2026 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,595 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $5,600 MSRP difference, with the Outback starting at $34,995 compared to the Ridgeline's $40,595. Performance figures clearly favor the Ridgeline, which delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque against the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Conversely, fuel economy metrics strongly favor the Outback, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, translating to 6 MPG better efficiency on paper. Dimensional differences are also pronounced; the Ridgeline is 210.2 inches long, significantly larger than the Outback’s 191.7 inches. However, the Outback offers superior utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft cargo area, suggesting a trade-off between brute force power and practical space.

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 fuel economy of 27 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides substantially more usable storage with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the clear enthusiast choice, offering 100 more horsepower (280 hp vs 180 hp).

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides better fundamental efficiency and lower upfront cost ($34,995 vs $40,595) for the segment.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, benefiting from the Ridgeline's 280 horsepower.
You require the greater road presence provided by the Ridgeline's 210.2-inch length.
You prefer a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Saving on fuel is critical, leveraging the Outback's 31 highway MPG rating.
You need significantly more enclosed storage, as 34.6 cu ft vastly exceeds the competition.
Your budget is firm, with the Outback saving $5,600 in initial purchase 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 2026 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Subaru Outback.

What is the main performance disparity between these two crossovers?

The primary performance gap lies in power output; the 2026 Honda Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower, while the 2026 Subaru Outback delivers 180 horsepower. This 100 hp advantage means the Ridgeline has significantly more acceleration capability.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway driving based on specifications?

The Subaru Outback is projected to be better for efficiency, boasting 31 highway MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 24 highway MPG. This 7 MPG difference suggests fewer fuel stops for the Outback.

How does the actual cargo capacity compare?

There is a massive difference in enclosed storage: the Outback offers 34.6 cu ft, whereas the Ridgeline is limited to 7.3 cu ft. This 27.3 cu ft difference strongly favors the Outback for practical utility needs.

Are there significant differences in physical size that impact maneuverability?

Yes, the Ridgeline is substantially larger, measuring 210.2 inches long and 78.6 inches wide. The Outback is more compact at 191.7 inches long and 74.0 inches wide, which might aid in tighter urban parking scenarios.

Which model offers better long-term running costs considering fuel?

Considering fuel, the Outback is superior, achieving 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel. The Ridgeline returns only 21 combined MPG, meaning the Outback owner will spend less annually on gasoline.

Do these vehicles require premium gasoline?

No, both the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding higher fuel costs associated with premium grades.