2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WL vs 2022 Honda Passport

• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WL

  

  Starting at

  $38,720^[a]

  2022 Honda Passport

  

  Starting at

  $38,370

  293-357	Horsepower (hp)	280
  260-390	Torque (lb-ft)	262
  7,200	Towing (lbs)	5,000

  If you are looking for a great SUV, then you have a lot of options available to you these days – not only in a wide range of sizes and styles but many different models too. A midsize SUV is a great choice for a lot of people as it hits that “just right” size between small or compact models and three-row or full-size options. Finding the perfect midsize SUV can still be tricky, however, so it often helps to look at just one or two at a time to see what they have to offer. Comparing the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WL vs 2022 Honda Passport, for example, shows us that while the Passport has some impressive features, it falls short of what the Grand Cherokee has to offer.

  One of the first big differences we can see between these two midsize models is in terms of the engines they have to offer, something that is very important with an SUV like this. The Honda Passport has just one engine, which is good with 280 hp, but there is nothing else available for drivers who want more. By comparison, there are two engines to choose from with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The starting engine gives you 293 hp for more power than the Passport, while the available engine goes even further with 357 hp for incredible performance. This is a big difference that means the Jeep model is more enjoyable to drive with plenty of power to give you a truly rewarding experience.

  The engine differences are not all about numbers on a page either, as they translate to some major differences in towing capacity. For towing, the Honda Passport can handle up to 5,000 lbs with its standard engine, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s standard engine gives you 6,200 lbs of maximum towing, plus its available engine pushes that to 7,200 lbs of maximum towing. The Grand Cherokee is also an amazing option if you want to go off-road, with an available Air Suspension and three different 4x4 systems offered. Combine all of that with far more trim options from Jeep, including superior technology and luxury features, and you get a midsize SUV that cannot be beat.

• Performance

  

  When looking at a midsize SUV, the engine is very important since many aspects of your driving experience really depend on it. Honda is well known for making reliable vehicles that drive well, but they are not necessarily exciting. This is something we can see very clearly with the 2022 Passport because it has a decent engine, but the lack of any other options really lets it down, particularly when compared to the power and performance of the Grand Cherokee.

  How the Engine and Capability Really Stack Up

  The only engine on the Honda Passport is a 3.5L V6 that delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is fine overall and certainly enough for a midsize SUV. By comparison, there are two engines available for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, starting with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that gives you 293 hp and 260 lb-ft, which is comparable to what the Passport delivers. Where Jeep goes the extra mile, however, is with its available 5.7L HEMI V8 engine on the Grand Cherokee, which produces 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque for performance that goes way beyond anything Honda offers on the Passport.

  These differences in power also translate into big differences in what you can get from each of these SUVs in terms of functionality. With its single available engine, the Passport can handle up to 5,000 lbs of towing when properly equipped. By comparison, even with its starting engine, the Grand Cherokee gives you 6,200 lbs of towing capacity. If you go with the available engine, then you can haul up to 7,200 lbs of weight behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is perfect for pulling a trailer with a boat or a packed-up camper behind you.

• Technology

  

  These days, when you are looking at a vehicle, one of the most important things to consider is the kind of technology it has to offer. While impressive connectivity features might seem flashy or extravagant, in reality, they can make your life a lot simpler by letting you stay connected to things at all times. The Honda Passport certainly has some impressive features on offer, but with the major updates the 2022 Grand Cherokee just received, Jeep has pushed it ahead as the new standard in advanced technology.

  A Look at the Technology on the Inside

  Inside the Passport, Honda has provided an 8-inch infotainment display, which is standard, but there is no option for anything larger. In addition to this, most models come with a 7-speaker sound system, though the highest trim for the Passport features a 10-speaker sound system instead. The Passport also features a wireless charging pad, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated controls. Altogether, the tech features on the Passport are fine but not exceptional by today’s standards.

  By comparison, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee surpasses the Passport, starting with a standard 8-inch infotainment display and an available 10.1-inch display that looks stunning and features the latest Uconnect 5 software, which is customizable with numerous profiles and simultaneous dual-phone connectivity. A 10.25-inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display provides you with essential information while driving, including alerts and other warnings, plus there is an available dedicated passenger display with Navigation and other apps. Jeep goes even further with available features such as a full-color Head-Up Display, wireless charging pad, digital rearview mirror, and even a stunning 19-speaker McIntosh premium sound system.

• Off-Road

  

  While trucks and specialized vehicles used to be the kings of going off-road, midsize SUVs have become the new standard with impressive models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Midsize models like these are a great option for hitting the trail since they give you plenty of space inside for passengers and all the supplies and equipment you need. Since they are not quite as large as some other models, they also deliver impressive maneuverability when you are going off-road while still giving you great overall functionality.

  Finding a New Path and Heading Off-Road

  The 2022 Honda Passport is a popular option for adventurous lifestyles and has clearly been designed with that in mind, though it is a bit lacking. Available torque-vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a big plus that definitely helps the Passport be a strong option on the trail. Plus, the Intelligent Traction Management system lets drivers choose from different road conditions, and when paired with AWD, it includes settings for Mud and Sand. There are some notable flaws with the Passport; for example, the TrailSport package includes “rugged-style tires” that are textured, but they are still all-season tires.

  With the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, you are fully equipped to go anywhere the trail takes you and conquer everything. There are three different 4x4 systems available for the Grand Cherokee, including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II system with an electronic limited-slip rear differential that automatically adjusts power to the wheels instantly to always keep you in control. Combine this with the available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, and you have a vehicle that can go anywhere, with the ability to raise and lower your ride in order to climb over obstacles.

  The Trailhawk trim, in particular, elevates off-road performance for the Grand Cherokee to the next level, with 24 inches of water-fording and more than 11 inches of ground clearance. This trim also features a sway-bar disconnect option for extreme conditions, giving you incredible articulation and capability when rock crawling or navigating demanding terrain. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management system makes it easy to control your vehicle, with settings for Snow, Mud/Sand, and even Rocks. With the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, you also get numerous skid plates to protect the underside and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires to really prepare you for hitting the trail.

Choose the 2022 Grand Cherokee WL