Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Honda Pilot

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. It offered standard 20-inch wheels, with 22-inch options available, and featured a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension. Inside, it shared styling cues with the Wagoneer but boasted higher-quality materials and more convenience features, such as 24-way power front seats and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more rugged and substantial appearance. It was larger than its predecessor, with increased dimensions that complemented its all-terrain-capable TrailSport model. This version included a taller ride height, unique wheels, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a conventional styling approach, focusing on functionality and versatility. It featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The Pilot emphasized practicality without sacrificing attractiveness, making it a preferred choice over the previous generation.

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, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. It featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 cm, it could handle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a stately driving pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Pilot offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, prioritizing family-friendly comfort over sporty performance. It handled corners well for a three-row SUV, with minimal body roll and a focus on smooth stops. The TrailSport model added off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg, making it a versatile choice for both daily driving and outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, although front space was more limited. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres available with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kg, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and a 360-degree camera system to aid visibility.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was practical, with a dash shelf for the front passenger and a seven-inch or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. It offered ample storage, including a large centre console bin and clever features like a stowable second-row centre seat. The second row provided plenty of space for adults, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats. The Pilot included a power tailgate, with hands-free operation on higher trims, enhancing its practicality for family use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It included a McIntosh audio system, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, although the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly in the EX-L trim and above, offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a wireless phone charger, USB ports in every row, and a multi-view camera system. The Touring trim added a head-up display, digital instrument panel, and features like Honda's CabinTalk for in-car communication. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout, prioritizing functionality over flashy graphics.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version in the future.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. It featured standard Honda Sensing safety technologies, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, 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 performed reliably, with no false alarms during testing, and adaptive cruise control provided smooth operation.