2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the Pilot's exterior design remained polarizing. Honda offered seven versions of the 2021 Pilot, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices spanning from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it was standard. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, adhered to Jeep's design traditions while offering a fresh look. Available in trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design drew inspiration from the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the Summit Reserve trim offering luxurious features like premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a high-end audio system.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured 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's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction. Fuel-saving technologies included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with the EPA rating the AWD model at 22 mpg in combined driving. The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a tow rating of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased it to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim featured advanced off-road equipment, including an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 to 21 mpg with the V6, with the Trailhawk excelling in off-road conditions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight people with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, though the front passenger seat offered only four-way adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to a low and flat bottom cushion. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior was comfortable for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom and cargo space. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

Most 2021 Honda Pilots included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature. However, the infotainment system's small screen and limited HondaLink subscription services were drawbacks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on all trims, offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger allowed for entertainment and driver assistance.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim and above added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive collection of ADAS, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, enhancing safety. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the previous generation's performance suggested improvements. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.