Why One Well-Respected Publication Calls the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L the 'Best Large SUV for Families'

The Jeep Wagoneer L excels on having lots of room and that overall size is one of the reasons that U.S. News and World Report recently named the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L as the “Best Large SUV for Families”. The Wagoneer L has best-in-class overall passenger volume and the judges from U.S. News were impressed that the large SUV’s third row was even comfortable for adults.

“The Jeep Wagoneer L’s roomy cabin, easy-to-use systems and bevy of tech features make it a good family choice, but its adult-friendly third row, solid fuel economy and top safety scores clinched the award,” said Alex Kwanten, Autos managing editor at U.S. News & World Report.

2025 Jeep Wagoneer L

If you have driven one of the extended Wagoneers, you know that it is a large vehicle, but the electronically controlled suspension system and excellent braking keeps the Jeep from feeling like you are driving a bus. Believe me, that is the number one question most female drivers ask me about driving the large SUVs. So many models in the past were difficult to handle and park, but all of the automakers have gotten a lot better in recent years about improving the ride and handling. The Wagoneer L is 12 inches longer than the standard model (226.7 inches total) with a 7-inch increase in wheelbase (130 inches).

The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L offers 42.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, so it is designed to carry up to eight passengers comfortably as well as have plenty of room for gears bags or luggage. (Hockey moms take note).

Wagoneer L by the Numbers:

• Up to 40 inches of total screen display available on Jeep Wagoneer L
• Nearly 20 inches of screens along the front instrument panel:  
• 10.1-inch center stack touchscreen display allows passenger to display a second phone
• Available 360-degree surround view camera system and Intersection Collision Assist 
• Best-in-class overall passenger volume of 179.3 cubic feet
• Best-in-class second-row legroom of 42.7 inches
• Third-row legroom of 36.6 inches 

Other Highlights:

• Second and third row can fold flat
• Best-in-class towing capability of up to 10,000 lbs. 
• Legendary capability with three 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with active low range
• Up to 24 inches of water fording    

Another incentive for families that put a lot of miles on a vehicle is the Wagoneer L’s new more efficient engine. The Wagoneer L has the standard Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine with 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine is up to 15% more efficient than larger V-8 engines, so families on the go can save more money at the fuel pump.

How U.S. News and World Report Ranked the Vehicles

U.S. News & World Report evaluated 100 vehicles and named winners across nine categories. Vehicles are judged on the best combination of safety, reliability, space, comfort, convenience and connectivity in their class. More information on U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Cars for Families awards is available at cars.usnews.com.

Jeep Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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