2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition, featuring a trendy blacked-out look. Positioned in the middle of the lineup, the Ascent offered trims from Convenience to Premier. The Onyx Edition, priced at $44,995, included black exterior elements and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. While the blacked-out treatment added sportiness, the interior's gray two-tone scheme was a welcome change. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a fuel consumption of 11.0 L/100 km combined. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its CVT and AWD system offered a fuel consumption of 10.5 L/100 km combined. The Ascent's flat-four engine layout contributed to improved handling, while the CVT provided brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. With 22 cm of ground clearance and X-Mode off-road traction control, the Ascent excelled in off-road capability compared to its competitors.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, including a large centre console and power tailgate.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also accommodated up to eight passengers, though third-row comfort was limited for taller adults. The Onyx Edition included features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats. Cargo space was slightly less than the Pilot, with 458 litres behind the third row and up to 2,140 litres with seats folded. The Ascent offered practical storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and large door cupholders.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the system's voice recognition required specific prompts, and HondaLink services were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with similar connectivity features. The Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink services. While the system was user-friendly, voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, with the Harman Kardon system reserved for higher trims. Additional tech features like a digital rearview mirror were available on the Premier trim.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in one area.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. Standard EyeSight technology provided advanced driver-assist features, though it struggled in direct sunlight. Despite some refinement issues, EyeSight was effective, and additional safety features were available on higher trims.