2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, offering a three-row SUV that had been missing since the ill-fated Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, making it instantly recognizable as part of the Subaru family. The interior followed suit, with a dashboard design that mirrored other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for buyers. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features, from driver-assistance technologies to upgraded touchscreens and premium audio systems.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, took design cues from Nissan's new era of SUV styling, featuring a bold V-motion grille and LED headlights. The Pathfinder's design aimed to evoke a sense of rugged capability, with a wider track and a more planted look. The interior was designed with family flexibility in mind, offering features like wide-opening doors, second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to fit up to five car seats. The Pathfinder came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from body-color door handles to a panoramic moonroof and semi-aniline leather-appointed seats.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent's ride was focused on comfort, with responsive handling and the ability to absorb road bumps effectively. It featured 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable in snowy conditions and light off-roading. The Ascent was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The Pathfinder was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, with AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder had a stable ride, absorbing most road imperfections, and featured a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver. It had a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and included stabilizing trailer sway control technology.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It provided seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous trays and cubbies for storage.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior was designed for quietness and flexibility. It featured improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass to reduce noise. The Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. It could accommodate up to five car seats and featured EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology for easy third-row access. The Pathfinder also had a removable second-row center console and a spacious front center console. It offered seating for up to eight passengers, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured Subaru's StarLink infotainment system with logical menu layouts and large icons. It came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 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 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and hands-free text messaging. Higher trims offered a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, called EyeSight. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also featured a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor and an additional airbag, bringing the total to 11 on the Platinum trim.