2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as a unique grille and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior styling. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with only a couple of more vibrant options like Radiant Red Metallic. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that became more upscale with higher trims. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a more sporty appearance with its Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design. The interior of the Ascent Onyx Edition was equipped with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather in a gray two-tone scheme, complemented by metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. The Ascent's styling was generally well-received, though it was noted that the interior could be more comfortable for taller adults, especially in the third row.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. It provided smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossovers. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that maintained constant engine revs, contributing to a smooth driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, and its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, came with a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It also featured a CVT with eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity was impressive at up to 2,270 kilograms. Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 22 centimetres of ground clearance enhanced its off-road capabilities. While the Ascent demonstrated nimble handling in urban settings, its lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel uncertain on highways, affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its versatility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was capable of seating up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was well-equipped for winter conditions with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second row was made easy with wide rear doors, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,193 litres with the second row folded, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows down. The base model without the panoramic sunroof offered slightly more cargo space.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying audio setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V EX-L and higher trims included Sirius XM and HD radio, with satellite navigation available on the Touring and Black Edition trims. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, as well as HD Radio and satellite radio. The Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, its voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, but a premium Harman Kardon sound system was available on higher trims. Additional technology features, such as a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Premier trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it did not achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included a suite of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, all standard across trims. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

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-assist technology included adaptive cruise control with lane-centring, though it had limitations in direct sunlight and lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and automatic high-beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring was available from the Touring trim, and reverse automatic braking was also offered.