2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$44,750 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2026 Subaru Ascent often comes down to balancing immediate purchase price versus raw power. If you are worried about sticking to a budget, the Ascent starts at a notable $3,955 less, beginning at $40,795 compared to the Passport's $44,750 MSRP. However, the Passport counters this with superior performance, boasting 285 hp from its engine, easily outpacing the Ascent's 260 hp output, even if the Ascent manages slightly better torque at 277 lb-ft versus 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy is incredibly close, with the Ascent netting 22 MPG combined against the Passport's 21 MPG combined, indicating minimal long-term running cost differences. Surprisingly, the Passport offers significantly more accessible storage space, featuring 44 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft rear volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG versus the Passport's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport is the family winner because its 44 cu ft of cargo capacity offers substantially more room than the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

Enthusiasts will prefer the Passport for its higher peak power output of 285 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent provides better immediate value by starting at an MSRP that is $3,955 less expensive than the Honda Passport.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You prioritize sheer hauling capability, evidenced by the Passport's massive 44 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the higher horsepower figure for quicker acceleration (285 hp vs. 260 hp).
You prefer the engagement of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Saving money upfront is crucial, as the Ascent's $40,795 MSRP saves you $3,955 instantly.
You frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, benefiting from the Ascent's slightly better 20 MPG city rating.
You need a wider vehicle body, as the Ascent's 76.0 inches width is notably narrower than the Passport's 79.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Passport	Subaru Ascent
Length	191.5"	196.8"
Width	79.4"	76.0"
Height	73.1"	71.6"
Wheelbase	113.6"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/25 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/462.5 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	19.3 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear 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	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	225W	—
Speaker System	9	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.7 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 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 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which vehicle is significantly bigger inside for hauling gear?

The 2026 Honda Passport is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 44 cubic feet behind the second row. The 2026 Subaru Ascent trails significantly, providing only 17.8 cubic feet in that same configuration.

How does the difference in horsepower impact driving dynamics?

The Honda Passport has a 25 hp advantage, putting out 285 hp, which generally translates to better acceleration and passing power on the highway. The Ascent compensates slightly with a bit more torque, 277 lb-ft versus the Passport's 262 lb-ft.

Are the operating costs very different regarding fuel?

No, the fuel costs should be nearly identical since both require regular unleaded fuel. The Ascent holds a very slight edge with 22 MPG combined versus the Passport's 21 MPG combined.

Which crossover has the better starting price?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the better financial choice at the dealership, starting at $40,795. This is $3,955 less than the 2026 Honda Passport's starting MSRP of $44,750.

What is the main transmission difference between the two AWD crossovers?

The Passport uses a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which some drivers prefer for a more direct feel. The Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), common in many modern crossovers for smooth efficiency.

Are these vehicles similar in exterior size?

While both are large crossovers, the Ascent is longer overall at 196.8 inches compared to the Passport’s 191.5 inches. However, the Passport is substantially wider at 79.4 inches versus the Ascent's 76.0 inches.