2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance rugged styling with the practicality expected from an SUV. Despite efforts to enhance its appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices spanning from $32,250 to $49,920. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting, but its interior design felt more akin to a minivan, which might not appeal to all SUV buyers.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its aesthetic appeal contributed significantly to its success, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the plush Summit and performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, which we tested, featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine and luxurious interior materials, including premium leather and genuine wood. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power delivery. The Pilot offered a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, enhancing its handling capabilities. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model, though our test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8, paired with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, provided impressive towing capacity and off-road capabilities. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Lift air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing its off-road prowess. However, the V8's fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg in combined driving, though our test vehicle achieved 18.2 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, with numerous compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the rear seat was somewhat snug for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space was less generous, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet. Interior storage was adequate, but the optional rear-seat entertainment system reduced available space in the center console.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and a Cabin Talk feature for easier communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and intuitive controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential technology, it lacked some advanced features found in newer models.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were less impressive. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was concerning, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for small-overlap frontal impacts. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance, but the Grand Cherokee's safety ratings remained a drawback.