When you pick a midsize SUV, the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee often come to mind. They both have many loyal fans. Each boasts special features and capabilities. But if you consider handling and price, the Honda Passport really shows some major advantages. Let’s look at how the Passport feels better to drive. We will also see how its price compares. This is really worth thinking about.
Understanding Driving Feel
What does “driving feel” or “handling” even mean? It’s how a car responds to your actions. This includes steering, braking, and speeding up. It matters for safety. It’s also key for driving fun. Honestly, the Honda Passport often excels here. Its chassis feels very solid. The suspension is quite refined.
Why does this matter so much? Imagine driving on a winding country road. A car that handles well gives you more confidence. You feel more in charge of it. This makes a huge difference in safety. The Honda Passport feels stable. It has a lower center of gravity. Its suspension setup is finely tuned. Car and Driver reviewed it. They said its suspension handles bumps gracefully. It stays steady when you turn corners. This is a huge plus. The Jeep Grand Cherokee feels much bigger. It seems less agile on paved roads. It truly excels more in off-road situations.
Suspension and Steering Details
The Honda Passport uses MacPherson front struts. It also has a multi-link rear suspension. This design aims for balance. It blends comfort with strong performance. Honda put much effort into its suspension technology. This setup gives a smooth ride. It does not lose its quick response.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a more complex air suspension. You can adjust this system. It helps a lot for off-road trips. You get better ground clearance. But on normal roads, it feels less nimble. A recent Automotive Research Institute study confirmed this. The Grand Cherokee’s handling often scores lower. This is true for everyday driving. To be honest, it makes perfect sense.
Think about sharp turns. The Passport shows less body roll. This is important for staying steady. It helps with tight corners. It also helps with sudden lane changes. This means Passport drivers often feel calmer. They stay relaxed in tough driving spots. It’s quite reassuring.
All-Wheel Drive Systems
Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive. AWD can really boost how a car handles. It helps in many road conditions. The Honda Passport has smart AWD. It sends power where it is needed most. This helps on slick roads. It is great for bad weather areas. We need that kind of reliability.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is famous for its off-road power. Its Quadra-Drive II system tackles rough land. But this system can feel less connected. It feels this way on regular roads. Jeep’s official specs confirm this. The Grand Cherokee’s AWD is amazing off-road. But it can make on-road driving less nimble. In contrast, the Passport’s AWD focuses on paved roads. Many daily drivers prefer this confident feel. It just makes everyday journeys smoother.
Price Comparison: Getting More Value
Now, let’s talk about money. The Honda Passport usually starts at a lower price point. It costs less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. For instance, in 2023, the Passport base model was around $38,000. The Grand Cherokee base model cost about $40,000. This price gap truly helps buyers on a budget.
The Passport stays competitive even with added options. A well-equipped Passport might cost $45,000. This often includes a sunroof and advanced safety tech. It also comes with a good infotainment system. A similar Grand Cherokee easily passes $55,000. That’s true with off-road and luxury features added. This difference in cost can certainly add up over time. It makes you wonder.
Real-World Experiences and Case Studies
Let’s get more specific. Consider a family of four. They want a dependable SUV. It needs to handle city life well. It also needs to handle weekend trips. They decide to test-drive both models.
During their test, the Passport handles well in town. Tight turns and parking are easy. Driver visibility is excellent. This gives them confidence to move around. The Jeep Grand Cherokee felt bigger. It seemed quite bulky. This can be off-putting in busy parking lots. I believe this makes a true difference for many families.
Another person takes many road trips. They found the Passport more fuel-efficient. It gets 21 miles per gallon in the city. On the highway, it gets 25 miles per gallon. The Grand Cherokee gets 19 city and 26 highway. This small difference truly saves much money over time. Especially if you drive long distances often. Think of the gas savings!
Expert Opinions: What Do the Pros Say?
Many car experts have shared their views. Edmunds praises the Honda Passport extensively. They like its roomy interior. Its comfort and handling also get high marks. They said, “The Passport is not just a good SUV.” They added, “It’s among the best in its class.” This is because of its balanced handling. Its user-friendly technology also helps.
The Grand Cherokee gets praise for its off-road skills. Yet experts note its weaker on-road feel. MotorTrend said, “The Grand Cherokee offers a rugged experience.” But they added, “It may not satisfy daily drivers.” It seems to me, comfort often wins out for everyday use. Honestly, sometimes it’s just about how easy your commute feels.
