Let’s face it; Jeep knows a thing or two about making solid SUVs. However, Honda isn’t exactly inexperienced when it comes to producing sport utility vehicles. Why is the 2023 Honda Passport better than the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Is the Honda Passport better than Jeep Grand Cherokee?

There isn’t much to dislike about the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Starting at $39,155 this year and topping out at $66,155, six different trim levels cover the needs of many potential customers. Edmunds rated the Grand Cherokee at an overall 7.9 out of 10. The 2023 Honda Passport also has a lot going for it, especially concerning comfort. This SUV starts at $41,100 for 2023 and goes up to $46,560 for the top-of-the-line trim.

Edmunds has helpful five-year cost-to-own calculations, which put the 2023 Jeep at $61,287 and the Honda at $54,396. Jeep’s Grand Cherokee costs around $0.82 per mile, and the Passport runs around $0.73 per mile. For these examples, Edmunds used the Grand Cherokee Limited and the Passport EX-L trims, both of which are the biggest sellers. Depreciation for the Grand Cherokee is around $24,704 after five years, while the Passport is $19,822.

Insurance and maintenance are about equal, but the Jeep SUV has an average cost of around $1,354 for repairs, and the Honda has about $764. These numbers show that the Honda Passport has a slight advantage over the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but is that it?

What the Honda Passport has on the Jeep Grand Cherokee

At the end of the day, Jeep has more choices and trim levels to choose from. However, the top-of-the-line Summit Reserve trim is already $67,950. It is well-equipped, but many shoppers might add additional packages or upgrades. This starts to add up quickly, especially when it comes to advanced driver aids. However, the Jeep delivers impressive power and towing capabilities. Off-roading is effortless with the sport utility vehicle, as one might expect.

The top-of-the-line Elite trim starts at $47,905 and comes with almost every option Honda offers. There are only four additional packages available that aren’t very like a MOPAR finishing option and something for rear seat entertainment. It already gets Intelligent Traction Management with three modes, wireless phone charging, and heated/ventilated front seats.

For the daily driver, the Honda Passport has more creature comforts and offerings at a much lower price. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good option but gets expensive as the additions pile on. For less than $50,000 out the door, the Honda is one of the best-equipped and versatile SUVs on the market. The Jeep is a comfortable and capable SUV with high towing capacities, but the luxury price doesn’t always match the offerings.

Don’t count out Jeep altogether

Drivers who want a Jeep Grand Cherokee will be happy with the trim level options and selections, just not maybe how high the cost can jump. The Honda Passport is a comfortable but not quite exciting option that is capable enough. Both of these sport utility vehicles are brand new and should offer a stress-free ownership experience for the first few years.

When reliability is more important than ever to buyers, the pressure to pick the right vehicle can be immense. The good news is that both Honda and Jeep have a long history of making long-lasting SUVs. Keep an eye out for more testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for both vehicles. Right now, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t fully rated yet. The 2023 Honda Passport has some good scores, but neither has an overall rating yet. This could be a deciding factor for some customers in the future.