When shopping for a midsize SUV, most harbor thoughts of going off-road at least once or twice after they get the keys. Fortunately, with the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee, that will definitely be possible. The Grand Cherokee may be the most capable off-roader in the class. However, these two SUVs have more than dirty tires going on.
The Jeep is also offered as the 3-row Grand Cherokee L and the plug-in hybrid 4xe model. However, for this comparison, we’re focusing on the 2-row, non-hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee, which is a direct rival to the Honda Passport. Let’s examine these two SUVs and see which is right for you.
2025 Honda Passport
2024 model shown
The Honda Passport offers plenty of bang for your buck. The 2-row, 5-passenger SUV comes in just three trim levels — EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition. The entry-level EX-L comes equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and leather seating, features that are typically upgrades for vehicles in this class.
Powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission means plenty of power, but you’ll pay the price if you have a heavy right foot. The Honda Passport’s EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating is 21 mpg, which is better than some others in the segment. However, if you’re tooling around off-road in the TrailSport package, there will be times when the extra oomph comes in handy.
The cabin offers plenty of space for five people, plus the cargo area behind the second row is one of the biggest in its class. It also provides plenty of legroom for those in the second row. Pricing begins at $43,850, including destination fee.
Honda Passport Highlights
Locking technology: With the Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock technology, Passport owners don’t have to worry about security, as this system locks the vehicle automatically as you walk away with the key fob.
All-wheel drive: Many of the vehicles in this class find their way off-road, and the Passport is ready to take on a bit of adventure as all-wheel drive is standard equipment. If you want more fun, upgrade to the TrailSport trim, which provides a more specialized off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and extra body protection.
Highly contented: Every Honda Passport has leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Read our Honda Passport Expert Review or see 2025 Honda Passport models for sale near you.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2024 model shown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a mix of off-road capability and everyday functionality that others in the segment can’t match. Powered by a 293-hp V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive, the Grand Cherokee allows the driver to feel the road and characteristics of the SUV. The suspension is a bit stiffer, and the steering is a bit heavier than others in its class.
The interior of the Grand Cherokee offers plenty of space with high-quality materials. It comes in nine trim levels: Laredo A, Laredo, Laredo X, Altitude, Limited, Altitude X, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The final three are basically luxury-level packages. Additionally, the cargo area behind the second row is bigger than most, although it lags slightly behind the Honda Passport. The Grand Cherokee makes sure passengers enjoy their trip. Pricing begins at $38,290, including destination fees.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Highlights
Unmatched off-road capability: The Laredo and Limited trims are available with the Quadra-Trac I AWD system, and the top two trims come standard with the Quadra-Trac II system with a 2-speed transfer case. Quadra-Trac II gives this Jeep better off-road chops than the average midsize SUV without compromising on-road comfort.
Active Driving Assist: Optional on the Overland trim and standard on the Summit model, Active Driving Assist makes highway driving nearly effortless by helping keep you centered in your lane at a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Great sound: Upgrade to the optional 9-speaker Alpine system in Limited — it’s standard in Overland — for a great experience. However, the 19-speaker McIntosh system available in the Overland and Summit models is one of the best sound systems not in a luxury vehicle. The Honda Passport can’t match this audio quality.
Read our Jeep Grand Cherokee Expert Review or see 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee are stylish, capable midsize SUVs with a slew of technology.
Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a more capable off-roader, offers a spectacular ride and great looks, and it’s $5,000 less at the start than the Honda Passport. It seems like a no-brainer. Well, it’s not quite that easy, but there is a reason why it’s the best-selling model in the class.
New 2025 Honda Passport Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (22802)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,850 |
$41,775 |
|||
$46,450 |
$44,160 |
|||
$49,920 |
$47,039 |
New 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (22802)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$38,490 |
$37,096 |
|||
$39,030 |
$37,617 |
|||
$39,780 |
$38,339 |
|||
$43,635 |
$42,055 |
|||
$44,090 |
$42,493 |
|||
$44,135 |
$42,537 |
|||
$58,990 |
$56,854 |
|||
$60,555 |
$58,060 |
|||
$65,035 |
$62,355 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Honda Passport vehicles and New 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Honda Passport | 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Starting Price | $43,850 | $38,290 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 3.6-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 293 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/RWD |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.9 inches | 116.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.1 inches | 193.5 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches | 77.5 inches |
| Height | 72.2 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 38.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.5 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.0 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.0 inches | 59.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.9 inches | 58.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 41.2 cubic feet | 37.7 cubic feet |
