Honda Pilot 70·Jeep Grand Cherokee 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Jeep 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.
Metric
Honda Pilot
Jeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid Score
70
73
Cost of Ownership
71
69
Powertrain
60
54
Driver Assistance
43
38
Livability
53
47
Safety
75
99
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
Horsepower
285 hp
324 hp
MPG (combined)
22 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
18.6 cu ft
37.7 cu ft
Seating
8
5
Towing capacity
—
6,200 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Gas
2026$42,395
MSRP
$42,395
Mo · 5yr
$974
$58,449 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$37,995
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.
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.