2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Honda Pilot

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, underwent a refresh that retained its upright stance, low belt line, and large windows. However, the new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a fresh vibe, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The Upland trim added front recovery hooks that enhanced utility without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a modern design with strong horizontal lines. Although the 12-inch infotainment screen seemed small for such a large vehicle, it wasn't an all-encompassing screen design, and redundant HVAC and audio controls were present. The seats, while plain-looking, were comfortable and highly adjustable, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's trim and materials were premium, with options for Nappa and Palermo leather and a suede headliner, contributing to a solid fit and finish.

The 2026 Honda Pilot received a makeover, featuring a larger, blockier grille and gray plastic scuff plates, giving it a more truck-like appearance. Standard roof rails and a rear bumper scuff plate added to its rugged design. The interior saw upgrades with larger infotainment and digital instrument panels, and top trims featured diamond quilting in synthetic suede. Contrasting stitching and a new trim element on the center console and door panels added visual flair. Despite these changes, the Pilot remained a tastefully designed midsize SUV, excelling in practicality and meeting class expectations for material quality and construction.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even in a vehicle weighing about 6,000 pounds. Although the high-output Hurricane engine was no longer available, the standard engine still offered impressive performance. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain, delivering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, with a total range of over 500 miles. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was agile and easy to drive, with a quiet cabin and comfortable seats for long journeys.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with all-wheel drive available. The Pilot offered adequate acceleration and a confident V6 sound. The brake pedal effort was soft, suitable for a family SUV, though occasional downshifts caused subtle lurches. Honda revised the steering for improved feedback and stability, addressing previous vagueness. The Pilot remained confident in curves but didn't feel sporty, maintaining its sensible three-row SUV character.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering ample leg and hip room across its three rows. The optional second-row bench seat allowed seating for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version nearly doubled this capacity to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's cabin remained spacious and versatile, with a removable second-row center seat offering flexibility. The center seat was suitable for smaller passengers, while the outboard seats provided ample legroom and comfort. Access to the third row was easy, with adequate space for smaller adults. The Pilot offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the third row folded. The middle-row seats folded easily, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 112.4 cubic feet. The front seats featured generous storage options, enhancing practicality.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims offered features like a front console cooler, a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system, and a front passenger interactive display. However, the wireless phone charger had issues with overheating, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. Adjustable pedals were no longer available for 2026.

The 2026 Honda Pilot upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. The system featured customizable shortcuts and ran on the latest Honda software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a wireless phone charger available on higher trims. The charging pad required precise positioning, leading to occasional disconnections. The Pilot retained unique features like multiple camera angles and the Cabin Talk intercom system.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with safety features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores in crash tests.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's crash test scores were not available, but it was expected to perform well based on the 2025 model's ratings. All trims came with the Honda Sensing suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The safety features generally worked well, though the forward collision warning was overly sensitive.