2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport represented a bold continuation of Honda's design philosophy, borrowing heavily from its sibling, the Ridgeline pickup truck. From the front, the Passport was nearly indistinguishable from the Ridgeline, sharing similar design cues forward of the doors and windshield. This design choice stemmed from Honda's strategy of using a shared platform among the Passport, Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot three-row SUV. Essentially, the Passport was a shorter, more style-focused rendition of the Pilot, minus the third row and featuring distinct exterior tweaks.

Honda's effort to imbue the Passport with a tougher and more rugged appearance was most evident in the updated nose styling. This change aimed to present a more assertive and robust front end. Whether or not this styling resonated was subjective, but the attempt at conveying ruggedness was clear. The redesigned Passport lineup for 2022 encompassed three trims: the base EX-L, the new mid-level TrailSport, and the upscale Elite. Each trim featured new wheel designs, and the TrailSport trim was a new addition reflecting Honda's future vision for rugged SUVs.

The TrailSport, in particular, aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, equipped with all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes. However, its off-road capabilities were more about aesthetics than actual performance. Despite this, the TrailSport was marginally more capable off the beaten track compared to more urban-oriented SUVs.

The Passport EX-L, now the base model, came with a host of standard features, including leather seats, driving up its starting price but offering more value. The Elite trim offered top-tier luxuries and conveniences. Prices for the Passport ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a TrailSport, had a final MSRP of $44,095 with its extra-cost Sonic Gray Pearl paint.

The TrailSport trim featured exclusive 18-inch wheels that mimicked all-terrain tires, a roof rack, and simulated skid plates, all contributing to its aggressive, SUV-like demeanor. Inside, the 2022 Passport boasted one of the roomiest interiors in its class, with good quality materials and solid assembly. TrailSport trim added flair with orange contrast stitching, amber ambient lighting, embroidered TrailSport emblems, and rubber all-season floor mats.

In comparison, the 2022 Subaru Forester was another strong contender in the SUV segment, offered in multiple trims: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Starting prices began at $25,195 for the base model, with the Touring trim capping the range at $35,295. The destination charge was $1,125. All-wheel drive was standard across the board, giving every Forester a basic competency in off-road conditions.

On our evaluation in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, we focused on the newly introduced Wilderness trim. Priced at $33,945 with destination, our test car came equipped with dark gray, water-repellent StarTex simulated leather seats and multiple options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate. With additional dealer-installed accessories, such as an engine underguard, the total cost reached $36,014.

True to Subaru tradition, the Forester’s exterior was more functional than fashionable. The Wilderness trim further amplified this practical aesthetic with a matte-black, anti-glare hood decal, extensive protective cladding, a suspension lift for increased ground clearance (9.2 inches), and 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels. These modifications made the Forester look more rugged but also gave it an awkward, raccoon-like appearance.

Inside, the Forester emphasized utilitarian design principles, with hard plastic and functional, though somewhat dated, surfaces. Subaru provided just enough copper-colored stitching and accents to give it a unique appeal without compromising its practical essence. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, standard on higher trims, boasted physical knobs and buttons for ease of use, although the three display screens could sometimes complicate user interaction.

Ultimately, the 2022 Forester was well-made with its new front-end styling generally improving its look, although the Wilderness's outdoor-ready cladding and design might not appeal to everyone.

Performance-wise, the 2022 Honda Passport had several strengths due to its robust powertrain. It carried over the reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, driving either the front wheels (FWD) or all wheels (AWD). The V6 engine was known for its smooth operation and felt more powerful than its specs suggested, complementing the nine-speed transmission well.

For fuel efficiency, the Passport's FWD model was rated by the EPA at 22 mpg for combined driving. However, the addition of AWD reduced this to 21 mpg. During testing, the TrailSport model averaged around 21.3 mpg across varied driving conditions.

2022 introduced the Passport TrailSport and the Elite trims with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) AWD system as standard. This system could transfer up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel as needed, enhancing traction. Although this system was effective on twisty roads, its benefits were less noticeable off-road, where the Passport’s wheel articulation fell short of expectations.

On standard roads and highways, the Passport excelled with its firm, responsive ride and sporty handling characteristics. The steering was communicative, and the view from the driver's seat benefited from extensive outward visibility. The Passport proved to be a capable, enjoyable vehicle for daily commutes and highway stretches. However, the brake performance seemed less reassuring during long descents, exhibiting vibrations that were discomforting, especially considering the Passport’s 5,000-pound towing capacity.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru Forester was less about raw power and more about balanced, practical performance. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine outputted 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A continually variable transmission (CVT) paired with standard AWD characterized Forester’s drivetrain. Despite its lesser power compared to Passport, it provided a torque boost of 25 percent in Wilderness trim, allowing it to increase towing capacity from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds.

Forester Wilderness's fuel economy was rated by the EPA at 26 mpg in combined driving, with an observed average of 25.9 mpg during our test drives in Oregon. Near sea level, the naturally aspirated engine proved adequate. However, at higher altitudes, the lack of a turbocharger was evident, leading to a noticeable loss in power.

