Honda Pilot vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and ruggedness, extending its classic design by over 30 centimetres without losing its iconic style. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured bold aesthetics, including blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, complemented by a sophisticated interior with black leather, gold stitching, and walnut accents. Despite some lower-grade materials, the upper trims offered a classy feel, with features like a polished black dash and diamond-patterned stitching, setting it apart from competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more rugged and substantial appearance. The fourth-generation model was larger, with an 8.6-centimetre increase in length, and featured a boxier styling that suited its all-terrain-capable TrailSport model. The interior, while more conventional, was functional and versatile, with materials meeting class expectations. The Pilot emphasized practicality, offering heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, and maintained a tidy, utilitarian aesthetic that was preferred over its predecessor.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was criticized for its lack of low-end torque and outdated feel. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and sound. The V8 allowed for a towing capacity of 3,265 kg, compared to 2,810 kg with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were worse at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension enhancing cornering and ride comfort. The 4WD system was standard in Canada, offering three different systems across trims, with the ability to adjust ground clearance up to 27.6 centimetres.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The i-VTM4 AWD system was standard in Canada. The Pilot offered quick acceleration and a pleasant engine sound, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It handled corners well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 centimetres and included all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Towing capacity was up to 2,268 kg. The Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a suitable choice for family duties and outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional 60/40 bench seating. The third row was power-folding but tight for adults, best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured good visibility, with a touchscreen surrounded by buttons for easy access to controls. However, legibility issues with the infotainment system's graphics were noted.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a dash shelf for the front passenger and a seven-inch or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. The EX-L trim and higher offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with clever solutions like the stowable second-row centre seat. The second row provided ample space for adults, while the third row was less comfortable for long trips. Cargo space was abundant, with 635 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,219 litres with all seats folded. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. Despite some legibility issues, the system was generally quick and easy to use. The McIntosh sound system, available on upper trims, provided good audio quality but lacked surround imaging. The Grand Cherokee L featured advanced tech like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed independent control of navigation and entertainment. The vehicle was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above included a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was praised for its quick responses and logical layout, though the graphics were not particularly modern. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a navigation system were available on higher trims, enhancing the Pilot's tech offerings.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, following frame reinforcements. It received five stars in NHTSA tests, except for a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision.

The 2023 Honda Pilot achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned well, with no false alarms experienced during testing.