2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Honda Odyssey
Overview | |
MSRP$31,995 | MSRP$31,790 |
Listings484 | Listings254 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2020 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryLove might be what makes a Subaru a Subaru, as the automaker’s advertising has long claimed, but it's also what has traditionally made people outgrow Subarus. Subaru tried building a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV once before, but quirky design and a strange name flattened the B9 Tribeca’s tires before they got a decent chance to roll down the road. With the 2020 Ascent, however, Subaru has a family-size SUV for existing and would-be customers who need extra space for people, pets, and cargo. And while the Ascent is loaded with compelling details and thoughtful features, flaws might limit its appeal strictly to the Subaru faithful. | |
2021 Honda Odyssey Reviews SummaryWhen you’re raising kids, the last thing your life needs is added complication. The modern minivan is designed to eliminate snags, simplify your existence, and reduce friction in the daily grind. Whether you wish to save money on gas, carry maximum cargo, or own a vehicle that is ridiculously easy to load (whether we’re talking passengers or merchandise), a minivan makes good sense. And the freshened 2021 Honda Odyssey is one of our favorites, for now. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.8 cu ft | Cargo Space32.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight4430 lbs | Curb Weight4398 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height68.3 in |
Length196.8 in | Length205.2 in |
Width85.7 in | Width92.3 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase118.1 in |
Maximum Payload1570 lbs | Maximum Payload1621 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,995 | $31,790 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Love might be what makes a Subaru a Subaru, as the automaker’s advertising has long claimed, but it's also what has traditionally made people outgrow Subarus. Subaru tried building a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV once before, but quirky design and a strange name flattened the B9 Tribeca’s tires before they got a decent chance to roll down the road. With the 2020 Ascent, however, Subaru has a family-size SUV for existing and would-be customers who need extra space for people, pets, and cargo. And while the Ascent is loaded with compelling details and thoughtful features, flaws might limit its appeal strictly to the Subaru faithful. | When you’re raising kids, the last thing your life needs is added complication. The modern minivan is designed to eliminate snags, simplify your existence, and reduce friction in the daily grind. Whether you wish to save money on gas, carry maximum cargo, or own a vehicle that is ridiculously easy to load (whether we’re talking passengers or merchandise), a minivan makes good sense. And the freshened 2021 Honda Odyssey is one of our favorites, for now. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.8 cu ft | 32.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4430 lbs | 4398 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 68.3 in |
Length | 196.8 in | 205.2 in |
Width | 85.7 in | 92.3 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 118.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1570 lbs | 1621 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Look and feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Subaru Ascent as 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Odyssey as 9 out of 10. The 2020 Ascent is described as practical and utilitarian, resembling a puffed-up Subaru Forester. It features gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversize grille, and appealing 20-inch aluminum wheels. The interior is stylish, with quality materials and thoughtful details. The Ascent offers various trim levels, with the Touring trim providing premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and special wood trim. CarGurus recommends the Ascent Premium with additional option packages for a nearly identical look to the Touring at a lower price. The 2021 Honda Odyssey has a familiar look that has been tweaked for the new model year. The grille and front bumper are new, and every trim level gets standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. New wheel designs and gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights modernize the Odyssey. The Elite trim offers perforated leather upholstery, new dashboard ambient lighting, and 19-inch wheels with a more aggressive tire.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Subaru Ascent 5 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Odyssey 8 out of 10. The 2020 Subaru Ascent is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive (AWD). It provides good acceleration with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. However, the turbocharged engine is thirsty, averaging 18.9 mpg in real-world driving, falling short of the official EPA estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Ascent's driving dynamics are most at home on freeways and off the pavement, offering an Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The 2021 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The engine delivers 280 horsepower and includes variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The Odyssey's ride and handling qualities contribute to a pleasurable driving experience, with steering perfectly weighted and body motions expertly managed. However, the brakes do not withstand much abuse, quickly heating up and suffering from fade.
Form and function
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Odyssey 7 out of 10. The Subaru Ascent offers comfort and practicality, especially in the Touring trim level. It provides a spacious and stylish interior with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Ascent offers a choice between a 3-person second-row bench seat or individual captain’s chairs, with three-zone automatic climate control available in select trims. The third-row seats offer acceptable space for adults and children, and the Ascent provides generous cargo space, with 47 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second-row seats and 86 cubic feet of maximum volume. The Honda Odyssey offers legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. It features a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, inboard adjustable armrests, and Honda’s Magic Slide second-row seat layout, providing various seating modes for passenger comfort and versatility. The Odyssey offers excellent cargo space, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled into the cargo well, and a maximum volume of 144.9 cubic feet.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Subaru Ascent 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Odyssey 7 out of 10. The Subaru Ascent comes with a Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, integrated apps, and a CD player. The Premium trim and above feature an 8-inch touchscreen display, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security connected services. The Touring trim offers a high-resolution screen and navigation. The Ascent also provides a rear-seat reminder system, Starlink Safety Plus connected services, and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for added convenience and safety. The 2021 Honda Odyssey is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring and Elite trims add a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system, and wireless smartphone charging. The Odyssey also offers HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans for added convenience and safety.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Subaru Ascent 10 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Odyssey 9 out of 10. The Subaru Ascent receives a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems. The Ascent also offers a blind-spot-monitoring system, LED steering-responsive headlights, reverse automatic braking, and Starlink Safety Plus connected services, providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and roadside assistance. The 2021 Honda Odyssey comes standard with Honda Sensing, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and low-speed follow capability. The Odyssey also offers LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist, a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning system, and HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Subaru Ascent is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Odyssey scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Odyssey emerges as the preferred choice, offering a higher overall rating and a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, advanced technology, and practicality. However, these vehicles feature two very different body styles, so one may be better suited to your needs than the other.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Ascent if:
- You prioritize safety and advanced driving assistance systems, as the Ascent receives a Top Safety Pick+ rating and is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight technology.
- You seek a versatile and spacious interior, with the Ascent offering comfortable seating, ample cargo space, and practical features for family use.
- You enjoy outdoor activities and need a vehicle with rugged capabilities, as the Ascent provides AWD, ground clearance, and roof rails for adventure enthusiasts.
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Choose the 2021 Honda Odyssey if:
- You prioritize passenger comfort and practicality, as the Odyssey offers a spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space and various seating modes.
- You value advanced technology and convenience features, as the Odyssey provides a range of infotainment options, Honda Sensing ADAS, and subscription plans for added safety and connectivity.
- You are looking for a family-friendly vehicle with a focus on utility and gas mileage, as the Odyssey offers a comfortable and efficient minivan for daily use.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Subaru Ascent is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Odyssey scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Odyssey emerges as the preferred choice, offering a higher overall rating and a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, advanced technology, and practicality. However, these vehicles feature two very different body styles, so one may be better suited to your needs than the other.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize safety and advanced driving assistance systems, as the Ascent receives a Top Safety Pick+ rating and is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight technology.
- You seek a versatile and spacious interior, with the Ascent offering comfortable seating, ample cargo space, and practical features for family use.
- You enjoy outdoor activities and need a vehicle with rugged capabilities, as the Ascent provides AWD, ground clearance, and roof rails for adventure enthusiasts.
480 results
Choose the 2021 Honda Odyssey if:
Shop Now- You prioritize passenger comfort and practicality, as the Odyssey offers a spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space and various seating modes.
- You value advanced technology and convenience features, as the Odyssey provides a range of infotainment options, Honda Sensing ADAS, and subscription plans for added safety and connectivity.
- You are looking for a family-friendly vehicle with a focus on utility and gas mileage, as the Odyssey offers a comfortable and efficient minivan for daily use.
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By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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