A Real-World Comparison of Two-Row Titans
Living in Summit, you learn quickly that your SUV has to do more than look good in the driveway. It has to survive weekday traffic, late school pickups, grocery runs that turn into errands, and winter mornings that feel longer than they should. Around New Jersey, especially when Route traffic stacks up near I-78, your vehicle becomes part office, part family shuttle, part stress manager.
That is exactly why this comparison matters.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Honda Passport is not about badge loyalty. It is about two rugged, two-row midsize SUVs built for drivers who think most crossovers feel a little too soft. Both promise strength, space, and confidence. The difference is how they deliver it, and how that delivery fits daily life in North Jersey.
The goal here is simple. A clear, honest comparison that helps you decide what belongs in your driveway.
New Updates: What is Fresh for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
For 2026, Jeep focused on refinement, solving everyday problems without chasing highly ambitious trends for the sake of reinvention. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee's new updates are about practical luxury, not flash.
Here is what changed and why it matters:
- A refreshed front fascia with cleaner LED lighting that improves night visibility on suburban roads like those in Chatham
- An upgraded Uconnect 5 system that responds faster, which matters when traffic shifts suddenly near Morristown
- New interior material options on higher 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee trims, especially Summit and Overland, that hold up better to real use
This is Jeep polishing an icon, not rewriting its identity.
And a hello from Salerno Duane Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram!
We are a local dealership serving Summit and nearby North Jersey communities, focused on making the buying experience straightforward and informed. If you are looking for a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale, it is already here in our inventory. You can stop by to see it in person, explore the trims that fit your daily drive, or book a test drive today and get a real feel for how it handles your commute and weekends alike.
Performance: Power for the Parkway
Performance numbers mean nothing if they do not translate to confidence when merging, passing, or climbing hills with a full cabin. In North Jersey, power is not about racing. It is about control.
Powertrain Comparison: How Each SUV Delivers on NJ Roads
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Options: Flexibility Built for Daily Driving
For the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, performance is about adaptability. Jeep offers two primary gas options:
The familiar 3.6L V6 remains the backbone of the lineup, delivering smooth acceleration that feels predictable when merging onto I-78 or dealing with uneven stop-and-go traffic.
Jeep also introduces the 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo as a modern alternative for drivers who want responsive power without stepping into a hybrid. It feels lighter on its feet in suburban traffic, making it practical for commuters balancing short trips with longer weekend drives.
2026 Honda Passport: Straightforward and Familiar
The Honda Passport keeps things simple with its 3.5L V6, delivering steady power that feels familiar and reliable. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it handles highway cruising well and maintains a consistent speed once settled. The transmission does its job quietly in the background, especially on longer stretches outside Springfield.
Where the Grand Cherokee Edges Ahead
This is where the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee pulls away. Beyond its gas options, Jeep offers the 4xe plug-in hybrid as an ace in the hole. Short commutes can often be handled on electric power alone, allowing many owners to skip the gas station entirely during the workweek.
The Passport remains a gas-only model. It performs well, but it cannot adapt the way the Grand Cherokee can. That added flexibility gives Jeep an advantage for drivers who want one SUV that handles daily traffic efficiently and still feels ready for longer trips without compromise.
Fuel Economy Comparison: Gas Efficiency and Daily Costs
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG
For gas-powered models, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG is rated at around 22 combined with the 3.6L V6. Official ratings for the newer 2.0L Hurricane Turbo are still pending, but expectations place it in a similar range, prioritizing balanced efficiency over aggressive fuel savings. In real-world North Jersey driving, this translates to stable fuel use during mixed city and highway commutes.
2026 Honda Passport MPG
The 2026 Honda Passport MPG comes in at roughly 21 combined with its 3.5L V6. Honda's numbers are consistent with past model years, offering predictable fuel consumption for drivers who spend most of their time on highways and longer suburban routes.
Where the Grand Cherokee Pulls Ahead
While both SUVs are close to gas-only vehicles, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee separates itself with the available 4xe plug-in hybrid. Many NJ drivers can complete daily commutes and errands on electric power alone, significantly reducing fuel costs during the workweek.
Towing Capability Comparison: Real-World Utility
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. This figure continues Jeep's focus on balanced strength, allowing owners to tow boats, small campers, or utility trailers without pushing the vehicle to its limits.
2026 Honda Passport Towing Capacity
The Honda Passport offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Official 2026 ratings are expected to remain consistent with previous model years, focusing on moderate towing needs rather than heavier loads.
