Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. Honda Passport: Mentor’s 3-Row SUV Choice

Planning road trips around Mentor, Lake County, or the shores of Lake Erie requires the right SUV-one that blends comfort, capability, and long-term dependability. Two popular midsize SUVs stand out for families: the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the Honda Passport. While both offer impressive features, their designs appeal to very different lifestyles. In this guide, we’ll compare them in detail to help you determine which SUV is the ideal fit for your next adventure.

1. Seating and Interior Space

When it comes to family trips, space is the top priority.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
  Designed with family travel in mind, the Grand Cherokee L offers three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. This makes it a perfect choice for larger families or those who frequently travel with friends. Its cabin is a blend of rugged durability and premium comfort, with available Palermo leather seating, real wood trim, and ambient lighting. Cargo capacity is equally versatile, making it easy to balance luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment.
• Honda Passport:
  The Passport, while roomy, only provides two rows of seating for up to five passengers. It shines for couples or smaller families who prioritize cargo over seating. Its cargo hold is generous, but without a third row, it lacks the same family-focused versatility.

Verdict: For Mentor families who need true three-row comfort, the Grand Cherokee L clearly outpaces the Passport.

2. Road Trip Comfort and Technology

Technology makes long drives smoother and more enjoyable.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
  Equipped with the Uconnect® 5 system, this SUV delivers intuitive navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, and available rear-seat entertainment screens to keep kids engaged on longer drives. Audiophiles can also upgrade to the McIntosh® 19-speaker premium sound system—rare in its class.
• Honda Passport:
  The Passport also includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, but its infotainment system feels less advanced. It lacks the same range of entertainment options and luxury audio choices as the Grand Cherokee L, making it more basic for road trip tech needs.

Verdict: The Grand Cherokee L delivers road-trip-ready tech, ensuring everyone stays connected and entertained.

3. Performance and Capability

An SUV’s ability to handle changing weather and road conditions is crucial in Ohio.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
  With multiple 4×4 systems, a Selec-Terrain® traction management system, and available Quadra-Lift® air suspension, the Grand Cherokee L dominates in capability. Whether tackling snowy Mentor winters, off-road trails, or long highway drives, Jeep engineering ensures confidence.
• Honda Passport:
  The Passport provides a capable V6 engine and available all-wheel drive, which performs well on highways and light trails. However, it lacks the advanced off-road systems Jeep is known for. Families who enjoy camping, hiking, or exploring Ohio’s backroads will find the Passport limiting compared to the Jeep.

Verdict: For capability that blends daily driving with weekend adventures, the Jeep stands far ahead.

4. Safety and Peace of Mind

Safety remains a cornerstone for family SUVs.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
  Jeep equips the Grand Cherokee L with over 110 standard and available safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, and a Surround View Camera.
• Honda Passport:
  The Passport includes Honda Sensing®, a strong suite of driver assistance features such as Lane Keeping Assist and Collision Mitigation Braking. While effective, it doesn’t offer the same extensive range of advanced safety tech found in the Jeep.

Verdict: The Grand Cherokee L provides next-level driver assistance and family safety technology.

5. Style and Design

Looks may not be everything, but they certainly help when choosing a family SUV.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
  The Grand Cherokee L blends rugged Jeep heritage with modern refinement. Its sculpted exterior, bold front fascia, and available 21-inch wheels give it an upscale SUV presence. Inside, it feels like a luxury vehicle designed to elevate family travel.
• Honda Passport:
  The Passport sports a more traditional SUV look with rugged touches. While appealing to those who want simplicity, it lacks the upscale styling touches that Jeep brings to the table.

Verdict: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L combines premium elegance with rugged SUV charm, setting it apart from the Passport’s simpler design.

6. Value for Mentor Families

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
  Jeep delivers versatility, offering trims from affordable family-focused options to luxury-inspired variants. Add in its three-row seating and off-road prowess, and families gain more value over time.
• Honda Passport:
  The Passport is competitively priced, but without a third row or advanced off-road capability, its value feels more limited for larger families or adventure-seekers.

Final Take: Which SUV Fits Mentor Road Trips Best?

For road trips in Mentor and across Lake County, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L emerges as the top choice. With three rows of seating, advanced tech, robust safety features, and Jeep’s legendary off-road capability, it’s tailored for families who refuse to compromise on comfort or adventure.

The Honda Passport remains a strong contender for smaller households who don’t need a third row, but for true family versatility, the Grand Cherokee L is unmatched.

At Ken Ganley CDJR Mentor, we help Mentor families find vehicles that match their lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in the Grand Cherokee L, a capable Jeep Wrangler, or even powerful RAM trucks, our inventory is designed to cover every need.

For more Jeep insights, check out our blog on The Best Jeep Models for Off-Roading Enthusiasts. And if you’re curious about our truck lineup, visit our article on the largest RAM dealership advantages to explore why Ken Ganley CDJR Mentor is a trusted source for Ohio drivers.

When you’re ready to take the next step, explore our full lineup at Ken Ganley CDJR Mentor and schedule a test drive. We’re here to make your road trips more comfortable, capable, and memorable.

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