Head-to-head · vehicle level

Honda Pilot vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Honda Pilot 70Jeep Grand Cherokee 73on the MotiveGrid ScoreJeep Grand Cherokee about $1,209 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,209 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Honda Pilot counters with seating for 8.

Go with the Jeep Grand Cherokee for the better long-term value; consider the Honda Pilot if you prioritize more passenger space.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Honda Pilot vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Pilot versus 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
MetricHonda PilotJeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid Score7073
Cost of Ownership7169
Powertrain6054
Driver Assistance4338
Livability5347
Safety7599
5-Year Cost to Own$58,449$57,240
Depreciation (5-yr)$20,816$20,897
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$15,304$14,111
Insurance (5-yr)$10,865$10,635
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,790$2,670
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$2,150
Financing (5-yr)$6,379$5,717
Registration (5-yr)$1,145$1,060
Starting Price$42,395$37,995
Horsepower285 hp324 hp
MPG (combined)22 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume18.6 cu ft37.7 cu ft
Seating85
Towing capacity6,200 lbs
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Gas
2026$42,395
2026 Honda Pilot SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,395
Mo · 5yr
$974
$58,449 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$37,995
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

Jeep Grand Cherokee scores higher overall.

Honda Pilot
0
/ 100
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Pilot
71
Grand Cherokee
69
Winner: Pilot
$1,209 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Pilot
60
Grand Cherokee
54
Winner: Pilot
+6 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Pilot
43
Grand Cherokee
38
Winner: Pilot
+5 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Pilot
53
Grand Cherokee
47
Winner: Pilot
+6 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Pilot
75
Grand Cherokee
99
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+24 pts
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,209 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Honda Pilot still wins if your priority is best on balance.

Daily commuter
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Pilot
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Honda Pilot
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$974
$58,449 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$974/mo
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Jeep Grand Cherokee comes out about $1,209 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

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