2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the same dynamic styling as the rest of the current Honda lineup. It featured thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, making it look more svelte than it really was. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel. The fuel and engine-temperature gauges were analog, but all other information was displayed on a digital screen directly in front of the driver. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, with a solid level of refinement, although hard plastics were used in many areas.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had mellowed since its debut. While the very short grille opening and swept-back headlights were still not universally loved, the Cherokee looked better proportioned after seven years on the market. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels. An entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD) looked quite basic, while an 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding looked much more upscale. The Cherokee also offered an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface, adding to its distinctive look. Overall, the Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a striking resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims received a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 9-speed provided more refined acceleration and potentially better fuel economy. Despite the unconventional shifter button setup, the V6 engine delivered stout acceleration, making it easy to move from a standstill or make passing moves on the highway. The Pilot's ride was tuned for a refined, comfortable driving experience, ideal for commutes and road trips. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing traction in various conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options depending on the trim level. The Latitude and Latitude Plus trims were equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V6 engine, available on higher trims, produced 271 horsepower. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite these options, none of the engines offered outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All Cherokee models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, which had proven to be a capable and fuel-saving transmission. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, making it more affordable for rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Unlike some rivals, the Pilot's third row was adult-friendly. EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access to the third row. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with other 3-row SUVs. The Pilot also featured numerous storage spaces for family gear, and higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate. The second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims provided a narrow passage for kids to access the third row without folding the seats forward.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a space between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee. However, it fell short in utility compared to other compact crossovers. With 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, the Cherokee lagged behind competitors like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage. The Cherokee offered about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale features like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin was cleanly designed, focusing on functionality rather than luxury or technology.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim level featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, operating a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port were also included. All other trims featured Honda’s Display Audio 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system's layout was confusing, with a small volume knob and no tuning knob, making interaction with the radio reliant on the touchscreen. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wall-style power outlet were optional on the EX-L and standard on the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. These higher trims also featured an upgraded 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system, mobile hotspot capability, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and Latitude LUX trims, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the Limited and Trailhawk. The system was well thought out, with minimal latency issues. The Cherokee offered both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, though wired, not wireless. It also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, a feature not offered by every manufacturer. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience for Cherokee buyers.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard safety features also included front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety equipment included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the best crash test score of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also earned the best score of Superior in IIHS crash prevention technology evaluation.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. However, it received top “Good” scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for the ease of use of the LATCH child seat anchors. The Cherokee's headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated “Acceptable” and lower trims rated “Marginal.” The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. The Cherokee offered standard advanced safety features like lane departure warning with lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims and was part of an option package on the Trailhawk.