2025 Honda Passport vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The age-old question for SUV shoppers is whether to prioritize sheer capability and power over running costs and upfront savings. The 2025 Honda Passport starts significantly higher at $42,400 compared to the 2026 Subaru Outback's $34,995, immediately highlighting the value gap. However, the Passport offers substantially more muscle, boasting 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's 180 hp. This power comes at the expense of efficiency, as the Passport nets only 21 combined MPG, while the Outback sips fuel, achieving 27 combined MPG. Physically, the Passport is bulkier at 72.2 inches tall versus the Outback's 67.5 inches, translating to an advantage in interior space, particularly noted in the 50.5 cu ft cargo capacity against the Outback's 34.6 cu ft. Your choice really boils down to how much you value horsepower versus saving over $7,400 upfront.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Passport's 21.
2025 Honda Passport
The 2025 Honda Passport offers substantially more room for gear, providing 50.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outback's 34.6 cu ft.
2025 Honda Passport
Enthusiasts will prefer the Passport's robust performance figures, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear value winner, saving buyers $7,405 on the MSRP while also offering better efficiency.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You frequently haul bulky items, benefiting from the Passport's large 50.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You require stronger acceleration and highway merging power from the 280 hp engine.
- You prefer a taller ride height, as the Passport sits 4.7 inches higher at 72.2 inches.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Minimizing trips to the gas station is a priority, given the Outbackβs excellent 27 combined MPG.
- You want to keep the purchase price down, saving $7,405 with the Outback's $34,995 MSRP.
- You prefer a slightly longer vehicle for a more composed on-road feel, as the Outback is 2.6 inches longer.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Passport | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1" | 191.7" |
| Width | 78.6" | 74.0" |
| Height | 72.2" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 108.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| Adaptive Headlights | β | β |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | β | β |
| Front Fog Lights | β | β |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
| Cylinder Deactivation | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | β | β |
| [object Object] | β | β |
| Center Differential Type | β | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | β | β |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.5/468.0 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Front Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Wireless Charging Pad | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Overhead Console with Storage | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Three Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | β | β |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | β | β |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Cargo Floor Mats | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Stereo Power | 215W | β |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | β |
| Android Auto (Wired) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | β | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | β |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | β |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | β |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | β | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
| Reclining Rear Seats | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | β |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/45R | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | β | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | β | 18 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | β |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Passport and 2026 Subaru Outback.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Honda Passport than the 2026 Subaru Outback?
The Passport packs significantly more punch, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts sharply with the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 100 hp difference.
Which vehicle is genuinely better for long-distance commuting based on efficiency?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior choice for daily commuting economy. It achieves 27 combined MPG, which is six MPG better than the Honda Passportβs 21 combined MPG rating.
Is the extra cost of the Passport worth the horsepower difference?
That depends on your needs; the Passport costs $7,405 more but gives you 100 more horsepower and a larger overall footprint. If spirited driving outweighs upfront savings, the Passport makes a case.
How does the cargo space compare between these two AWD crossovers?
The Passport dominates in storage, offering 50.5 cu ft behind the rear seats. The Outback provides a respectable 34.6 cu ft, meaning the Passport can carry roughly 16 cubic feet more gear.
Since both have AWD, what are the main differences in their size and footprint?
The Passport is substantially taller (72.2 inches vs. 67.5 inches) and wider (78.6 inches vs. 74.0 inches), making it feel more imposing. Conversely, the Outback is slightly longer overall at 191.7 inches.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, thankfully both the 2025 Honda Passport and the 2026 Subaru Outback are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep the cost of ownership manageable for both models.
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