2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,150 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline bursts onto the scene with a muscular 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, showcasing a preference for accessible power delivered through a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. Its larger footprint, measuring 210.2 inches long, offers a different utilitarian angle than the rugged yet composed 2026 Subaru Outback. The Outback counters with superior efficiency, boasting a stellar 27 MPG combined rating versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, making it the clear favorite for penny-pinching road trips. While the Ridgeline starts at a higher MSRP of $40,150, it packs nearly 100 more horsepower than the Outback's 180 hp. However, the Outback offers over four times the primary storage space, with 34.6 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's meager 7.3 cu ft, presenting a fascinating dynamic between raw output and practical volume for shoppers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuting due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families will prefer the Outback as it offers significantly more primary storage capacity at 34.6 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline excites driving enthusiasts with its commanding 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers better overall value by undercutting the Ridgeline's MSRP by $5,155 while delivering far better fuel economy.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize immediate acceleration, evidenced by the Ridgeline’s 280 hp engine output.
You prefer the mechanical engagement and responsiveness of a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You need the larger road presence provided by the Ridgeline’s 210.2-inch length and 78.6-inch width.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum fuel efficiency is key, as the Outback achieves 31 MPG on the highway compared to the Ridgeline’s 24 MPG.
You require substantial cargo utility, benefitting from the Outback's massive 34.6 cu ft of storage space.
Budget is a primary concern, as the Outback saves $5,155 compared to the Ridgeline's $40,150 starting price.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Subaru Outback
Length	210.2"	191.7"
Width	78.6"	74.0"
Height	70.8"	67.5"
Wheelbase	125.2"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

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]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.1 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: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline than the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The Ridgeline holds a significant advantage in power, offering 280 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp, a difference of 100 horsepower. This power gap is supported by the Ridgeline's higher torque figure of 262 lb-ft versus the Outback's 178 lb-ft.

Is the Ridgeline's utility compromised by its smaller cargo rating?

Yes, the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft of cargo capacity is drastically smaller than the Outback's 34.6 cu ft, suggesting the Ridgeline's utility focus might be oriented elsewhere, such as towing or hauling slightly larger but less voluminous items.

Which crossover makes more financial sense based on running costs?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear financial winner for regular use, achieving 27 MPG combined, which beats the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined rating by 6 miles per gallon.

What is the difference in drive feel between the two transmissions?

The Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, offering distinct gear steps for performance driving, whereas the Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) designed primarily for smooth, linear efficiency.

If I drive mostly on the highway, how significant is the MPG difference?

On the highway, the Outback delivers 31 MPG, significantly outpacing the Ridgeline's 24 MPG highway rating, leading to fewer stops at the pump over long distances.