The Forester's CVT came with eight simulated gear ratios and performed its duties without much intrusion. It featured SI-Drive in the Wilderness trim, enhancing response in Sport mode and improving off-the-line acceleration slightly. However, there remained a longing for a turbocharged option or a hybrid variant.

Subaru's X-Mode system, standard on most Forester trims, allowed for optimized traction control across different terrains and included a new "standby" setting for automatic re-engagement. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks contributed to a higher ground clearance and better off-road angles, enhancing its capability. Equipped with all-terrain tires and an aluminum skid plate, the Wilderness trim proved effective across various driving environments. Although engine power was limited and wind noise above 65 mph was noticeable, the Forester's long-travel suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride and kept body roll minimal.

Off-road, the Forester excelled, navigating through soft mud, streams, and eroded terrain near Mt. Jefferson with ease. Despite limitations like potential front-end damage and its car-based platform, the Wilderness trim held its ground impressively against its direct competitors.

The 2022 Honda Passport and Subaru Forester both prioritized easy access and comfort in their respective designs but showcased their utility differently.

In the Passport, passengers benefitted from the large doors and low step-in height, facilitating hassle-free entry and exit. The front seats were spacious and comfortable, featuring adjustable armrests and good thigh support, with leather upholstery and heating as standard. The Elite trim also offered ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats, which added to the overall comfort.

Rear passengers in the Passport enjoyed ample legroom, headroom, and a slightly elevated seating position for better view, bolstered by large side windows that made the interior feel open and airy. Storage solutions were abundant, from the massive center console storage bin with its rolltop cover to the shelving in the door panels and numerous cupholders.

The Passport shone in terms of cargo capacity, offering 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This substantial cargo space easily accommodated a variety of cargo, making the Passport an excellent choice for those needing significant storage capacity.

The Forester, meanwhile, had a strong focus on functionality. Its high seating hip points made getting in and out of the vehicle a breeze, with a sliding motion that spared passengers' knees. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, its interior could handle grime and moisture admirably, thanks to the water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and rubber cargo mat. Though comfortable, the seats lacked a ventilation system, which could be a downside in hot, humid conditions.

For 2022, the Forester included upgraded roof rails capable of supporting a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, making them suitable for roof tents and other gear. Comfort-wise, both the front and rear seats offered supportive cushioning and a high seating position, ensuring excellent visibility. Rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports, adding to their comfort.

Storage space inside the Forester was efficiently laid out with bins in the armrests, bottle holders in door panels, dual front seatback pockets, and cupholders in the fold-down center armrest. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. These numbers were smaller than the Passport’s but still competitive, with 74.2 cubic feet available when the rear seats were down, or 69.1 cubic feet with the sunroof, making the Forester one of the roomiest in the compact SUV category.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system met the basic requirements but lagged behind in modernity. Each trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. TrailSport added a navigation system, while the Elite included a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

User interaction with the system was straightforward, thanks to physical shortcut buttons and a volume knob, although the lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience. The navigation system was less intuitive, often requiring specific voice commands, but Apple CarPlay offered a seamless alternative. Wireless smartphone charging was a standard feature, adding a touch of convenience.

Conversely, the base Subaru Forester was equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Higher trims like Wilderness, Limited, and Touring came with an 8-inch touchscreen, enabling navigation and featuring a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, valuable for off-road use.

The Premium trim and above offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an active Starlink subscription provided remote engine starting. The Harman Kardon audio system in our test vehicle produced clear, rich sound but could benefit from a breadcrumb function in its navigation for off-road adventures. Voice recognition was inconsistent but workable, and the PIN Code Access feature, standard on most trims, allowed secure vehicle access without the key fob.

Safety was a strong point for both the Honda Passport and Subaru Forester, but there were distinctions in their technologies and performance.

The 2022 Honda Passport came with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additionally, it featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder, and a seatbelt reminder system.

While the Honda Sensing suite was effective, it lacked refinement. The lane-departure warning's aggressive steering wheel vibrations and the lane-centering assist's frequent, unwelcome steering adjustments were notable annoyances. The adaptive cruise control also tended to respond harshly in traffic, and the blind-spot monitoring warning lights were poorly positioned. Despite these criticisms, the Passport performed well in crash tests, securing five-star NHTSA ratings in most categories, except for frontal passenger protection and rollover resistance, each rated at four stars. The IIHS also rated it highly, except for an "Acceptable" rating in small overlap front-passenger protection.

Subaru introduced its next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system in the 2022 Forester, enhancing its field of vision and accuracy. Features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 demonstrated fewer false warnings and greater confidence during operation.

Standard safety features for the Forester included a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for drowsiness and distraction monitoring, now with gesture control for climate adjustments. The 2022 Forester received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, despite a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. While the IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model, it was expected to maintain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating, though the Wilderness trim might require re-testing.