2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance rugged styling with the practicality and reliability that buyers expect. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of a Black Edition in 2020, the Pilot's exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, with prices starting at $42,905. The Black Edition, priced at $58,806 with optional paint, featured exclusive black leather with red accents, but its minivan-like interior design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design, characterized by big wheels and flared fenders, contributed to its success. The Grand Cherokee lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, priced at $89,145, featured premium materials and a stylish interior, though some elements showed signs of aging. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's design remained a benchmark for SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a fuel efficiency of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8, paired with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, provided impressive towing capacity and a satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it versatile in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight and comfortable front seats. The Black Edition featured second-row captain's chairs and a rear-seat entertainment system. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. The Pilot's interior was practical, with numerous storage options and a power tailgate for convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit provided a luxurious interior with quilted leather and a heated steering wheel. Front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seat was comfortable but slightly cramped for taller passengers. Cargo space was 1,028 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,934 litres with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system limited console space.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and wireless phone charging. While the system was functional, it lacked some modern conveniences, and voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a user-friendly experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Despite its age, the infotainment system's voice recognition worked well, and the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in one area.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, its IIHS ratings were less favourable, with "Marginal" and "Poor" scores in certain tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, enhancing its safety profile.