2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a notable gap in the three-row SUV segment. Its design was reminiscent of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, but scaled up to accommodate three rows. The interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that was consistent with other Subaru vehicles, likely to foster brand recognition among consumers. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each progressively adding more features such as larger touchscreens, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and features. It maintained the classic minivan silhouette but added stylish touches like kinked sliding doors and character lines. The Odyssey's interior was spacious and functional, with a low console and ample storage. The Elite trim, in particular, offered leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Odyssey's design emphasized comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender for family-oriented buyers.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided a balanced performance suitable for various driving conditions. The Ascent excelled in comfort and handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like X-Mode for enhanced traction in challenging conditions. It was also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making it versatile for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Odyssey offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. It averaged 22.6 mpg in mixed driving conditions, though its brakes showed signs of strain during extended downhill driving. Despite this, the Odyssey remained quick and responsive, making it a pleasant vehicle for daily commutes and family trips.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It provided seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. The interior was spacious, especially in the first two rows, and featured numerous storage options, including 19 cupholders.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space, with 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. Its Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility for passenger and cargo arrangements. The Odyssey's third-row seats were comfortable for adults, and the interior featured numerous storage solutions, including an onboard vacuum cleaner in the Elite trim.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's StarLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included multiple USB ports and optional features like a WiFi hotspot and a premium audio system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, particularly in the Elite trim, was equipped with a range of technology features, though its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. It included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, enhancing communication within the vehicle. However, the infotainment system's interface and navigation required improvement.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was recognized as a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, thanks to its robust safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the system's responsiveness could be abrupt, and the blind-spot monitoring system's placement was less intuitive.