2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights across all trims, gave it a modern touch. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Odyssey offered a luxurious feel with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, particularly in the Touring trim. The interior improvements, including tri-colour floor mats, added to the upscale experience, making the Odyssey Touring a strong contender in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, especially in the Wilderness trim, emphasized ruggedness over elegance. Its exterior featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a robust, adventurous look. The matte-black hood decal and copper-coloured accents added to its distinctive appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized functionality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and practical features like all-weather floor mats. The interior design focused on durability and practicality, appealing to those seeking a vehicle ready for outdoor adventures.

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. Despite its front-wheel-drive setup, the Odyssey offered a pleasurable driving experience with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable ride quality. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's brakes, while improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for further enhancement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.1 L/100 km. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The Forester excelled off-road, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and enhanced suspension, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and well-organized interior with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, while heated front seats and mirrors were standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, accommodating both passengers and cargo. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. The Odyssey's cargo capacity was impressive, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality with easy entry and exit, thanks to its tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails supported a three-person roof tent, enhancing its outdoor appeal. The Forester's cargo space was practical, with 818 litres available without the sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added to its utility, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation and a CabinWatch interior camera. The Touring trim also included a premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, lacked a touchscreen, disappointing younger passengers.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed effectiveness. The Forester's technology package was practical and well-suited for its adventurous nature.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey boasted an impressive array of safety features, with Honda Sensing now standard across all trims. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings in most crash tests. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective than a vibration.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS. The Wilderness trim's modified height might require re-testing.