2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport shared a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the doors forward. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seating, with a distinct styling approach. Honda aimed to give the Passport a more rugged appearance, particularly with the new TrailSport trim, which was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Despite its tough look, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability, although it did offer decent ground clearance and traction management for various conditions.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a fresh take on a familiar design, echoing Jeep's traditional styling cues while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each catering to different preferences. Its design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. The interior mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to premium leather and high-end audio systems. The Grand Cherokee's design was both a nod to its heritage and a step forward in luxury and capability.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 was praised for its smooth performance, and the Passport's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Intelligent Variable Torque Management system provided effective torque distribution, although off-road performance was limited by wheel articulation. The Passport excelled on regular roads, offering a firm ride and responsive handling, though its brakes showed some limitations on steep descents.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 provided a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kilograms. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, featuring advanced suspension and traction systems. On-road, the Grand Cherokee was nimble and offered a refined ride, though the V8's fuel consumption was higher. The 8-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth, though the dial-style shifter required some acclimation.

The Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. Inside, it featured spacious seating with leather upholstery and heated seats. The triple-zone climate control and ample storage options added to its practicality. Cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with them folded. The Passport's interior was designed for comfort and utility, making it a versatile choice for families.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across all trims, with heated seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin experience. Visibility was improved, aiding both on-road and off-road driving. Rear-seat space was somewhat limited, but cargo capacity was substantial, with 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with them folded. The Grand Cherokee balanced luxury and practicality, appealing to those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring offered navigation and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked advanced features, with some users preferring smartphone integration over the built-in navigation.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with options for a high-end audio system and rear-seat entertainment. The Grand Cherokee's technology suite was comprehensive, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

The Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, some features were less refined, with lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control needing improvement. The Passport received high safety ratings, though it fell slightly short in some areas.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring and Active Driving Assist. The structure was reinforced with high-strength materials, promising improved crash protection. The Grand Cherokee's safety features were extensive, with future updates expected to enhance its capabilities further.