2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot attempted to master the balancing act of style and substance, akin to a sophisticated yet rugged mid-size SUV. Honda's approach involved a blend of various editions, from the LX to the elite Black Edition, each offering a unique flair and feature set. The Black Edition, in particular, stood out with its exclusive black leather, red ambient light, and intricate red stitching. However, the SUV's aesthetics remained polarizing. Despite its efforts to appear robust with the 2019 refresh and the 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design was still a subjective taste.

Comparatively, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler had a robust approach towards flexibility. Buyers first chose between the classic two-door or more spacious four-door models and then decided on the preferred engine type—ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a gas V8, and even a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler’s extensive customization options extended to the trim levels, each offering a distinct character. The test model, the High Tide edition, featured a raised suspension, 35-inch tires, and the rugged Xtreme Recon package.

While the Honda Pilot chose a sophisticated, family-oriented look with occasional rugged touches, the Jeep Wrangler embraced a go-anywhere, do-anything aesthetic rooted deeply in adventure and off-roading.

Under the hood, the 2021 Honda Pilot packed a 3.5-liter V6 engine churning out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This motor provided an impressive and refined drive with smooth power delivery. With its nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot could maneuver through various terrains with its torque-vectoring AWD system. However, it’s off-roading abilities were limited by its 7.3 inches ground clearance. Still, it performed admirably on the road, exhibiting good fuel economy with a combined 22 mpg as per EPA ratings.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped to take on the roughest trails. The High Tide model came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine infused with eTorque mild-hybrid technology, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Despite the high power, the added Xtreme Recon package and the eight-speed automatic transmission made it an indispensable vehicle for off-roading. The Wrangler, however, fell short on refinement. It averaged only 16.8 mpg over a week, and the ride quality was unapologetically harsh. Complementing this were the loud cabin and the need for constant fuel stops, making road trips an adventure in themselves.

The Honda Pilot’s performance shone in daily usability, balancing power, and comfort. In comparison, the Jeep Wrangler excelled in rugged terrains, making every drive a thrill, albeit at the cost of refinement and fuel economy.

The 2021 Honda Pilot prided itself on family-oriented spaciousness. It catered to up to eight passengers, with comfortable leather-wrapped heated and ventilated front seats and optional second-row captain’s chairs. The Pilot’s third-row seats were modestly comfortable, primarily due to a low, flat bottom cushion. Cargo space was notably abundant—with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet when all rear seats were stowed away.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide emphasized rugged functionality. The raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, and the manual height adjuster's repeated use was an acquired inconvenience. Its seats were durable and comfortable, with practical but utilitarian materials dominating the interior. While the Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, this could extend to 72.4 cubic feet, still falling short of the Pilot’s cavernous capacity.

Storage solutions in the Wrangler were minimal and raw, contrasting the Pilot's thoughtfully designed compartments and storage options, emphasizing its design philosophy.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims introduced advanced functionalities like navigation, WiFi hotspot, premium audio, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an HDMI port and USB quick-charge facilities. Although it provided a compelling package, the Pilot’s system could have benefited from a more intuitive interface and broader standard features.

In the tech department, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler remained basic. It sported a 7-inch touchscreen with essential functionalities like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, higher trims offered notable upgrades like satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, and Alpine premium sound. Additionally, practical convenience features like remote start, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control enhanced the overall experience.

While the Honda Pilot’s tech package was more advanced and family-oriented, the Jeep Wrangler’s simplicity kept it user-friendly yet equipped enough for adventure-seekers.

Safety in the 2021 Honda Pilot was anchored by the Honda Sensing package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist as standard. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning systems. Despite some dated tech, the Pilot had commendable crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, offering reassurance with its sturdy build.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. While these additions improved on-road confidence, the Wrangler's safety ratings were lackluster, with poor rollover resistance and marginal side-impact protection as per IIHS tests. Thus, driving a Wrangler required extra care and awareness.