Jeep may have been fashionably late to the full-size SUV game, but they certainly made a grand entrance with the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer. This behemoth of a vehicle takes on the reigning champion, the Chevrolet Tahoe, in a battle of the titans. Both vehicles offer a range of features and pricing options, catering to a wide audience from the practical to the luxurious.
The Jeep Wagoneer, in its return in 2022, entered the market as a luxury contender with its Grand Wagoneer variant. Drawing inspiration from the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade, Jeep set out to one-up the competition. The Wagoneer boasts a longer body and more cargo and passenger space compared to the Tahoe. It also packs a punch with its 420-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, offering 486 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the base Chevy Tahoe comes with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while also offering a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6 and a top-tier 6.2-liter V-8 option.
In terms of performance, the Tahoe impresses with its V-8 engines and smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V-8 variant can accelerate the massive SUV to 60 mph in the mid-seven-second range. The Tahoe’s towing capacity is also commendable, especially with the availability of trailering packages and advanced camera views. On the other hand, the Jeep Wagoneer, powered by its twin-turbo inline-6 engine, offers a quicker acceleration time of 6.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the Wagoneer sacrifices some towing capacity for its speed, with the Grand Wagoneer variant offering a more powerful engine but a slightly lower towing limit.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Tahoe’s diesel engine option shines with impressive ratings of 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. Chevy’s V-8 engines also benefit from cylinder deactivation technology for enhanced efficiency. The Wagoneer, on the other hand, offers a base inline-6 engine with competitive fuel economy figures, but lacks hybrid options like some of its rivals.
In terms of pricing and trims, the base models of both the Tahoe and Wagoneer are priced similarly, with the Wagoneer starting at around $61,000 and the Tahoe LS at approximately $60,000. Both vehicles offer 4WD options for an additional $3,000, with various trim levels catering to different preferences and budgets.
The exterior design and interior quality of the vehicles differentiate them further, with the Wagoneer embracing a more luxurious and modern aesthetic, while the Tahoe maintains a traditional and practical approach. The Wagoneer’s interior boasts premium materials and advanced technology, while the Tahoe focuses on functionality and simplicity.
Safety features are crucial in large SUVs, and both the Tahoe and Wagoneer offer a range of advanced driver-assist systems. However, the Tahoe falls short in crash-test ratings compared to the Wagoneer, with a Poor rating in the IIHS’s moderate front overlap test.
In conclusion, the Jeep Wagoneer emerges as the winner in this showdown, thanks to its luxurious features, impressive performance, and spacious interior. While the Tahoe offers great value and practicality, the Wagoneer’s overall package makes it the top choice for those seeking a premium full-size SUV experience. Ultimately, both vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to consider your priorities and preferences before making a decision.
