2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda Passport

2021 Honda Passport
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$32,790

MSRP

$37,580

Average price

$27,136

Average price

$31,758

Listings

860

Listings

3245

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Uncomfortable seats
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor fuel economy

2021 Honda Passport Reviews Summary

The 2021 Honda Passport was introduced for the 2019 model year. It carries over to 2021 largely unchanged, but with some additional features. First used by Honda in the early 1990s, the Passport name harkens back to a time when SUVs were more about rugged off-road capability. SUVs are very different beasts these days, and the Passport bridges the gap as an adventurous crossover SUV that is designed with daily life in mind.

The Passport is closely related to the Honda Pilot. The fact that Honda offers multiple midsize SUVs might seem confusing. Automakers always talk about not wanting one model to cannibalize sales of another. Though the Honda Passport and the Honda Pilot are in the same category, the Passport stands out as a more active alternative. It leverages that older more rugged Honda nameplate and backs it up with some features not found on the family-hauling Pilot.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Reviews Summary

Over ten years ago, the last 2010 Jeep Commander rolled off a Detroit, Michigan, assembly line, leaving Jeep without a three-row SUV at a time when American families were switching their allegiance from sedans to SUVs in record numbers. While the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have nevertheless proven popular, Jeep customers have made it clear that they want an SUV with a third-row seat. The redesigned 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies one, and much more.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

3.6L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

26
2021 Honda Passport
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$32,790
$37,580
Average price
$27,136
$31,758
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.8
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Uncomfortable seats
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor fuel economy
Summary

The 2021 Honda Passport was introduced for the 2019 model year. It carries over to 2021 largely unchanged, but with some additional features. First used by Honda in the early 1990s, the Passport name harkens back to a time when SUVs were more about rugged off-road capability. SUVs are very different beasts these days, and the Passport bridges the gap as an adventurous crossover SUV that is designed with daily life in mind.

The Passport is closely related to the Honda Pilot. The fact that Honda offers multiple midsize SUVs might seem confusing. Automakers always talk about not wanting one model to cannibalize sales of another. Though the Honda Passport and the Honda Pilot are in the same category, the Passport stands out as a more active alternative. It leverages that older more rugged Honda nameplate and backs it up with some features not found on the family-hauling Pilot.

Over ten years ago, the last 2010 Jeep Commander rolled off a Detroit, Michigan, assembly line, leaving Jeep without a three-row SUV at a time when American families were switching their allegiance from sedans to SUVs in record numbers. While the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have nevertheless proven popular, Jeep customers have made it clear that they want an SUV with a third-row seat. The redesigned 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies one, and much more.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
3.6L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
20
19
MPG Highway
25
26
Look and feel
2021 Honda Passport
9/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9/10

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. Its design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, earning it the nickname "Pilot Sport." Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, sharing Honda's unconventional "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. The trim levels for the 2021 Passport included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each offering a range of features from 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights to leather upholstery and a power moonroof.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer models. It was available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, in particular, offered luxurious features like quilted leather and real wood trim, though some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag.

Performance
2021 Honda Passport
7/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
7/10

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power effectively. The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud. The FWD model could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD version could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine was available, producing 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift suspension offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and various off-road modes. The Summit trim's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting.

Form and function
2021 Honda Passport
8/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
7/10

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims included a hands-free power liftgate. The Passport's upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, particularly in Summit trim, featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, along with a heated steering wheel. It offered a four-zone automatic climate control system, though the dashboard vents were small, making it challenging to cool the cabin quickly. The Grand Cherokee L's second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for most adults, and the SUV offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Technology
2021 Honda Passport
7/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9/10

For 2021, the Honda Passport included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While this was a step forward, the system's graphics and menu layout were dated, and the volume dial felt like an afterthought.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though its logo seemed out of place. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

Safety
2021 Honda Passport
9/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
8/10

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections. Additional safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but improvements over the previous model were expected.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Passport was 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scored 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Passport is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of features, performance, and value.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Passport was 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scored 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Passport is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of features, performance, and value.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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