Ah, the age-old debate between two of the most sought-after SUVs: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Honda Pilot. Both vehicles come with a long legacy of satisfied owners, but which one will come out on top for the modern driver?
Let’s dive in, chat about the good, the bad, and figure out which one might be the right fit for you!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature Category | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Honda Pilot |
| Base Engine | 3.6L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Performance | Multiple engine options, superior off-road | Consistent V6 performance, smooth ride |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
| Infotainment | Uconnect system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Safety Features | Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring | Honda Sensing suite, high safety ratings |
| Interior | Upscale, luxurious options | Spacious, family-friendly |
| Price | Can get pricey in higher trims | Consistent value across trims |
| Best For | Off-road adventures, luxury seekers | Families, reliability-focused buyers |
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Rugged Royalty
Pros:
- Off-Road King:
One of the defining features of the Grand Cherokee is its off-road capability. Whether you’re navigating a rocky trail or dealing with tricky terrains, the Grand Cherokee can handle it.
- Luxurious Interior:
Despite its rugged exterior, the inside of a Grand Cherokee is all about luxury. Think plush leather seats, high-end tech, and roomy interiors.
- Powerful Engine Options:
Want power? The Grand Cherokee has it in spades with several engine options that deliver excellent horsepower.
Cons:
- Gas Mileage:
Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Grand Cherokee might not give you the best fuel efficiency.
- Price:
With luxury comes a higher price tag. The Grand Cherokee can be pricier than its competitors, including the Pilot.
Also Read: About Comparison Between Genesis GV70 And BMW X3
Honda Pilot: Family-Friendly Functionality
Pros:
- Spacious Interior:
The Pilot is designed for families, which means lots of space! It comfortably seats eight, making road trips a breeze.
- Reliable:
Honda has a reputation for reliability, and the Pilot is no exception. This SUV is built to last.
- Advanced Safety Features:
With Honda Sensing, the Pilot offers a range of safety features like collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation.
Cons:
- Less Off-Road Capable:
While the Pilot can handle some off-roading, it’s not quite in the same league as the Grand Cherokee.
- Style:
This might be subjective, but some feel the Pilot’s design is more on the conservative side.
Both the Grand Cherokee and the Pilot have their strong suits. If off-roading and luxury are your jam, the Grand Cherokee might be for you.
However, if you prioritize space, reliability, and family-friendly features, the Pilot might take the cake.
Key Differences Between the Grand Cherokee and Pilot
When you’re in the market for a midsize SUV, two names that often come to the forefront are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Honda Pilot.
While they’re in the same category, they cater to slightly different audiences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences between the two SUV giants.
Performance and Capabilities
Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The Grand Cherokee shines when it comes to performance, particularly in terms of power and off-road prowess. It offers multiple engine options, ranging from the standard V6 to the roaring V8 in its high-performance trims.
This means whether you’re looking for efficiency or sheer power, there’s likely a Grand Cherokee for you.
Additionally, Jeep’s reputation for off-road capabilities remains uncontested. With its Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system and the Selec-Terrain traction management system, the Grand Cherokee is ready for any adventure.
Honda Pilot:
The Honda Pilot offers a single engine option across its trims: a reliable V6. While it might not have the raw power of the Grand Cherokee’s V8 options, it offers consistent performance and smooth acceleration. The Pilot’s all-wheel-drive system is competent, but if you’re looking for a vehicle primarily for off-roading, the Grand Cherokee might have the edge.
Interior and Comfort
Jeep Grand Cherokee:
Jeep has made significant efforts to upscale the interiors of its vehicles over the years. The Grand Cherokee boasts plush materials, a sophisticated infotainment system, and options like leather upholstery and ventilated seats in its higher trims.
The interior feels premium, matching its rugged exterior with luxury on the inside.
Honda Pilot:
The Pilot, on the other hand, puts a premium on space and functionality. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers.
The Pilot’s infotainment system is user-friendly, and the SUV offers ample storage solutions for families on the go.
Safety
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee has made significant strides in safety with a range of standard and available features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.
Honda Pilot:
Safety is a hallmark of the Pilot, thanks to the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. This includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and more.
The Pilot has consistently received high safety ratings, making it a favorite among family buyers.
Price and Value
Jeep Grand Cherokee:
With its luxury trims and high-performance variants, the Grand Cherokee can get pricey. However, you’re often paying for advanced off-road capabilities and a higher level of luxury, especially in the upper trims.
Honda Pilot:
The Pilot offers a more consistent price range across its trims. Given its reputation for reliability and longevity, many consider it to offer good value for money, especially for family buyers.
Also Read: Should You Get Volvo Protection Package Premier Or Just Protection Package?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A worthy alternative to the Jeep Grand Cherokee would be the Ford Explorer. It offers similar size, features, and has its own merits in terms of off-road capabilities.
As of my last update in September 2021, Jeep had no intentions of discontinuing the Grand Cherokee. In fact, they’ve introduced newer models and upgrades.
Absolutely! The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a solid reputation, offers off-road prowess, and luxurious amenities. However, always consider your specific needs and preferences when making a purchase.
Generally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a comfortable and smooth ride. However, this might vary based on the terrain and the specific trim you choose.
“Better” can be subjective, but brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru are often touted for their reliability and longevity.
The Toyota 4Runner would be a close competitor to the Jeep Cherokee, especially in terms of off-road capabilities.
So, which will you choose: the rugged charm of the Grand Cherokee or the reliable spaciousness of the Pilot? The road (or off-road) awaits!
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the Grand Cherokee and the Pilot comes down to individual needs and preferences. Both SUVs offer compelling packages, but where one shines, the other might take a backseat, and vice versa.
Whether it’s the rugged allure of the Grand Cherokee or the dependable spaciousness of the Pilot, both vehicles have established themselves as top contenders in the midsize SUV category.
