chairs on the Wagoneer, these seats have a power tilt and slide capability. The 3rd-row bench can split-fold 60/40 for cargo purposes. Owners will appreciate its power-fold capability. Passengers will love the power-recline feature.

   The three SUVs have many standard driver aids as well. This ranges from an emergency autobrake system to a lane departure warning assist. You can get competitive financing from your Earnhardt Wagoneer dealer.

4. How Big is the 3 Row SUV?

   Although it costs less, the 2023 Wagoneer is actually longer than its Lincoln or Cadillac rivals. Like the Grand Wagoneer, it benefits from a long wheelbase and greatest width. Navigators and Escalades are both slightly taller than the Wagoneer.

   

   Drivers will appreciate the fact that the Wagoneer maintains the smaller turning diameter. This little trick can come in handy in a small parking area. Of course, this Jeep offers the ParkSense automated parking system to really take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular maneuvers.

5. How Big is the Standard Cargo Hold?

   If you measure by cargo space, you see that the Wagoneer is the only one with serious SUV hauling capacity with all seats in place. At 27.4 cubic feet, it slides ahead of the Escalade by two cubes. It’s about six cubes more than the Navigator.

   Beyond that, cargo space is something of a tie between the Jeep and Cadillac 3 row SUVs. It is a hands-down win, however, between the Wagoneer and Navigator. So we’d say the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will never disappoint buyers whose big concern is cargo area.

6. Is it Spacious Enough?

   Of course, what are inches and cubic feet if passengers aren’t comfortable? Looking at the numbers, the Wagoneer is extremely competitive. Car and Driver calls it “palatial interior space”.

   

   On the front row, all three measure over 40 inches in both legroom and headroom. Drivers have adjustable pedals and power-adjustable steering wheel columns. That should guarantee equal comfort in all three rides.

   

   On the second row, the Wagoneer takes the lead. It moves ahead of the Lincoln in most categories and exceeds the Escalade in all categories. On the third row, Wagoneers have the most headroom and very competitive legroom. The Wagoneer has the most shoulder and hip room on all three rows.

   

7. How do the Long Base Models Compare?

   2023 is the first model year for the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L. This bigger ride is 12 inches longer than before. The wheelbase grows by 7 inches.

   The bigger cargo hold measures a whopping 42.1 cubic feet. 2023 Escalade ESV models are close behind with 41.5 cubic feet. The Navigator L can only claim 34.3 to 36 cubic feet.

   When the seats are down, the Wagoneer L has 130 cubic feet of space. It could handle a 4 x 8 piece of plywood if needed.

   An Wagoneer L upgrade includes a 30.5-gallon fuel tank which adds 80 more miles to its driving range. Like the regular Wagoneer, the L trim levels are Series i, Series ii, and Series iii.

8. What is the Difference in 3 Row SUV Performance and Efficiency?

   When it comes to engine prowess, the Wagoneer will never disappoint the driver. The mild-hybrid V8 engine generates 392 horses and 404 lb-ft of torque.

   The new twin turbo V6 churns out 420 horsepower and 486 lb-ft. This six cylinder turbo is actually better than the Escalade 6.2L V8 engine and its thriftier turbodiesel.

   With either engine, Wagoneer drivers will never doubt that their big rig can handle competitive driving. Like any Jeep there are heavy duty front and rear axles to assist.

   

   When it comes to fuel stops, you can be sure the Wagoneer is less thirsty with better fuel economy than the Escalade. It has a bigger fuel tank than either rival, too.

   Wagoneers start off with road-friendly rear-wheel drive. However, they have a Tru-Lok anti-spin differential for an extra measure of capability. Jeep offers its remarkable Quadra Trac I and Quadra Trac II as four-wheel drivetrains.

   By the way, the Grand Wagoneer offers a high-output twin turbo V6. It generates 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.

9. Is it true that the Wagoneer Has Best in Class Towing Capability?

   One thing the 2022 Wagoneer established was its best-in-class towing capacity. It is rated for as much as 10,000 lbs. That is 1700 lbs more than the Navigator and 2300 pounds more than the Escalade.

   Both Wagoneer and Wagoneer L models can handle that 5-ton tow. This is due to its body-on-frame rugged construction. A Class IV receiver hitch is standard. With the heavy duty package, a trailer-hitch zoom and trailer-brake control are added. The rear tow-hook is removable. That’s a neat trick.

   Even better, the Wagoneer has a rear load-leveling suspension to help with towing and payload. It also ensures good ride quality for those on the back row. Keeping the ride quiet, an active noise-control system assists the many layers of insulated and the acoustic glass.

   Owners will really like the available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension. You can lower the vehicle to make tow hook-ups easier.

Conclusion

The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer leads its full size SUV class, and it is ready to take on luxury rides like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Shoppers should definitely test drive the Wagoneer before they spend too much on a rival.

And, if your intent is to get the most luxurious big 3 row SUV, then your Jeep dealer is also the right place to test drive the 2023 Grand Wagoneer.

Head to Earnhardt CDJR to get behind the wheel. Schedule your test drive.