Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Honda Pilot
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot are cross-shopped by midsize-SUV families. The short answer: the Pilot is a roomy three-row SUV with a strong reputation for practicality, while the Grand Cherokee leads on towing and off-road capability. Here is how they compare.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Honda Pilot: specs compared
Specs compared
| Specification |
Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Honda Pilot |
| Starting MSRP |
About $40,410 |
About $40,200 |
| Seating |
5 (7 in the L) |
Up to 8 |
| Base engine |
3.6L V6 (293 hp) |
3.5L V6 (285 hp) |
| Max towing |
Up to 6,200 lbs |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Off-road |
Available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 |
Available TrailSport |
| Drivetrain |
RWD, available 4×4 |
FWD, available AWD |
By the numbers
| Specification |
Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Honda Pilot |
| Starting MSRP |
About $40,410 |
About $40,200 |
| Max towing |
Up to 6,200 lbs |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Standard rows |
Two (5 seats) |
Three (up to 8) |
| Off-road hardware |
Available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 |
Available TrailSport |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
Seating and space
The Pilot is a three-row SUV seating up to eight, a practical family hauler. The standard Grand Cherokee seats five; the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row for up to seven.
Towing and capability
The Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 pounds and, with its available Quadra-Drive II 4×4, is genuinely trail-capable. The Pilot tows up to 5,000 pounds and offers a rugged TrailSport trim for light duty.
Price and value
These two start within a couple hundred dollars of each other, around $40,000. At ALM CDJR Perry, a new Grand Cherokee can add ALM VIP Club benefits and our Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying vehicles.
The bottom line for Perry shoppers
Choose the Pilot for a standard third row and roomy family practicality. Choose the Grand Cherokee for more towing and real off-road capability. Drive both at ALM CDJR Perry.
See all Grand Cherokee comparisons
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Honda Pilot FAQ
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee better than the Honda Pilot?
It depends. The Grand Cherokee tows more and is more capable off-road, while the Pilot offers a standard third row and roomy eight-passenger practicality.
Which has a third row?
The Pilot has a standard third row seating up to eight. The standard Grand Cherokee seats five; the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row for up to seven.
Which tows more, the Grand Cherokee or the Pilot?
The Grand Cherokee, at up to 6,200 pounds versus up to 5,000 pounds for the Pilot.
Is the Grand Cherokee more capable off-road than the Pilot?
Yes. The Grand Cherokee’s available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 handles the trail, while the Pilot TrailSport adds lighter off-road capability and rugged styling.
Are the Grand Cherokee and Pilot similarly priced?
Yes, both start around $40,000, so the decision usually comes down to towing, off-road needs, and whether you need a third row.
Which should I buy?
For third-row family space, the Pilot. For towing and off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee. We can arrange test drives of both.