2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a unique aesthetic. However, the interior, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like feel, did not significantly elevate the Pilot's appeal. Quality materials were present, but the design choices, such as the hard plastic panels and black mats, left room for improvement.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe embraced its heritage with the iconic seven-slot grille, blending past and present design elements. The two-row, five-passenger SUV offered a modern take on Jeep's classic styling, with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Overland trim, with its silver paint and black roof, showcased a sophisticated look. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe felt upscale, with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite some hard plastic materials, the overall interior design was comfortable and stylish, reflecting Jeep's evolution from rugged to refined.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction and handling. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride, and its steering and brakes were responsive, though the brakes could heat up with prolonged use. Off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles, making it more suited for on-road adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine and a 400-volt battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This impressive power output surpassed even Jeep's 5.7-litre V8. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive provided a smooth ride, with a total driving range of 719 kilometres. The Grand Cherokee 4xe excelled in fuel efficiency, offering 42 kilometres of all-electric range. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats, and the third-row seat provided mid-pack comfort. Storage was abundant, with a large centre console and hidden compartments. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,092 litres available with seats folded, making it ideal for family trips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while lacking a third row, provided spacious seating for passengers. Cargo space ranged from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres with the second row folded, offering incremental improvements over previous models. The air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and the vehicle's design ensured ample head and legroom. The Grand Cherokee 4xe served as a comfortable family vehicle, accommodating up to four passengers with ease.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered built-in navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature, enhancing family travel experiences.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe showcased the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options. The My Pages feature allowed for personalized screen layouts, enhancing user experience. The vehicle included multiple screens, a digital driver information display, and a wireless charging pad. Optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo provided exceptional audio quality, though the latter was not available on all trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, though some areas received lower marks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera were available on higher trims. While the IIHS had not published crash-test results, the NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star overall safety rating.