2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport | Moline, IL
The 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport deliver everyday versatility and adventure-ready capability for wherever your plans take you. Each is a mid-size SUV offering capable performance, comfortable accommodations, and useful technology for your changing routines and destinations. In this guide from McLaughlin Subaru, we compare the 2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Honda Passport to help you see how they differ and decide which best fits your family.
See more of the Subaru Outback, including specifications and available paint colors, with our detailed review.
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Engines & Performance
The 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport combine smooth everyday road manners with the capability to venture beyond the pavement. The Outback offers two engines: a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and an available 2.4L SUBARU BOXER turbocharged four-cylinder engine that raises output to 260 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD).
Across its lineup, the Passport offers a single 3.5L V6 engine that generates 285 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It also includes AWD, but pairs its powertrain with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
For off-pavement ventures, the Subaru Outback Wilderness trim combines a dual-function X-MODE® system with settings for snow, dirt, and mud and low-speed and low-ratio gradient control functions to help maintain traction over rugged terrain. High-clearance bumpers and a raised electronically controlled suspension provide ample room to pass over rocks or deeper ruts. The Honda Passport TrailSport trim prepares you for rougher terrain with an off-road suspension, an underbody skid plate, and a solid rear sway bar, combining terrain-oriented handling with added underbody protection.
Compare the following engine specifications:
Model
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Honda Passport
Engine
2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
2.4L SUBARU BOXER turbo four-cylinder
3.5L V6
Horsepower
180 HP
260 HP
285 HP
Torque
178 lb.-ft.
277 lb.-ft.
262 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain
Symmetrical AWD
Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ AWD
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Ten-speed automatic
Max. Towing Capacity
2,700 lbs.
3,500 lbs.
5,000 lbs.
MPG (City/Hwy)
25 / 31
21 / 29
19 / 25
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Exterior Design
Distinctive details give the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport practical exteriors equipped for everyday convenience. Both come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and heated side mirrors. The Outback adds standard raised roof rails with built-in tie-downs, while the Passport includes standard all-terrain tires for a different approach to utility. Higher trims further distinguish them, with 19-inch alloy wheels available on the Outback and a hands-free liftgate available on the Passport.
Shared exterior features:
Standard:
18-in. alloy wheels
LED daytime running lights
Heated, power-adjustable side mirrors
Included on higher trims:
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Power-folding side mirrors
2026 Subaru Outback exterior differences:
Standard:
LED steering-responsive headlights with auto on/off
LED fog lights
Side mirror-integrated turn signals
Power tailgate with automatic close
Raised roof rails with built-in tie-downs
Included on higher trims:
17- or 19-in. aluminum alloy wheels
High-clearance front and rear bumpers
2026 Honda Passport exterior differences:
Standard:
All-terrain tires
LED headlights with auto on/off
LED taillights
Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock®
Power tailgate
Roof rails
Included on higher trims:
Amber LED daytime running lights
LED fog lights
Heated wiper zone
Auto-dimming side mirrors with integrated turn signals
Hands-free tailgate with automatic close
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Interior Design
Inside, shared amenities make the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport inviting places to settle in for commutes, errands, and longer journeys. Both provide a standard ten-way power driver's seat, and features like heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats, depending on the trim, to keep everyone cozy. The Subaru Outback stands out with its variety of available passenger-focused comforts, while the Honda Passport offers features designed to enhance the in-cabin ambiance.
Shared interior features:
Standard:
Ten-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support
Heated front seats
60/40-split folding rear seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Included on higher trims:
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear outboard seats
Heated steering wheel
2026 Subaru Outback interior differences:
Standard:
StarTex® seat upholstery
Four-way manual front passenger's seat
Reclining rear seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Keyless access
Included on higher trims:
Power tilt/sliding moonroof
Leather or Nappa leather seat upholstery
12-way power driver's seat with four-way power lumbar support and leg extension
Eight-way power front passenger's seat
Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
2026 Honda Passport interior differences:
Standard:
Leather/cloth seat upholstery
Four-way power front passenger’s seat
White LED interior ambient lighting
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
Remote engine start
Included on higher trims:
Panoramic moonroof with tilt/slide
Leatherette/cloth or leather seat upholstery
Rear door window sunshades
Amber LED interior ambient lighting
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Size & Cargo Space
The 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport make thoughtful use of their nearly identical footprints to accommodate your passengers and gear that come along for the ride. The Outback provides 43 inches of front legroom and 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet when those seats are folded. Behind the rear seats of the Passport is 44 cubic feet of cargo space and 83.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded. While their exterior lengths are similar, the interior space differs in configuration; the Outback offers more front legroom, and the Passport provides more overall cargo volume.
Compare the following size and capacity specifications:
Model
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Honda Passport
Overall Exterior Length
191.7 in.
191.5 in.
Wheelbase Length
108.1 in.
113.6 in.
Seating Capacity
Five
Five
Legroom (Front/Rear)
43 / 39.5 in.
41.1 / 40.9 in.
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear)
57.9 / 57.4 in.
61.9 / 61.7 in.
Cargo Space w/ Rear Seats Upright
34.6 cu.-ft.
44 cu.-ft.
Cargo Space w/ Rear Seats Folded
80.5 cu.-ft.
83.8 cu.-ft.
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Technology
Across the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport, connected technology keeps familiar smartphone functions and essential information within convenient reach. The Subaru Outback pairs a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia System, and wireless device charging on upper trims. The Passport uses a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and equips all trims with wireless charging. Higher trim levels from both models offer premium sound systems.
Shared tech features:
Standard:
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
HD Radio™
Front USB-C input/charge ports
Rear USB-C charge ports
Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
2026 Subaru Outback tech differences:
Standard:
12.3-in. digital instrument cluster
12.1-in. Subaru Multimedia System display
Six-speaker audio system
Gesture and voice controls
Bluetooth®
Front USB-A input/charge ports
Rear USB-A charging ports
Included on higher trims:
GPS navigation
Harman Kardon® 12-speaker sound system
Wireless device charger
HomeLink® universal transceiver
2026 Honda Passport tech differences:
Standard:
10.2-in. digital instrument cluster
12.3-in. multimedia touchscreen
Nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer
Google built-in
Amazon Alexa Built-in capability
Wireless device charger
12V power outlets
Included on higher trims:
Bose® 12-speaker sound system with subwoofer
115V power outlets
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Driver Assist & Safety Features
Peace of mind on every drive in the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport comes from a wide range of driver assistance and safety systems. Each SUV is equipped with a suite of features that help you monitor and respond to changing road conditions, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, advanced emergency braking, and available multi-angle camera systems. The Outback adds an innovative hands-free highway driving system on select trims, which is unavailable on the Passport.
* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.
**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.
How Can We Help?
* Indicates a required field
We use cookies and browser activity to improve your experience, personalize content and ads, and analyze how our sites are used. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here.