2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged 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 between $32,250 and $49,920. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its black floor mats were a challenge to clean, especially for pet owners. The interior, with its quality materials and minivan-like front seat design, offered practicality but lacked excitement.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with an 11.4-inch longer body to accommodate a third row. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, featuring a seven-slot grille and modernized lighting. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and quilted Nappa leather. Despite its higher price, the interior quality was comparable to a Mercedes. The spacious cabin offered comfort for all passengers, although the air vents were somewhat inadequate. The Grand Cherokee L's design and features made it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 22 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling. However, its off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. A 4xe plug-in hybrid option was also available, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine struggled with the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with a stellar ride and handling. Its air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity was up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 83.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and audio controls. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for all passengers, including the third row. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat option available. The panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were less effective, requiring higher fan settings. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-designed, with thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Higher trims added features like navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. While the system was adequate, it lacked some modern conveniences and required specific voice prompts.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, especially in upper trims. Features included massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dual phone connectivity. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system was not as refined as newer versions. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. Various driver aids were also included, enhancing safety for occupants.