2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to blend styling with practicality, a challenge that Honda addressed through recent updates. A 2019 refresh gave the SUV a more rugged look, and then the 2020 Black Edition introduced a popular blacked-out appearance. Despite these efforts, the Pilot’s exterior design had always been a subject of personal preference.

Seven distinct trims of the 2021 Pilot were sold, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with pricing spanning from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an extra $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where AWD was standard.

The new Special Edition trim for 2021 added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. At $38,960 with FWD, it offered compelling value.

Our test vehicle was the top-tier Black Edition, priced at $51,435 with the optional $395 Platinum White Pearl paint job. This variant featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red-tinted perforated inserts, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. Quality materials were evident, but the SUV’s overall feel from the front seat reminded many of a minivan. This, coupled with its uninspiring exterior design, was a notable drawback for some potential buyers.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted a design that immediately resonated with SUV enthusiasts. Unlike the older two-row Grand Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee L introduced a fresh, elongated design with a third-row seat and more cargo space. Its exterior design was striking, replicating the look of the pricier Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models.

Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, pricing for the Grand Cherokee L ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with an $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim featured on our test vehicle included 4WD, metallic paint, several tech packages, and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, bringing the sticker price to $64,770.

Jeep’s design for the Grand Cherokee L struck a chord with its blend of signature elements like the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, presenting a sophisticated and cohesive look. The only critique came from some interior materials not holding up to scrutiny given its price, but overall, the redesign marked a significant improvement.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, delivered a lively driving experience. Whether equipped with FWD or the optional torque-vectoring AWD system capable of directing up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, the Pilot was quick on its feet. Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Traction Management modes for different terrain (Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand) enhanced its versatility.

Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the AWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg. The Pilot’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride with unexpectedly agile handling, making it enjoyable on paved roads. However, its off-road capability was limited by a mere 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered more flexibility in powertrains. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or three available 4WD systems. It boasted a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined.

For those needing more power, a 5.7-liter V8 engine was optional, exclusively with 4WD, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. This upgrade increased towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but lowered the fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and one of the 4WD systems, offering brisk acceleration but being noticeably loud under heavy throttle. It averaged 17.8 mpg during our testing.

The Grand Cherokee L featured the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension, providing 8.3 inches of ground clearance in its Normal setting and up to 10.9 inches in Off-Road modes. Additionally, it had an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case, making it capable of handling demanding off-road conditions. On daily drives, its smooth ride quality, tight turning radius, and capable handling stood out.

Interior space was another area of consideration. The 2021 Honda Pilot offered abundant room for families, with seating for up to eight people. Its leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats provided comfort, although the front passenger’s seat adjustment was limited to four-way power. Second-row captain’s chairs were available, offering comparable comfort to the front seats, sliding forward for easier third-row access. Tri-zone automatic climate control and a rear-seat entertainment system further enhanced family-friendliness.

Storage solutions were plentiful in the Pilot, with numerous compartments throughout the cabin. Cargo space was decent, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered similarly comfortable accommodations with its Summit trim. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second row included captain’s chairs, with ample legroom and comfort, and manual side window sunshades.

Despite its family-friendly design, front-seat storage in the Grand Cherokee L was somewhat limited. However, second-row passengers benefited from a storage console, and cargo space was competitive. It offered 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet, slightly edging out the Pilot.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on most trims, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Wireless charging was introduced in the Special Edition trim, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink services, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Though functional, the system’s small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities were downsides.

Comparatively, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L utilized the Uconnect 5 system, available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. Uconnect 5 boasted faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and various connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, albeit with a debatable aesthetic fit.

The Grand Cherokee L also offered advanced tech features like a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. Its head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

Safety was a priority for both SUVs. The 2021 Honda Pilot featured the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, it used an older version of Honda Sensing, which lacked the refinement seen in newer systems. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, albeit with some room for improvement in specific areas.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While useful, it felt somewhat artificial in its steering input. The 2022 model year promised a hands-free version of this system. Intersection Collision Assist and a comprehensive suite of driving aids were also available.

At the time of review, crash-test ratings for the Grand Cherokee L were unavailable, though expectations were for significant improvement over its predecessor.