Grand Cherokees have been crap since their inception. Sorry to hear that yours has been especially crappy. Jeeps arn't the only one that chew up the front brakes very fast. Ford Escape and Focus are know for it as well, however the brake lining is so agressive that it will wear down the rotor below its minimum thickness requireing it to be repaced as well. Customers have a hard time forking out 600 bucks for a front brake job at 15k miles.
Before you go with the Pillot. I would recommend test drive the Ford Explorer with the 4.6 v8. It has some serious power.
And whatever vheicle you choose, if you plan to keep it well past the manufactures warrenty, It is a very wise idea to purchase the manufactures extended warrenty. Aftermarket warrentys usualy have less coverage and you may have difficultys getting claims paid.