2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights across all trims, gave it a refreshed look. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim added to its appeal. The interior saw enhancements with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, elevating its luxury feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to reduce brightwork, making it a more sophisticated choice for minivan buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a bold new Onyx Edition trim, featuring a blacked-out exterior that gave the SUV a sporty edge. This trim level included black 20-inch aluminum wheels, unique grille design, and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. The Ascent's interior was practical, with a gray two-tone scheme and metallic trim, though the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat. The Onyx Edition's styling was a departure from the traditional look, appealing to those seeking a more aggressive aesthetic.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive offered a fuel consumption rating of 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Ascent's flat-four engine layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's off-road capabilities were bolstered by Subaru’s X-Mode system, though its lane-keeping technology could feel unstable at times.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers found legible instrumentation and logical controls, though the absence of a tuning knob was puzzling. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats to access full cargo capacity was cumbersome.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was designed for comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors, and storage was ample throughout the cabin. Cargo space behind the third row measured 458 litres, expanding to 2,061 litres with seats folded. The Ascent's practicality was evident, though its third-row comfort was limited for taller adults.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, its voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked premium sound quality, and the Harman Kardon system was not available for this trim. Premier models offered additional tech features like a digital rearview mirror and a front camera.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though its adaptive cruise control could be smoother. The lane-departure warning system used a wobble alert, which some drivers found less effective.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard EyeSight technology provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, though it struggled in direct sunlight. The Ascent's safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking, with blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims.