2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Honda Passport, Which SUV Is Right for You?
The 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Honda Passport both offer standard all wheel drive capability, but they appeal to different priorities. The Outback starts at $34,995 MSRP and delivers up to 31 MPG highway, while the Passport starts at $44,950 MSRP and provides 285 horsepower plus up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Choosing between the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport comes down to more than deciding which SUV has the larger engine. The redesigned 2026 Outback emphasizes value, efficiency, standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and everyday versatility. The redesigned Passport puts more emphasis on V6 power, towing capability and rugged equipment.
Both can make sense for an active household, but the numbers reveal two distinctly different approaches.
2026 Subaru Outback vs Honda Passport, Price, Power and Capability
The 2026 Subaru Outback has the lower starting MSRP by $9,955. Subaru publishes a starting MSRP of $34,995 for the Outback Premium, while Honda publishes a $44,950 starting MSRP for the Passport RTL.
| Comparison | 2026 Subaru Outback | 2026 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $34,995 | $44,950 |
| Maximum Published Horsepower | Up to 260 horsepower | 285 horsepower |
| All Wheel Drive | Standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive | Standard i VTM4 AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Up to 3,500 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds |
| Published Highway MPG | Up to 31 MPG | 25 MPG on published Passport rating |
| Standard Touchscreen | 12.1 inch touchscreen | 12.3 inch touchscreen |
Which Costs Less, the 2026 Outback or Honda Passport?
The Subaru Outback has the clear starting price advantage. Its published starting MSRP of $34,995 is $9,955 below the Honda Passport RTL starting MSRP of $44,950.
That price difference is large enough to matter for shoppers comparing monthly budget, equipment priorities and overall vehicle value.
The Outback lineup includes six trims, giving buyers several ways to move from everyday equipment into more premium or adventure focused configurations. The Passport begins at a higher price point and centers its lineup around the RTL and TrailSport families.
The comparison becomes more interesting for shoppers who want rugged capability. Subaru offers the Outback Wilderness, while Honda offers Passport TrailSport models with all terrain tires, an off road tuned suspension, skid plates and recovery hooks.
Pricing alone does not determine which SUV is right, but buyers who want standard AWD while keeping the starting price closer to the mid $30,000 range will find a significant advantage in the Outback.
Which Has More Power and Towing Capacity?
The 2026 Honda Passport leads in maximum horsepower and towing. Honda publishes 285 horsepower from its 3.5 liter V6 and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Subaru publishes up to 260 horsepower and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity for the 2026 Outback.
The Passport uses a 3.5 liter V6 paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission and Honda's i VTM4 AWD system with Trail Torque Logic.
Subaru gives Outback shoppers a choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engines depending on trim. The more powerful Outback configurations produce up to 260 horsepower.
For a shopper who regularly pulls a heavier trailer, the Passport's additional 1,500 pounds of maximum published towing capacity is meaningful.
The Outback counters with stronger published highway fuel economy. Subaru lists up to 31 MPG highway for the 2026 Outback, while Honda publishes a 19 city and 25 highway MPG rating for the 2026 Passport.
This creates a useful dividing line. Buyers who prioritize greater V6 power and maximum towing may prefer the Passport. Buyers who want standard AWD capability with a lower starting price and stronger published highway efficiency may find the Outback more appealing.
Should You Buy the 2026 Subaru Outback or 2026 Honda Passport?
The 2026 Subaru Outback makes the stronger value case for shoppers who want standard AWD, lower starting MSRP, better published highway fuel economy and versatile everyday capability. The Honda Passport is the stronger choice when 285 horsepower and up to 5,000 pounds of towing are higher priorities.
Both SUVs include all wheel drive as part of their basic formula. Subaru equips every Outback with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. Honda equips the Passport with its i VTM4 AWD system with Trail Torque Logic.
Technology is competitive as well. Subaru equips the redesigned Outback with a standard 12.1 inch high resolution touchscreen and 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster. Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has also been upgraded for the new generation.
Honda equips the Passport RTL with a 12.3 inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, wireless Android Auto compatibility, Google built in and a wireless phone charger. Honda Sensing driver assistance technologies include systems such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.
The 2026 Outback is therefore not simply a smaller alternative to the Passport. Its combination of standard AWD, available turbocharged performance, efficiency and significantly lower starting MSRP gives it a distinct position for shoppers who do not need the Passport's additional towing capability.
The Passport makes a convincing argument for buyers who genuinely plan to use its V6 output, 5,000 pound towing rating or TrailSport equipment. In those situations, the higher starting price may be justified by the additional capability.
Michigan drivers may also consider how often they will use each advantage. Standard AWD can matter throughout winter, while fuel efficiency affects everyday commuting year round. Maximum towing is valuable when needed, but buyers who rarely tow 5,000 pounds may place more weight on purchase price and efficiency.
Glassman Subaru is located in Southfield, Michigan, serving Subaru shoppers near Detroit as well as Dearborn, Livonia and Farmington.
Drivers comparing midsize SUVs can browse new Subaru inventory at Glassman Subaru to see current Outback availability and configurations.
How much does the 2026 Subaru Outback cost?
The 2026 Subaru Outback Premium starts at a manufacturer published MSRP of $34,995.
How much does the 2026 Honda Passport cost?
Honda publishes a starting MSRP of $44,950 for the 2026 Passport RTL.
Which has more horsepower, the Outback or Passport?
The 2026 Honda Passport produces 285 horsepower. Subaru publishes up to 260 horsepower for the 2026 Outback lineup.
Which can tow more, the Outback or Passport?
The Honda Passport has the higher maximum published towing capacity at 5,000 pounds. Subaru publishes up to 3,500 pounds for the Outback.
Does the 2026 Subaru Outback have standard AWD?
Yes. Every 2026 Subaru Outback includes Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
Does the 2026 Honda Passport have AWD?
Yes. Honda equips the 2026 Passport with its i VTM4 AWD system with Trail Torque Logic.
Which gets better highway MPG, Outback or Passport?
Subaru publishes up to 31 MPG highway for the 2026 Outback. Honda publishes 25 MPG highway for the 2026 Passport.
Which is better for towing, the Outback or Passport?
The Passport has the advantage for maximum towing because Honda publishes a 5,000 pound capacity, compared with up to 3,500 pounds for the Outback.
Where can I find a 2026 Subaru Outback near Detroit?
Glassman Subaru is located in Southfield, Michigan, near Detroit. Shoppers can compare available Outback models and contact Glassman Subaru for current vehicle information.
Final Take: Choose the 2026 Subaru Outback if standard AWD, a lower starting MSRP, stronger published highway fuel economy and everyday versatility lead your priorities. Choose the Honda Passport if greater horsepower and a 5,000 pound maximum towing capacity matter more. For many buyers who do not need the Passport's additional towing capacity, the Outback presents a compelling combination of capability and value.
This page is provided for informational and research purposes only. Vehicle specifications, equipment, pricing, fuel economy, towing capacity, availability and features may change. Manufacturer MSRP is not a dealer selling price. MSRP may exclude destination and delivery charges, taxes, title, license, options and other fees. Please contact Glassman Subaru for exact current information regarding a specific vehicle.
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