Passport vs Grand Cherokee
If you’re shopping for a car in the midsize suv class, the Passport and the Grand Cherokee are likely both on your shortlist. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Grand Cherokee wins
- Engine & Performance1.1
- Off-road & Towing8.3
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Grand Cherokee has 1,200 lb more towing capacity
The Grand Cherokee gets a small bonus on max towing, with 6,200 lb against the Passport’s 5,000 lb. If you tow regularly, the Grand Cherokee’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 193.5 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on engine & performance. Bottom line for engine & performance: it’s a wash.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the Passport and the Grand Cherokee are effectively level. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Grand Cherokee leads
The Grand Cherokee edges the off-road & towing section, though the Passport stays close. The Grand Cherokee wins here with 1,200 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the Grand Cherokee is where you should land.
Max towing
Passport: 5,000 lb Grand Cherokee: 6,200 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Passport and the Grand Cherokee each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 285 hp | 293 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (4x4 available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 37.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 70.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 6,200 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Passport | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 193.5 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.7 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Grand Cherokee if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,200 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you’re comfortable with how Jeep does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Passport or the Grand Cherokee?
The Passport and the Grand Cherokee split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Passport, off-road & towing for the Grand Cherokee), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Passport’s and the Grand Cherokee’s) so you don’t have to. The Grand Cherokee’s strongest argument is 1,200 lb more towing capacity.
Think about your week. Heavy on the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Passport. More about off-road & towing? The Grand Cherokee.
My pick: it genuinely depends, with the Passport ahead on the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Grand Cherokee ahead on off-road & towing.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.