2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport shared a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the doors forward. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seating, and featured distinct styling. Honda's design updates aimed to give the Passport a more rugged appearance, particularly with the new TrailSport trim, which was intended to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Despite its off-road-inspired looks, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual capability, although it did offer some off-road features like increased ground clearance and traction management modes.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, embraced a more utilitarian and rugged design. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, increased ground clearance, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive "overlanding" look. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces, emphasizing practicality. The Wilderness trim added unique touches like copper-coloured stitching and accents, while the overall interior design remained straightforward and focused on utility. The Forester's design was not universally appealing, but it was undeniably functional, especially for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, utilizing Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system. This system could direct up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed, enhancing traction. The Passport offered a firm and communicative ride, with athletic handling and satisfying acceleration. However, its brakes could become less confidence-inspiring on mountain descents, and the absence of a surround-view camera system was noted during tight parking situations.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model's CVT design provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the Wilderness trim included SI-Drive for a more responsive powertrain. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system improved off-road capability, and the Wilderness trim's suspension enhancements provided better ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy entry and exit, thanks to its large doors and low step-in height. Inside, it featured spacious and comfortable seating, with leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim included ventilated front seats. The Passport's interior boasted ample storage options, including a massive centre console and various door panel compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the rear seat folded down, making it a practical choice for families and road trips.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space was decent, with various compartments and cupholders. Cargo capacity measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded down. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its versatility for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Satellite radio was available on the TrailSport trim, while the Touring trim added a navigation system and a premium audio system. The system's interface was straightforward, with shortcut buttons and a volume knob, but it lacked a tuning knob. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base Sport trim. While the Passport's technology was not cutting-edge, it met basic modern standards.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims, including the Wilderness, offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim also 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 comprehensive, with remote engine starting available through an active Starlink plan.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, some elements of Honda Sensing were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist functions drawing negative attention. The Passport received five-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests but earned four stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings, except for an Acceptable rating in front-passenger protection during a small overlap collision.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.