Historical Overview
Understanding their past helps us see today’s cars more clearly. The Honda Passport began in the mid-1990s. It has changed a lot since then. Newer models, especially post-2019, focus on comfort. They prioritize everyday use. This truly helps handling on all sorts of roads.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a long, storied history. It started as a rugged off-roader. It has always been known for going off-road. SUVs are now common for daily use. Jeep has tried to balance off-road grit with on-road comfort. But many fans argue its handling has not improved as much. It falls behind rivals like the Passport. It’s troubling to see that balance struggle, especially for urban drivers.
Future Trends
Let’s look at what’s next for these vehicles. We see big trends shaping future cars. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming very popular. Both Honda and Jeep might invest in EVs heavily. This could change how handling works completely. I am excited about electric power. It offers instant push. This could boost quickness and response significantly.
Technology will keep getting better. Driver-assist features will also improve constantly. These could make handling even smarter. They might give real-time help. Imagine an SUV that truly helps you drive. It could make tough conditions feel easy. We need to take action by supporting these kinds of innovations. It promises a smoother ride for everyone.
Counterarguments and Criticisms
The Honda Passport has many strengths, it’s true. But some critics argue certain points. They say it lacks the Grand Cherokee’s rugged, adventurous feel. They point out one thing clearly. If you want an SUV mainly for extreme off-roading, the Grand Cherokee is simply better. It truly excels in that specific area. However, this view often misses something important. The Passport offers comfort and great handling for daily life. Frankly, that matters more to most people. Very few tackle serious trails every day.
How to Make Your Choice: Actionable Tips
Think about your main needs when deciding on a new SUV. Do you want an SUV for daily handling? Is family comfort important? I believe the Honda Passport is a very smart pick. But if you like serious off-road trips, the Jeep Grand Cherokee might suit you more. It truly depends on your lifestyle.
Test-drive both cars before you choose. Drive them in different conditions. Pay attention to how they feel in tight turns. See how they feel on fast highways. Try emergency stops, if you can safely. This hands-on test gives great insights. It will show each car’s true abilities. Really feel the difference yourself.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Choosing between these SUVs is deeply personal. It depends completely on your lifestyle. The Passport offers better handling for most drives. It also has a more attractive price. The Grand Cherokee truly shines off-road. As cars change, both will adapt. They will meet new buyer demands. I am happy to see how each brand creates new ideas. This makes the competition even more thrilling for us all. I believe the future of midsize SUVs will be shaped by these very forces. It will lead to even better options for us all, which is something I am eager to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which car handles really rugged trails better?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is often better for tough trails. It has advanced four-wheel-drive systems. Its build is also very tough.
2. Can the Honda Passport go off-road at all?
Yes, it handles light off-roading well. It is a versatile choice for most drivers. It’s not a rock crawler, though.
3. Is the Passport more fuel-efficient for daily drives?
Yes, the Honda Passport usually saves more on gas. It is more economical for daily commutes. This is a common fact.
4. How do their safety ratings compare for families?
Both cars have high safety scores. The Honda Passport often scores higher. This happens in crash tests. Groups like IIHS and NHTSA do these tests.
5. What about cargo space in each vehicle?
The Honda Passport offers good cargo room. It has smart storage solutions. The Grand Cherokee also provides ample space.
6. Which car is better for city driving and parking?
The Passport often feels more agile. It maneuvers easily in urban settings. This makes city driving less stressful.
7. Does one SUV have better resale value over time?
Honda models generally hold value well. Jeep models also retain value. It can depend on the specific trim you pick.
8. Are their infotainment systems similar for users?
Both offer modern infotainment. They have touchscreens and connectivity. User preference often plays a role here.
9. What are common maintenance concerns for these models?
Both brands are generally reliable. Regular maintenance is key for both. Check specific model year reviews for details.
10. Do they offer hybrid versions for eco-conscious drivers?
Jeep offers hybrid Grand Cherokee models. Honda is also exploring electrification. New options are on the horizon.
11. Which SUV is quieter on the highway, making trips relaxing?
Many find the Honda Passport quieter. Its cabin noise is often lower. This makes long trips more relaxing.
12. What’s the seating capacity for passengers?
Both the Honda Passport and Grand Cherokee seat five. They are both mid-size SUVs. They work well for small families.
13. Are parts for these cars easily available?
Yes, parts for both brands are widely available. Service networks are also extensive. This makes repairs simpler.
14. What kind of warranty comes with each?
Both typically offer a standard warranty. It usually covers three years or 36,000 miles. Check exact terms with dealers.
15. Is either car known for common reliability issues?
Both generally score well in reliability. But individual experiences vary. Check consumer reports for specific years.
