2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland Special Edition Review

Mike Schlee
by Mike Schlee

The Jeep Wagoneer, formerly just Wagoneer, won’t live on past this year. There was always a bit of confusion between the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer, each of which is available in two different lengths and offered in various trims. Power, options, and pricing had various intersection points between the two models, muddying the separation. 


Basically, the Wagoneer was positioned to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia, while the Grand Wagoneer was more of a Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator competitor. For 2026, things will align better as the Grand Wagoneer will continue to battle the luxury jumbo SUVs, while we assume a new Dodge SUV based on this platform will battle the mainstream offerings.


To send the Jeep Wagoneer off in style, the brand has introduced a few limited-run models, including the Wagoneer Overland Special Edition.

Quick Take

This may be the final year for the Wagoneer, but Jeep is sending it off in style, with the Overland Special Edition. Limited to just 2,000 units, the large SUV is more off-road focused, aligning with other Overland models in the brand’s lineup. 


Although the Overland package doesn’t dramatically alter the way the Wagoneer drives or looks, it does give it a bit of an advantage in some areas compared to regular Wagoneers. With the large Jeep SUV already being a solid offering, the new Special Edition is a good way to send it off.

What’s New for 2025:


The biggest news for 2025 is the addition of the limited-run Overland Special Edition. It’s based on the Wagoneer Series II and adds some off-road hardware and updated styling. Only 2,000 buyers will get a chance to own this final-year, special-edition Wagoneer.

Exterior Style:


Measuring in at 214.7 inches (5,453 mm) in length, the Wagoneer is longer than the regular Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Jeep is also wide, at 83.6 inches (2,123 mm) in total width, with a height of 75.6 inches (1,920 mm).


We’ve covered the Wagoneer in the past, and some folks have less than kind references to the SUV’s exterior shape, so we’ll just state that the squared-off box shape offers a lot of functional space inside. There are details we quite like on the Wagoneer, like the front and rear lighting.


The Overland Special Edition adds some exterior bits that are both functional and/or merely for style. Under the SUV are three steel skid plates that protect the front axle, transfer case, and fuel tank. Up front are two hook,s and there is another removable tow hook at the rear. For the first time on a Wagoneer, the Overland Special Edition can have a black painted roof, like found on our tester. The black theme continues with other exterior highlights, including the lower fascia, wheel flares, headlamps, grille, badging, and roof rail crossbars.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy:


Under the hood of the Overland Special Edition remains the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 that made its way into the vehicle a few years ago. This is the standard output version that makes 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque on regular grade fuel. It’s hooked up to an eight-speed automatic that sends power through a proper two-speed transfer case in the Overland Special Edition. This includes a 4-Low mode with a 48:1 crawl ratio and a selectable Rock Mode.


As we’ve found in the past, the turbo six is smooth and plenty powerful, even for this big SUV. It’s more than capable getting the Wagoneer up to speed, even when full of passengers. The eight-speed automatic shifts quickly enough, and the transition between gears is smooth.

About the only thing we could possibly point out as a negative is that it lacks that V8 rumble found in the Tahoe. That’s not to say the Wagoneer doesn’t sound good; in fact the inline-six has quite a deep, meaty tone. It’s just hard to match a V8 bellow. The Wagoneer does have V8-like fuel economy, though, officially rated at 16 mpg (14.5 L/100 km) city and 23 mpg (10.1 L/100 km) highway.

Handling and Drivability:


The larger Wagoneer weighs more than a lot of its direct competition, tipping the scales at 5,981 pounds (2,713 kg). Included on the Overland Special Edition are 32-inch tires, specifically 275/55TR20 all-terrain tires. Although these tires do have a more aggressive tread pattern, they are still mounted to rather large wheels and have a small sidewall. Other mechanical bits include the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with an electronically limited-slip differential, the Quadra-Lift air suspension, and the Selec-Speed Control, which will keep a constant speed automatically when driving up or down a slope. When put in its highest setting, the Wagoneer features 10 inches (254 mm) of ground clearance.


The final bit of kit on the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland is the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package with built-in trailer brake control. Jeep claims this set-up is capable of hauling up to 10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg), which is quite impressive.

When not towing, the Wagoneer drives much like all the other big body-on-frame SUVs. They all have their pickup-truck origins shine through, but the Wagoneer has an advantage. It’s based on the Ram 1500, which is one of the better driving full-size trucks.


