2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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 featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and new tri-color floor mats.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, plus a $1,125 destination fee. The Ascent lineup included Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $32,295 to $45,445. The test vehicle's interior featured water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment gave the Ascent a sporty appearance, the StarTex material tended to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The Ascent's interior also included metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, enhancing its overall aesthetic.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes did not withstand heavy use, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's EPA fuel-economy rating was 22 mpg combined, and it averaged 20.5 mpg during testing. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhanced its off-roading capabilities. The Ascent's ride was nimble and maneuverable, though the brakes could be overly responsive in sudden braking situations. On freeways, the Ascent's lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel unstable, but turning them off improved the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, providing comfort and support. The Elite trim included a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. 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 both rows folded. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access maximum cargo volume.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition included water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a useful shelf running the width of the dashboard. Cargo space measured 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. Versions with the panoramic sunroof had slightly less cargo space.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above 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. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting with climate control pre-conditioning. The system included volume and tuning knobs and buttons for shortcuts. The voice recognition technology needed improvement, requiring specific commands for accurate responses. Onyx Edition models used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was standard on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The ADAS worked accurately but could apply uneven braking and had a wobbly lane-departure warning system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent's EyeSight driver-assistance tech included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology, though it performed intermittently in direct sunlight and lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist and a Starlink Safety and Security subscription plan.