2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the rugged 2026 Honda Passport and the efficient 2026 Subaru Outback boils down to power versus price. If your priority is having punchy acceleration for highway merging, the Passport's 285 hp will feel far superior to the Outback's 180 hp. However, that performance comes at a steep cost: the Passport starts at $44,750, a hefty $9,755 more than the Outback's $34,995 entry price. Furthermore, the Outback dominates fuel economy, delivering 27 MPG combined versus the Passport's 21 MPG combined, leading to significant long-term savings. While the Passport offers more immediate space with 44 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outback's 34.6 cu ft, the Outback wins on efficiency and affordability, making it the smarter choice for budget-conscious drivers who prioritize longevity over raw power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Passport's 21 MPG.
2026 Honda Passport
Families needing maximum hauling space will prefer the 2026 Honda Passport's larger 44 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Honda Passport
Enthusiasts seeking better acceleration will appreciate the Passport's 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's output.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback offers substantially better value starting at $34,995, undercutting the Passport by nearly $10,000.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You frequently need to pass quickly and desire the 285 horsepower punch.
- Your lifestyle requires the maximum hauling capability, utilizing the 44 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Sticking strictly to a budget is crucial, as the MSRP is $9,755 lower at $34,995.
- You commute long distances and want the significant fuel savings from 27 MPG combined.
- You prefer a slightly smaller overall footprint for easier city parking (74.0 inches wide).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Passport | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.5" | 191.7" |
| Width | 79.4" | 74.0" |
| Height | 73.1" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 113.6" | 108.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
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 | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | โ | โ |
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] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
| Center Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/25 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/462.5 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 225W | โ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | โ | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | โ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/60R | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | โ | 18 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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. | โ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Subaru Outback.
Is the power difference between the 2026 Passport and Outback noticeable in daily driving?
Absolutely; the 2026 Honda Passport offers 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, giving it a significant advantage over the Outback's 180 hp. This translates to faster, more confident merging and passing maneuvers on the highway with the Passport.
How much more will I spend annually on gas driving the Passport?
The difference is substantial: the Passport gets 21 MPG combined while the Outback achieves 27 MPG combined. This 6 MPG deficit in the Passport will lead to notably higher fuel costs over the course of a year.
Which vehicle is physically larger inside for passengers and gear?
The 2026 Honda Passport is notably larger, offering 44 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outback's 34.6 cu ft. Additionally, the Passport is slightly taller at 73.1 inches versus the Outback's 67.5 inches.
Considering the starting prices, is the Passport worth the extra $9,755?
If performance and immediate size are your top concerns, perhaps. However, the Outback starts at $34,995, saving you almost $10,000 upfront, which can be reinvested in maintenance or features.
Do both crossovers offer All-Wheel Drive standard?
Yes, both the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2026 Subaru Outback come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability. Both also use regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable in that regard.
What is the difference in transmission technology?
The Passport utilizes a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many driving enthusiasts prefer for gear control. The Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), typically favored for maximizing fuel efficiency.
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