Jeep officially retired the Cherokee and took three years to perfect it. It's now back in our showroom and (we think) better than ever. But how well does it fare against the popular Honda Pilot? Let's break down the details below!
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Cherokee is brand new to the market--it returns after a three-year hiatus and full redesign.
- A hybrid-only SUV, the new Cherokee features standard all-wheel drive.
- Honda Pilot trims start at $43,690 and go up to $56,490; Cherokee models range from $37,590 to $45,590, as of January 21, 2025.
Changes and Pricing in the 2026 Cherokee vs. Honda Pilot
The Jeep Cherokee is a redesigned and refined version of the 2023 model. Jeep gave it several (over 140) safety and security features. This includes a few tech upgrades from the 2023 version including remote keyless entry and remote start. It is also a hybrid! More on that later. The Cherokee also boasts comfortable and spacious seating as well as a generous cargo area.
The Cherokee is all new in '26. Its trims are:
- Cherokee: $37,590
- Laredo: $40,590
- Limited: $42,590
- Overland: $45,590
Honda's given the 2026 Pilot some nice tweaks. The front end looks a bit more squared-off with a bigger grille and a two-tone rectangular accent on the lower bumper. The automaker also introduced Solar Silver and Smoke Blue paint colors to the line, and a power tailgate and roof rails are now standard equipment across all trims. As for trim-specific changes, Touring and Elite models get sharp 20-inch gray wheels. The TrailSport also swapped out its old blue color for an Ash Green shade. Honda also made the steering feel more responsive and connected, and added extra soundproofing material so the cabin's supposed to be quieter when you're driving.
Its models are:
- Sport: $43,690
- EX-L: $45,990
- TrailSport: $51,890
- Touring: $52,590
- Elite: $54,990
- Black Edition: $56,490
The 2026 Cherokee now includes a standard 10.3-inch digital instrument display, and its dash design has shifted to a more horizontal layout, with slender climate vents with chrome accents. Even the steering wheel is now octagonal instead of the traditionally round shape you're used to seeing.
Every 2026 Pilot gets Honda's 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard and includes wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That 10.2-inch digital gauge display that was exclusive to the Elite and Black Edition trims last year is now included on every model. Base Pilots come with a 7-speaker system, while the Touring and Elite trims feature a 12-speaker Bose system.
Powertrains in the 2026 Cherokee vs. Honda Pilot
For the first time ever (and we're talking about a model that's been around for over fifty years), the Cherokee is hybrid only. It pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 177 horsepower with two electric motors, bringing the total output to 210 horses and 230 pound-feet of torque. Power gets routed through a CVT, and all-wheel drive comes standard.
The Pilot still features a gas engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It's front-wheel drive by default, but you can add all-wheel drive if you want it.
Powertrain Options
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee |
2026 Honda Pilot |
| Hybrid-only powertrain |
Gas-only powertrain |
| 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine |
3.5-liter V-6 engine |
| CVT transmission |
10-speed automatic transmission |
| All-wheel drive standard |
Front-wheel drive standard with AWD available |
Which Is Better for 2026--the Cherokee or the Pilot?
While the Pilot is a popular choice, the Cherokee offers all that the Pilot does at a more affordable price, meaning buyers on a budget can get into a new SUV for less. And it's more environmentally-friendly. Are you ready to take a test drive? Contact Coleman Motors today!