2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel, though its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, featuring a seven-slot grille and modernized lighting. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials and a layout reminiscent of a Mercedes. The Grand Cherokee L's spaciousness and attention to detail, such as the tactile quality of switches and the sleek Uconnect 5 infotainment system, made it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, with a test average of 10.9 L/100 km. Its handling was unexpectedly athletic, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided a more robust performance. The Grand Cherokee L's fuel efficiency varied, with the V6 rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined and the V8 at 14.1 L/100 km. The vehicle's chassis and optional air suspension delivered a stellar ride, with five ride height settings enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered spacious seating across all rows, with standard second-row captain's chairs and an optional bench seat. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, though some graphics were hard to read. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-appointed, with a panoramic roof and ample USB ports, though the air vents were less effective at distributing airflow.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The system was adequate but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted advanced technology, with upper trims offering massage seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though some areas were rated lower.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It included standard safety features like knee airbags and trailer sway control, along with various driver aids.