What To Know
- It features a sleek dashboard with a touchscreen infotainment system and a range of available luxury features.
- Its available Trailhawk trim level boasts a host of off-road features, including a disconnecting rear axle, skid plates, and an advanced four-wheel drive system.
- The Jeep Cherokee, while generally reliable, has a slightly lower reputation in terms of reliability and resale value compared to the Pilot.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Honda Pilot and the Jeep Cherokee. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and capability, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Honda Pilot and the Jeep Cherokee, helping you determine which SUV is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Performance and Handling: The Driving Experience
The Honda Pilot and Jeep Cherokee offer distinct driving experiences. The Pilot prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its powerful V6 engine and well-tuned suspension. It handles confidently on the road, offering a balanced blend of agility and stability. The Cherokee, on the other hand, provides a more engaging driving experience, particularly with its available off-road packages. Its smaller size and tighter turning radius make it more maneuverable in urban environments.
Honda Pilot:
- Engine: 3.5L V6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
- Handling: Smooth and comfortable, stable on the road.
Jeep Cherokee:
- Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder, 180 horsepower, 171 lb-ft of torque (base model)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined (base model)
- Handling: More engaging and maneuverable, particularly with off-road packages.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Comfortable Ride
Both the Honda Pilot and Jeep Cherokee offer comfortable interiors with a range of features. The Pilot prioritizes spaciousness and practicality, boasting three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. Its interior is known for its high-quality materials and user-friendly design. The Cherokee, while offering comfortable seating for five, prioritizes a more stylish and modern cabin. It features a sleek dashboard with a touchscreen infotainment system and a range of available luxury features.
Honda Pilot:
- Seating Capacity: 8 passengers
- Cargo Space: 16.5 cubic feet (behind third row), 83.9 cubic feet (behind second row)
- Interior Features: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), spacious and comfortable seating, ample cargo space, user-friendly infotainment system.
Jeep Cherokee:
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Cargo Space: 24.6 cubic feet (behind rear seats), 54.7 cubic feet (with rear seats folded)
- Interior Features: Sleek and modern design, available leather upholstery, touchscreen infotainment system, available luxury features.
Off-Road Capability: Adventure Awaits
While both SUVs offer decent ground clearance, the Jeep Cherokee is the clear winner when it comes to off-road capability. Its available Trailhawk trim level boasts a host of off-road features, including a disconnecting rear axle, skid plates, and an advanced four-wheel drive system. This enables the Cherokee to tackle challenging terrain with ease. The Honda Pilot, while not specifically designed for off-roading, can handle light trails and unpaved roads thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system.
Honda Pilot:
- Off-Road Capability: Standard all-wheel drive, decent ground clearance, capable of handling light trails and unpaved roads.
Jeep Cherokee:
- Off-Road Capability: Available Trailhawk trim with advanced off-road features, disconnecting rear axle, skid plates, and a superior four-wheel drive system.
Safety Features: Keeping You Secure
Both the Honda Pilot and Jeep Cherokee have earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot, however, offers a slightly more advanced suite of driver-assistance features, including a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
Honda Pilot:
- Safety Features: Standard Honda Sensing suite, blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control.
Jeep Cherokee:
- Safety Features: Standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Reliability and Resale Value: Long-Term Considerations
The Honda Pilot is known for its reliability and durability, consistently ranking high in J.D. Power’s reliability studies. This reputation translates into strong resale value, making the Pilot a sensible investment for long-term ownership. The Jeep Cherokee, while generally reliable, has a slightly lower reputation in terms of reliability and resale value compared to the Pilot.
Honda Pilot:
- Reliability: Highly reliable, consistently ranks high in J.D. Power’s reliability studies.
- Resale Value: Strong resale value, holding its value well over time.
Jeep Cherokee:
- Reliability: Generally reliable, but has a lower reputation than the Pilot.
- Resale Value: Lower resale value compared to the Pilot.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Pilot and Jeep Cherokee depends on your individual needs and priorities.
- If you prioritize spaciousness, comfort, and reliability, the Honda Pilot is the better choice. It offers ample room for passengers and cargo, a smooth and comfortable ride, and a reputation for long-term durability.
- If you value off-road capability, a more engaging driving experience, and a stylish interior, the Jeep Cherokee is the way to go. Its available Trailhawk trim level transforms the Cherokee into a capable off-roader, while its smaller size and tighter turning radius make it more maneuverable in urban environments.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which SUV is better for a family with young children?
A: The Honda Pilot is a better choice for families with young children due to its spacious interior, ample cargo space, and user-friendly features. Its third row of seating can accommodate up to eight passengers, making it ideal for large families.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-road adventures?
A: The Jeep Cherokee, particularly the Trailhawk trim, is the better choice for off-road adventures. Its advanced off-road features, including a disconnecting rear axle, skid plates, and a superior four-wheel drive system, enable it to tackle challenging terrain with ease.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Jeep Cherokee‘s base model with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine offers better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot‘s V6 engine. However, the Pilot’s fuel economy is still respectable, and its spaciousness and practicality might outweigh the slight fuel efficiency advantage of the Cherokee.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Jeep Cherokee is generally more affordable than the Honda Pilot. However, the price difference can vary depending on the trim level and optional features chosen.
Q: Which SUV is better for daily commutes?
A: Both the Honda Pilot and Jeep Cherokee are suitable for daily commutes. The Pilot offers a more comfortable and refined ride, while the Cherokee provides a more engaging and maneuverable driving experience. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
