2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a long-overdue gap in Subaru's lineup. It resembled a scaled-up version of the Forester crossover SUV and the Outback wagon, with a cabin design that mirrored other Subaru models. This design consistency likely aimed to connect the Ascent with Subaru's other popular models. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Standard trim was well-equipped with driver-assistance features, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, and remote keyless entry. The Premium trim upgraded the touchscreen to 8 inches and added features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, stain-resistant upholstery, remote start, and heated front seats. The Limited trim included push-button start, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The top-tier Touring trim offered second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain remained unchanged from the previous year, featuring Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine, equipped with variable cylinder management, provided smooth and effortless power, contributing to a fuel economy of 22 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy and icy regions. The 2021 model introduced a new electronic brake booster, enhancing the adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go capability and improving brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm yet comfortable ride, and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power was transmitted through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While some might prefer a premium engine option, the standard engine performed well in most driving scenarios, excelling in city driving and holding its own on highways. The Ascent's ride focused on refined comfort, with responsive handling and the ability to absorb road bumps, making it suitable for inclement weather and light off-roading. The Ascent featured 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard AWD, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, making it capable in snow and light off-road conditions. It was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. However, the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo and the occasionally confusing transmission gear buttons were drawbacks. A 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, providing comfort with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers generally found it comfortable. Storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console's top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout, available in all trims except LX, offered versatile seating configurations. The third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with all rear seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. While this was on the higher end for midsize three-row SUVs, some rivals offered more cargo space. The Ascent came standard with a power liftgate, though a hands-free option was unavailable. The base configuration seated up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults on shorter trips and children on longer journeys. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous trays and cubbies for gear.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. Touring and Elite trims offered HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans, with varying levels of free service periods. Despite the extensive technology, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps, though the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's StarLink infotainment system featured logical menu layouts and large, easy-to-read icons on both available touchscreens. The system was supported by hard buttons and dials, as well as a home button for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing across all trims. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, a road-sign recognition system, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. However, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning required upgrading to the EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to continue its Top Safety Pick recommendation for the Odyssey.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2021, thanks to its crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerted drivers when the vehicle in front had moved. For 2021, the Ascent added standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.