Can the 2026 Honda Passport Hold Off the 2026 Subaru Outback?

On paper, it can be tough to separate the 2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Subaru Outback. Both midsize models offer an enticing combination of modern tech and everyday utility, making the SUVs a great option in the family-friendly segment. 

Both are designed to handle winter weather and off-road conditions with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a full suite of modern safety features and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). 

There's just one issue with this comparison: we don't drive our cars on paper. The Passport holds a clear edge where the rubber meets the road, outperforming the Outback in output and towing capacity while offering much more spacious cargo and passenger space. 

With both of these SUVs on the market, we thought it would be the perfect time to dive into the key differences between the midsize Honda Passport and its Subaru rival, the Outback. From cargo and passenger space to performance, towing ability, and off-road performance, join us as we learn how the Passport comes out on top at every turn. 

While many vehicles within a segment have similar dimensions, labels like "midsize" are used somewhat flexibly, which helps explain why models such as the Passport and Outback can both be described as midsize despite their noticeably different dimensions and designs. 

The Passport sits at the larger end of the midsize spectrum, offering drivers a spacious cabin with up to 83.8 cu.ft. of cargo space. While the Passport was specifically designed to occupy the midsize SUV segment, the Outback originally started out as a very different model. For much of its early history, the Outback was technically classified as a station wagon, though it did represent a more rugged take on the suburban favorite with its raised suspension, plastic body cladding, and standard AWD. 

The Outback isn't the smallest model in the midsize segment, but it still lags behind the Passport's impressive dimensions. The 2026 version measures in at 80.5 cu.ft. of max cargo space, but it's another figure that's the most telling. While the Passport provides 44 cu.ft. of cargo space when all rear seats are in use, the Subaru is limited to just 34.6 cu.ft., when both rows are in their full, upright position. 

This lack of space carries over to the passenger side of the equation, with the Outback representing a more challenging option in terms of everyday comfort. A significantly wider cabin sees the Passport deliver nearly an extra four inches of front shoulder room, but the real disparity can be found in the back row. 

If you're looking for a roomy SUV that can accommodate growing teens and adult riders, the Subaru Outback may not be an ideal choice. The Outback trails the Passport in every rear-seat measurement, providing less head, leg, and shoulder room than its Honda rival. 

A compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and ground clearance makes today's midsize SUVs particularly well-suited to the rigors of the off-road lifestyle. These models can glide over common off-road obstacles, power through loose terrain, and allow drivers to explore the road less traveled with a new sense of confidence. 

Despite their differences, the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback have tread a remarkably similar path in terms of their off-road offerings. Both models introduced new adventure-ready trims in 2022 in the form of the Passport TrailSport and Outback Wilderness, though the SUVs ultimately occupy two different ends of the off-road spectrum.

The Passport TrailSport includes a range of add-ons buyers have come to expect from a modern off-road SUV. It all starts with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management  (i-VTM4) AWD system, which represents a massive upgrade over your typical design. 

While most AWD systems take a more reactive approach, the i-VTM4 tackles low-traction conditions head-on with a Trail Torque Logic feature that proactively distributes torque between the rear wheels to help maintain grip in off-road environments or challenging weather.

The Passport's torque-rich engine also provides a steady supply of low-end power, but the TrailSport is just getting started. Choose the Passport's off-road trim, and you'll also enjoy a set of all-terrain tires, heavy-duty exposed recovery hooks in the front and rear, steel skid plates, and an enhanced suspension designed for off-road use. 

These attributes easily make the Passport a compelling off-road option, but the range-topping TrailSport Elite sweetens the pot with its premium design and one unique off-road feature. 

Upgrade to the Honda's top trim, and you'll be able to access the TrailWatch camera system. This innovative addition sees the SUV's Multi-View Camera System gain a forward-facing trail camera that's sure to come in handy when trying to avoid rocks, logs, and other common off-road hazards.

Subaru's own off-road trim simply can't match the high bar set by the Passport TrailSport. While the crossover does provide plenty of ground clearance at 9.5 inches, it trails the Honda in almost every other relevant off-road metric. 

The Outback's approach, departure, and breakover angles all lag behind the Passport, and the SUV's recovery points leave something to be desired when compared to the Honda. Instead of built-in recovery hooks, Subaru opts for threaded recovery points hidden behind flashy gold covers. It's a decidedly light-duty solution, and one that could lead to some real headaches in an actual recovery scenario.

While the Passport easily outpaces its Subaru rivals in terms of off-road features, it's the SUV's performance that really gives Honda's midsize model the edge. The Passport is powered by one of the segment's most impressive engines, and it makes all the difference in terms of output and towing performance.

Pop the hood on Honda's midsize marvel, and you'll be met with a 3.5L V6 that's built to muscle through the toughest conditions. Delivering up to 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Passport provides plenty of power for confident highway merging, passing, and towing. 

The Outback might offer two engine options, but both fail to meet the high mark set by the Honda. The SUV's available turbocharged engine is a respectable take on the four-cylinder approach, delivering up to 260 hp, but it fails to make up for the underwhelming base powertrain. The Outback's standard 2.5L Boxer-4 only produces up to 180 hp, which is about 45% less than the Passport. 

This makes the Outback a hard sell in a segment where work-ready performance is a major selling point. Limited to just 2,700 lbs of max towing capacity, the entry-level Outback is no match for the Passport's 5,000 lbs of pulling power. 

Honda also has the edge when it comes to customization. The Passport's Intelligent Traction Management system includes seven dedicated drive modes that give owners the opportunity to dial in their preferred combination of performance, efficiency, and traction at the push of a button. 

The Honda's Normal and Econ modes are self-explanatory, while Sport helps inject a little excitement into your daily commute by upping the SUV's throttle response. Snow and Sand modes are great for specific road conditions, and Trail mode is sure to come in clutch when traversing off-road terrain. Finally, there's Tow mode, which maximizes the Passport's pulling potential by adjusting its throttle response and shift mapping. 

The Outback's Dual-Function X-Mode represents a more limited offering, with just two modes to choose from: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. The off-road crossover does feature Hill Descent Control, which is ideal for tackling steep grades, but it's a classic case of too little, too late for the Outback.

The 2026 Passport and Outback both represent a satisfying take on the midsize formula, but the Honda ultimately emerges as the more versatile, value-packed option. A larger cabin, top-tier cargo capacity, and impressive off-road resume allow the Passport to seamlessly adapt to any driving scenario, providing buyers with the sort of versatility that's important in today's market. 

From family vacations and long road trips to off-road excursions and winter storms, the Passport is prepared for whatever the road can throw at it. The midsize SUV's rugged design, AWD powertrain, and available TrailSport trim are sure to instill drivers with plenty of confidence, while its 5,000 lbs towing capacity allows it to put in a hard day's work. 

Aside from its less powerful base engine, there's nothing wrong with the Subaru Outback. That said, the SUV simply fails to distinguish itself from its Honda rival in any significant way, which makes it a tough sell in the competitive segment. 

When you're ready to experience everything this exceptional midsize SUV has to offer, you'll find your 2026 Honda Passport waiting for you here at Ralph Honda.