Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Honda CR-V

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a similar appearance to the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, featuring laser-etched knurling in the grille slots. It boasted 20-inch standard wheels, with 22-inch options available, and an acrylic glass covering on the wheel centre caps to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. The interior shared styling features with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel, but offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade Palermo leather.

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a cleaner and slightly more aggressive look compared to its predecessor, with a blunt nose and grille, long hood, and stretched wheelbase. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob provided an upgrade over the standard cloth upholstery. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, included metal mesh trim that incorporated the air vents. The interior exuded quality and simplicity, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. The CR-V EX-L also included front and rear parking sensors, enhancing its practicality and user-friendly design.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, despite its hefty 2,900-kilogram weight. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. The cabin was quiet, and the air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the vehicle felt ungainly at higher speeds due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, detracted from the driving experience with its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V offered a well-executed and dynamically satisfying ride, with refined suspension, steering, and brakes. It handled various road conditions with ease, providing a comfortable and engaging driving experience. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation route, according to Natural Resources Canada.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer offered 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer’s extra weight. The vehicle included a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system to aid visibility.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver’s seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space, resembling a midsize model, with high seating positions and plenty of legroom. The CR-V provided 1,113 litres of cargo space with the rear load floor in its lowest position, expanding to 2,166 litres with the back seat folded down. The Hybrid model offered slightly less cargo space. The CR-V featured numerous storage options, though many were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise. The power tailgate and storage trays added to its practicality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, though the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2023 Honda CR-V included a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and an upgraded sound system. The top-tier Touring Hybrid offered a Bose premium sound system and navigation with real-time traffic. While the technology was improved, it didn’t surpass competitors, and the EX-L’s larger display lacked a tuning knob, replaced by less satisfying buttons.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The Traffic Jam Assist system provided added driving assist in low-speed situations. The CR-V’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs enhanced occupant protection. The IIHS rated the CR-V as a Top Safety Pick+, though NHTSA ratings were pending.