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Jeep’s all-new 2022 Grand Wagoneer has won all sorts of industry awards but rarely do vehicles win technology awards from outside the industry. The Grand Wagoneer features a ground-breaking interactive display for passengers that is receiving an award from Popular Science. The 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger is a segment first. The honor is called the “Popular Science Best of What’s New Award”.
“The Best of What’s New awards are our way of celebrating the most exciting and groundbreaking innovations of the year. These awards highlight the revolutionary inventions that are helping to improve our daily lives, our society and our planet,” said Rob Verger, technology editor — Popular Science. “From the future of air travel to revolutionary skin care products, and from sustainable outdoors equipment to game-changing gadgets, this year’s list is a thrilling mix that we’re proud to call the Best of What’s New.”
2022 Grand Wagoneer’s Front Passenger Display
We’ve all been in the situation. For whatever reason, the main touchscreen is tied up and you need more information right away. For example, the road conditions are terrible, and you are following navigation, but you need to find a gas station or a place to stay. This display allows the front passenger to plug into his/her screen and find the information without distracting the driver. The passenger can also check out different, perhaps safer, navigation routes. The screen can also be used for fun, like playing music, but the passenger can also provide critical help to the driver, which could be a lifesaver.
According to Jeep, the new technology has three major functions:
- Co-Pilot (navigation, device management)
- Entertainment (via HDMI or Amazon Fire TV Built-In)
- Displaying views around the vehicle via exterior cameras and interior cameras.
Featuring an HDMI plug, the front passenger interactive display allows the front passenger to connect their phone or tablet, turning the touchscreen into an extension of their device. The connection allows internet searches and music and app use to project through the Uconnect 5 system.
“Throughout the launch of the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, we’ve worked to deliver a new standard for American premium in the large SUV segment,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “The ‘Best of What’s New’ honor from Popular Science for the front passenger interactive display is third-party validation that we are delivering class-leading technology and connectivity to our customers.”
Increased Connectivity Control
The 2022 Grand Wagoneer is available with up to 75 inches of total digital display screen area, with nearly 45 inches of that spanning the length of the instrument panel. The new interactive passenger display is available on the Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Series II. The display in standard on the Grand Wagoneer Obsidian and Grand Wagoneer Series III.
The interactive display also gives the passenger the ability to control the rear entertainment screens. That frees the driver from the distraction and allows the passenger to control the children’s videos, music, etc.
In addition to availability on Grand Wagoneer, the front passenger interactive display is also available on Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
New for the 2023 Grand Wagoneer
The 2022 Grand Wagoneer debuted with legendary capability. It has two available 4x4 systems and best-in-class towing capability of up to 9,850 lbs. It can be configured to comfortably carry up to eight passengers. For 2023, Grand Wagoneer includes the new, extended, long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer L and the all-new Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine, which delivers 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque.
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.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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