Jeep Cherokee vs Honda Pilot

The Jeep Cherokee returns for the 2026 model year after a two-year hiatus. It’s once again a compact crossover SUV aimed at popular models such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, but it features more traditional styling than its predecessor. That’s not the only thing about the Cherokee that got a major rethink. This is also the first Cherokee — and the only current North American-market Jeep — with a hybrid powertrain.

Verdict: The redesigned Cherokee successfully merges traditional Jeep styling with the winning template for mainstream crossover SUVs.

While it has a more truck-like presence, the 2026 Honda Pilot remains fundamentally the same as before—and that's a good thing. It's the automaker's midsize three-row crossover SUV, competing against family-focused models such as the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Ford Explorer.

Verdict: Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model.