2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior. This trim level was positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance with black 20-inch aluminum wheels, unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition was priced at $44,995, excluding the destination fee. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat. The interior also included metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, creating a modern ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling from its predecessors, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. The CR-V Hybrid was longer and wider, with a muscular stance and modernized taillights. The Hybrid Touring trim, which we reviewed, featured black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, along with dual chrome exhaust finishers. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel and high-quality materials. The cabin included a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents, and contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added an attractive touch.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The Ascent's engine, with its flat-four layout, offered a lower centre of gravity for improved handling. The CVT provided eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, contributing to a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance enhanced its off-roading capabilities.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The CR-V Hybrid had a CVT and introduced a fourth drive mode: Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking, contributing to a fuel consumption rating of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seatbacks up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The CR-V Hybrid offered improved rear seat legroom and reclining rear seats with eight positions. The cabin included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console with best-in-class storage. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features were reserved for the Premier trim.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a 9-inch touchscreen for the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats. The Hybrid Touring trim included a wireless charging pad, 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system.

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 came with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, the system had limitations in direct sunlight and lacked refinement in adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.