Perched up high, driving the Wagoneer takes low effort to operate. There are good sight lines all around due to the boxy shape. Even the thick B-Pillar is easy enough to see around when required. The SUV’s immense size is less noticeable once underway, feeling like a vehicle a few classes smaller on the highway. But in parking lot situations, the Wagoneer reminds the driver of its size. That stated, it’s easy to park, but it takes a while to learn how far over the wide SUV needs to be to fit in the parking lines.

Competitors

  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Ford Expedition
  • Nissan Armada
  • Toyota Sequioa

Ride Quality and Comfort:


Most differences felt from one jumbo SUV to the next have to do with suspension tuning in terms of ride quality. Jeep has done a good job with the air suspension’s setup as the Wagoneer is one of the better SUVs in its class at absorbing bumps. We didn’t notice a huge difference in ride quality with the Overland, like we have in some other off-road specials. This is probably due to the fact that our tester still wears 20-inch wheels, while many others have large sidewall 17-inch wheels.


Inside, the first two rows are quite accommodating for four adult passengers, and the third row is decent as well. The three-wide bench back there offers 39.0 inches (991 mm) of headroom and 36.6 inches (930 mm) of legroom. Behind the third row there is 27.4 cubic feet (776 L) of cargo capacity, which expands to 116.7 cubic feet (3,305 L) with the rear two rows of seats folded.

Interior Style and Quality:


The interior features a simple design layout. It’s not extravagant or over the top, but what materials and designs that are used look and feel of quality. Our Overland tester has the Nappa leather seating and all-weather floor mats. We like the double armrest design up front. It’s functionally smart and looks great too. What we don’t like as much is the amount of piano black plastic around the switches and buttons below the center screen.


Tech and Safety:


Some tech highlights included in the Overland Special Edition are the 360-degree surround view camera, a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, and the power-folding side mirrors. Also included in the Series II Wagoneer is a tri-zone automatic temperature control, Uconnect 5 NAV 10.1-inch touchscreen display, full-length front-row console, wireless charging pad, and hands-free power liftgate. The tech is easy to operate, even if a bit too much is reliant on the touchscreen, but that’s an issue plaguing the automotive industry as a whole.


On a safety front, the SUV includes side distance warning, parallel/perpendicular park assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, active lane management system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, and more.


Value Dollars and Sense:


The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland Special Edition adds $5,795 ($7,995 Canadian) to the cost of a Series II Wagoneer. In the United States, that brings pricing up to $75,530, including the $695 Velev Red paint option and destination charges. In Canada, that puts pricing at $98,985, once again including the $795 Velvet Red paint option and destination charges.


That pricing puts it right in the neighborhood of the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 and the Nissan Armada PRO-4X. Looking at the Toyota Sequioa TRD Pro, the Wagoneer Overland undercuts it by a few thousand.

Final Thoughts


We’ve always liked the Jeep Wagoneer for its practicality, drivability, engine response, and interior quality. All of those traits remain in the Overland Special Edition, now with a bit of increased off-road capability.


Don’t confuse this for a hardcore rock-climber, though. Think of the enhancements made to the Overland Special Edition more for those who semi-regularly drive on rutted, often-muddy side roads. The price increase is reasonable as well, making this final year, limited series an appealing option in the jumbo SUV landscape.


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Category

2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland Special Edition

Powertrain

7.5 / 10

Efficiency

6 / 10

Handling and Drivability

7.5 / 10

Passenger Comfort

8.5 / 10

Ride Quality

4 / 5

Exterior Style

3.5 / 5

Interior Style and Quality

8 / 10

Infotainment

8.5 / 10

Cargo Capacity and Towing

5 / 5

Safety

5 / 5

Value

7 / 10

Emotional Appeal

7.5 / 10

TOTAL

78 / 100

PROS

CONS

Smooth Engine

Fuel Consumption

Ride Quality

Wheels Too Large for A/T Tires

Interior Design

Too Much Piano Black Inside

FAQs


  • Q: What is the Wagoneer Overland package?
  • A: It's a limited run package that adds off-road hardware and style updates.
  • Q: Is there going to be a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer?
  • A: Yes, there will be a 2025 Wagoneer. This is the final year.
  • Q: How much does a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer cost?
  • A: In the United States it costs $75,530 including destination charges

Specifications

Engine/Motor

3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo

Output:

420 hp, 468 lb-ft

Drivetrain:

4X4

Transmission:

8AT

Fuel Economy (mpg):

16 city, 23 highway

Fuel Economy (L 100/km):

14.5 city, 10.1 highway

As Tested Price USA

$75,530 incl dest

As Tested Price Canada

$98,985 incl dest

Mike Schlee
Mike Schlee

A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.

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