The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 2WD with its 6.4L 8-cyl engine gets 15 MPG combined, not exactly setting any fuel economy records. This is what you get with a body-on-frame SUV that prioritizes passenger space, towing capacity, and presence over fuel efficiency. The Grand Wagoneer, especially in this 2WD version, is for a specific kind of buyer: someone who wants maximum interior space and a reliable V8 engine, likely in a warmer area where all-wheel drive isn’t needed very often.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway show how the Grand Wagoneer struggles in stop-and-go traffic. The 6.4L V8 needs a heavy foot to accelerate from a standstill, which means more fuel consumption. Highway performance is a little better, but the Grand Wagoneer’s weight and shape mean that even steady cruising won’t give you great mileage. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but physics can’t be cheated.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 2WD at $3,850. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Anyone thinking about buying this vehicle needs to know this number. The annual cost could be much higher if you drive differently or if gas prices go up.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are just a benchmark, actual fuel economy can change a lot. If you accelerate hard, tow often, and take a lot of short trips, you’ll probably get less MPG than the EPA says. But, if you drive carefully with smooth acceleration and don’t idle much, you might get numbers that are close to, or even a little better than, the official ratings. Tire pressure, how well the vehicle is maintained, and outside temperature can also change fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The Grand Wagoneer’s fuel economy problems are clear when you compare it to other large SUVs. For example, the Cadillac Escalade with its 6.2L V8 gets a little better at 14 MPG city / 19 MPG highway, showing minor differences in efficiency between similar vehicles. Even the Lincoln Navigator, another big luxury SUV, gets a combined 17 MPG with its turbocharged V6, showing that using forced induction can sometimes help with fuel economy. A GMC Yukon Denali with its 6.2L V8 gets about the same numbers as the Grand Wagoneer. Buyers who want good fuel economy might also think about the longer versions of these SUVs, like the Escalade ESV, but remember that the extra weight can make MPG worse.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Grand Wagoneer isn’t known for saving fuel, but drivers can do things to use less gas. Don’t accelerate or brake hard. The 6.4L V8 is fun to accelerate with, but it wastes gas fast. Start gently and slow down smoothly to improve your MPG a lot.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with low air pressure increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels on the driver’s side door.

Don’t idle the car. Modern engines don’t need to warm up for long. Idling wastes fuel and creates emissions. Turn off the engine if you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Keeping a consistent speed helps with fuel efficiency. Don’t speed up and slow down suddenly, because these actions use more fuel than gradual changes.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and other important services.

Before buying, be sure to check all Jeep fuel economy data as well as the GRAND MPG across all years.