Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Honda Passport

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, received a refresh that maintained its upright stance, low belt line, and large windows. However, the new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a fresh vibe, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The Upland trim added front recovery hooks that enhanced utility without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a modern design with strong horizontal lines. Although the 12-inch infotainment screen seemed small for such a large vehicle, it was complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats, while plain in appearance, offered comfort and adjustability, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's trim and materials were premium, with options for Nappa and Palermo leather and a suede headliner, contributing to a high-quality fit and finish.

The 2027 Honda Passport had a handsome, upright stance with large windows, providing good visibility. Even the base RTL model exuded a rugged vibe, with distinctive daytime running lights and amber accents on the TrailSport trims. The TrailSport models added orange front recovery hooks, TrailSport badging, and all-terrain tires, enhancing off-road capability. New amber hood-scoop lights added a cool factor. The interior featured gray cloth and leather seats with a premium look, though some hard plastic areas detracted from the overall feel. Upgrading to TrailSport trims improved materials, with textured topographical map mats and easy-to-clean leatherette seating surfaces. The TrailSport's all-season floor mats were practical for outdoor adventures.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even for a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. Although the high-output Hurricane engine was no longer available, the standard engine still offered impressive performance. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain, combining a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, delivering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin.

The 2027 Honda Passport came standard with a V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered smooth highway acceleration and sufficient torque for off-road maneuvers. Although slightly less powerful than the 2026 model, the difference was negligible. The Passport's TrailSport models featured reengineered suspension, providing a smoother off-road experience. With an extra 1.38 inches of ground clearance, the 2027 model cleared obstacles more easily. The TrailCam, standard on TrailSport models, improved visibility. While lacking locking differentials or low-range 4WD, the Passport's Trail mode effectively navigated tough terrain, aided by steel skid plates and optional rock sliders.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering three rows with ample leg and hip room. The optional bench seat in the second row allowed seating for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space, it still provided 27.9 cubic feet, sufficient for strollers or athletic gear. The long-wheelbase version increased cargo capacity to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal.

The 2027 Honda Passport offered practical features, including knee-height cupholders and a dash cubby for small items. It provided 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with underfloor storage options. The flat floor in the second row made the middle seat usable for adults. However, the seats were firm and uncomfortable on long trips, and the high ride height lacked convenient hand grips for easier access. Despite these drawbacks, the Passport's practicality and spaciousness made it a versatile choice.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims offered features like a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, and a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system. While the tech generally performed well, the wireless phone charger overheated an iPhone 16 during testing. The 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size, and adjustable pedals were no longer available.

The 2027 Honda Passport offered a wealth of standard tech, including a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 10.2-inch digital cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added features like the TrailWatch camera system and ambient lighting. The TrailWatch cameras provided excellent visibility during off-road adventures, staying active up to 15 mph. The Honda Trail Experience app offered real-time data and video recording capabilities, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer was equipped with safety features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star safety rating.

The 2027 Honda Passport came standard with Honda Sensing, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitors and a multi-angle rearview camera. While safety ratings for the 2027 model were not available, the 2026 Passport received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. The Passport offered more standard safety tech than competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback.