The official introduction is still about 90 minutes away from when I write this, but the pictures and specs are already out to the major automotive media.

Not impressed.

I thought the exterior body was good with the concept, and that hasn't changed. But the execution of the production models tells me Ford, Chevy, and GMC have nothing to worry about - while Cadillac and Lincoln are still in charge of the luxury tiers for this segment. All the bragging Stellantis (FCA) has done regarding electrification and improved fuel economy went straight out the window with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. The Wag only offers the 5.7L V8 with eTorque, and the GWag only comes with the 6.4L V8 and a thirsty 3.92 diff... unless there's a 40 gallon tank stuffed under there, the range will be frighteningly low. No full hybrid or diesel at launch? The same old V8s - no turbo I-6 that has been rumored for years? Every Wag/GWag trim level is leather seats, 20" wheels standard and 22" optional or standard in higher trim. That tells me these are for the country club set, not for any off-roading beyond maybe having to drive on the front lawn a short distance. And the "base" (I use that term very loosely) Wagoneer Series I starts at $59,995... over $8000 more than a base Expedition 4x2.

I had high hopes for this, but Stellantis and Jeep obviously aren't interested in selling a full-size SUV to Joe Average... at least not yet. Maybe they'll still build a lower-cost Ram-branded version to take on the Expedition/Max, Tahoe/Suburban, and Yukon/XL. Not holding my breath, though.

 

Top of the line Grand Wagoneer Series III Premium has a starting MSRP of $109,980 (including $2000 destination)... and includes Amazon Fire TV among other things.
For that price, it should also have every capability of KITT from Knight Rider...

 

Why should they?

People are spending stupid money to buy cars/trucks that they really cannot afford.

The biggest sales growth segment last year were cars/trucks in the $80,000-$90,000 price range.

Look what Ford is doing. New KR and Timberline editions of the Explorer. All upmarket. Apparently, you cannot make a car too expensive.

Payment buyers/low interest rates are to blame. People do not ask "How much is it"? The ask "How much is the payment"?

 

which why ford has 84 month loans and i have seen 96 month loans available. the rv industry is even worse with loans up to 20 years depending on the loan backer.

 

Exactly. People walk into a dealership thinking about an XLT. They tell the sales rep that they can afford $X/month. The (commissioned) sales rep says "Well for that payment, I can get you into the Double Diamond studded Platinum model".

Never mind that the loan term is 84 months. Or that the XLT was $X-$150/month and that extra $150/month could go into, oh, I don't know, retirement saving maybe?

But noooooooooo! "I deserve the Double Diamond studded Platinum model".

So why not Jeep? If you can sell 10,000 units at $110,000+, go for it.

Personally, I do not want to be forced to eat cat food in retirement because that is all that I can afford.