Why the Grand Cherokee Edges Ahead
This is a clear advantage for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. An extra 1,200 pounds of towing capability creates more breathing room, especially for families who tow regularly. It reduces strain on the vehicle and expands what you can confidently bring along.
AWD and Four-Season Confidence
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee AWD systems include Quadra-Trac and available Quadra-Lift air suspension. Combined with Selec-Terrain modes, this setup adapts to snow, rain, and uneven surfaces without driver stress.
Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system is capable and dependable, particularly on gravel or wet pavement around New Providence.
Jeep advantage:
Jeep systems are built for true winter conditions and uneven terrain, not just light weather changes.
Inside Comfort: Designed for Real Commutes
Interior quality is where long ownership reveals itself. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior focuses on calm, quiet, and comfort, which matters during long drives through Union County.
Interior Comparison: Comfort Versus Utility
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Interior Theme
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior is designed around comfort and calm. The vibe leans premium without feeling delicate, making it well-suited for long weekday commutes and quiet weekend drives. Materials feel intentional, sound insulation is noticeable, and the layout prioritizes ease over flash.
Key highlights:
- Available Palermo leather and real wood accents on higher trims
- Supportive, well-cushioned seating designed for longer drives
- Clean dashboard layout that feels upscale without distraction
2026 Honda Passport Interior Theme
The Honda Passport takes a more utilitarian approach. Its interior is built to handle dirt, gear, and active lifestyles, with durability taking priority over refinement. The vibe is practical and straightforward, making cleanup easy after outdoor use.
Why the Grand Cherokee Edges Ahead
This is where the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee clearly separates itself. Its cabin delivers a premium feel that makes daily driving more enjoyable, especially during longer commutes or traffic-heavy days.
Technology Comparison: Everyday Usability Versus Smart Extras
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tech Experience
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee infotainment system is designed around ease and separation of tasks. Jeep focuses on reducing driver distraction by distributing responsibility between screens, which works well during busy commutes and longer family drives.
Key highlights:
- 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with fast response and clean menus
- Available front passenger screen for navigation, media, and trip control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Digital gauge cluster that prioritizes clarity over clutter
2026 Honda Passport Tech Experience
The Honda Passport leans into simplicity with a tech setup that feels familiar and straightforward. Its system emphasizes voice control and built-in services, appealing to drivers who want minimal learning curves.
Why the Grand Cherokee Does More
This is where the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee takes the lead. The available passenger screen is a genuinely useful feature, allowing the driver to stay focused while the co-pilot manages navigation or entertainment. That separation reduces distraction and stress, especially on longer trips or in heavy traffic, giving the Grand Cherokee a more thoughtful, driver-first technology setup.
Safety Advantage in Tight NJ Spaces
Both the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Honda Passport come standard with comprehensive safety suites designed to cover everyday driving needs. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance are table stakes here, and both SUVs deliver them reliably.
Where the Grand Cherokee Clearly Pulls Ahead
The standout difference is that Jeep offers advanced camera technology. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety features include a 360-degree surround view camera system that provides a full, real-time view around the vehicle. In practical terms, this becomes a game-changer when navigating tight parking lots, narrow residential streets, or crowded urban areas.
That extra visual awareness reduces guesswork and stress in situations where inches matter. The Passport lacks an equivalent advanced camera setup, making this one feature a meaningful advantage for Grand Cherokee drivers who regularly deal with tight NJ spaces.
Cost, Value, and the Salerno Duane Difference
Pricing and Trims
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee price typically starts in the $48,000 to $60,000 range. The Passport starts closer to $44,000 due to standard AWD.
Jeep's trim flexibility is where value shines. From Laredo to Limited to Overland and Summit Reserve, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee trims allow buyers to match features to lifestyle. Higher trims justify their price with massaging seats, premium audio, and refined materials.
Your Local Partnership: Salerno Duane Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
At Salerno Duane, our finance department is here to help you make sense of the numbers and find options that actually fit your life. You can get started easily with our online credit application whenever it works for you. And if leasing feels like the better fit, we offer current lease deals that keep monthly payments clear, realistic, and straightforward.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out by offering choice. Choice in powertrains. Choice in luxury. Choice in how your SUV adapts to your life.
Experience the difference for yourself. Visit Salerno Duane Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today and see why the Grand Cherokee continues to define what a modern American SUV should be.