2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a price range from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt more akin to a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not favour the Pilot.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee embraced traditional Jeep design elements while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. Available in multiple trims, the Grand Cherokee offered a price range from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The SUV's styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the Summit Reserve trim offering luxurious features like quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. Despite some reflective issues with gloss black controls, the Grand Cherokee provided a satisfying blend of style, comfort, and purpose.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot featured Intelligent Traction Management with driving modes for various conditions and achieved a fuel consumption of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 allowed for a towing capacity of 2,812 kg, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kg. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions with features like a Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain driving modes. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.0 to 13.8 L/100 km, depending on the engine and 4WD system. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the Quadra-Lift suspension, and it maintained a nimble and athletic feel.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench 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 standard on the Black Edition, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The Pilot's 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, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, with heated seats and steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, aiding off-road and on-road driving. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo capacity was 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with seats folded, making it accommodating for luggage and gear.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port. While the system was adequate, it lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands for success.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The optional front passenger interactive display provided entertainment and assistance to the driver.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While effective, the system lacked refinement. 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 small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust ADAS package, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning. Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist were new additions, offering semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, enhancing safety. While crash-test results were pending, the new model was expected to perform better than its predecessor.