2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame with the standard Wagoneer, featuring traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, unique grille, and model-specific fascia. The Grand Wagoneer boasted high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats and Nappa leather upholstery. The interior was luxurious, with subtle differences from the Wagoneer, such as seat controls on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" dashboard inscription.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving technologies, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 11.0 L/100 km. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, although off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured a Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with multiple drive modes and a Quadra-Lift air suspension for off-road versatility. With 25.4 cm of ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles, it was capable off-road. However, its size and weight affected its agility and ride comfort at higher speeds.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable heated and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, providing comfort and flexibility. The Pilot had 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,092 litres with all seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, making it practical for family trips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven with standard captain’s chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,667 litres with all seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a towing capacity of 4,472 kg, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its weight. It featured a sunroof, four-zone climate control, and ample storage, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. While adequate, the system's small screen and limited HondaLink services were drawbacks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and had a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had their own touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system was available. The Uconnect 5 system offered OTA updates, though it was occasionally slow to respond.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in some areas.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. It included a 360-degree camera, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.