Car shoppers looking for a midsize SUV with two rows of seating have plenty of options to choose from, but the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee stand out as worthy ambassadors. Both vehicles offer the SUV attributes that people love, such as a commanding view of the road and all-terrain prowess. However, when it comes to comparing the two models, Edmunds’ car experts have analyzed various aspects to determine which one is the better buy.
When it comes to engines and fuel economy, the Honda Passport features a 280-horsepower V6 engine that delivers punchy acceleration and impressive performance. On the other hand, the Jeep Grand Cherokee technically has a more powerful 293-horsepower V6 engine, but its acceleration is noted to be more leisurely. The Grand Cherokee does offer a more powerful 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it comes at a higher price point compared to the base V6 model.
In terms of driving and comfort, both the Passport and Grand Cherokee provide confidence to the driver with easy steering and strong brakes. The Grand Cherokee, however, has a slight edge in terms of comfort, offering a smoother ride over bumps and more supportive front seats. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee is equally capable on paved surfaces and off-road, giving it a dual-purpose nature that the Passport doesn’t quite match.
When it comes to utility and towing, the Passport offers more cargo space behind its rear seats compared to the Grand Cherokee. However, the Grand Cherokee excels in towing capability, with a maximum rating of 6,200 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the Passport’s 5,000 pounds. The Grand Cherokee also comes with an available towing package that includes features like a Class IV trailer hitch and a load-leveling rear suspension.
In terms of features and value, the Honda Passport impresses with its quality cabin design and standard features, including an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Grand Cherokee also offers a range of comfort and safety features, along with a larger infotainment system. However, as the price of the Grand Cherokee increases with higher trim levels, Edmunds questions whether buyers might opt for a luxury-badged competitor instead.
In Edmunds’ analysis, the Honda Passport emerges as the better all-around choice compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the Grand Cherokee offers utility and luxury in its higher trim levels, the Passport delivers nearly the same performance and features at a substantially lower price point. Ultimately, the Passport is deemed the better value for car shoppers in the midsize SUV segment.
