2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport: Which Adventure SUV Is Right for You?

The Passport is larger, more powerful, and better suited to heavier towing. The redesigned Outback is more efficient, less expensive to enter, and offers greater ground clearance in Wilderness form. For New Hampshire drivers, the better choice depends on whether you prioritize towing strength and interior space or everyday efficiency, winter confidence, and easier maneuverability.

Which SUV Has Better Performance?

Every 2026 Honda Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. It feels strong, especially when accelerating with passengers or gear aboard.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers two engines. Premium, Limited, and Touring models use a 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness models use a turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.

If outright horsepower is the priority, the Passport wins. However, the turbocharged Outback provides strong usable torque, while the standard engine gives buyers a more efficient choice for commuting and road trips.

Which Is Better for Snow and Off-Road Driving?

Both SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive, but Subaru gives every Outback X-MODE and Hill Descent Control. X-MODE adjusts engine, transmission, braking, and AWD behavior to help manage slippery surfaces at low speeds.

Standard Outback models provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The 2026 Outback Wilderness raises that to 9.5 inches and adds dual-function X-MODE, electronically controlled dampers, front underbody protection, and trail-focused tuning.

The Passport has 8.3 inches of ground clearance. TrailSport models add all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks, and Trail driving mode.

For snowy roads, muddy trailheads, rough campground entrances, and uneven access roads around New Hampshire, the Outback Wilderness has an advantage in ground clearance and low-speed traction technology.

Which SUV Can Tow More?

This is one area where the Honda Passport has a clear advantage. Every 2026 Passport is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds with its naturally aspirated engine, while Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness models increase maximum capacity to 3,500 pounds.

If you regularly tow a heavier camper, boat, or equipment trailer, the Passport is the stronger option. If your towing needs involve smaller campers, utility trailers, bikes, kayaks, or recreational equipment, the Outback may provide enough capacity without carrying the Passport's additional size and fuel consumption every day.

Which Has More Cargo and Passenger Space?

The Passport is the larger SUV and makes good use of that footprint. Honda lists 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, giving it an advantage when all five seats are occupied. Its broad second row also provides generous passenger room.

The redesigned Outback provides 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 80.5 cubic feet with them folded. It also offers up to 112.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, with 43 inches of front legroom and 39.5 inches in the rear.

For families routinely carrying bulky camping or sports gear, the Passport's extra room behind the rear seats is useful. The Outback remains highly practical, with a long cargo area that works well for luggage, skis, bikes, and road-trip equipment.

Which Is More Fuel-Efficient?

The Outback has a significant advantage at the gas pump.

Non-turbo 2026 Outback models are rated at up to 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Turbo XT models achieve up to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the Wilderness reaches up to 27 mpg highway.

The 2026 Passport RTL is rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. TrailSport models are rated at 18 city, 23 highway, and 20 combined.

That difference adds up for drivers covering substantial mileage on I-93, Route 3, or longer trips around New England. Buyers who spend more time commuting and road-tripping than towing may find the Outback easier on the fuel budget.

How Do the Interiors and Technology Compare?

The 2026 Outback comes standard with a 12.1-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical buttons and dials handle key climate controls.

The Passport also offers wireless smartphone integration, Google built-in, a wireless phone charger, and available TrailWatch camera technology on upper TrailSport versions.

The Passport cabin feels wider and more traditionally SUV-like. The Outback counters with good visibility, a practical layout, and a footprint that is easier to place on narrow roads and in everyday parking spaces.

Which SUV Offers Better Value?

Price creates one of the biggest differences. The 2026 Outback starts at $34,995, while the 2026 Passport starts at $44,950. That is a difference of nearly $10,000 before destination charges or options.

Even the adventure-focused comparison favors Subaru on price. The Outback Wilderness starts at $44,995, while the Passport TrailSport starts at $48,650.

The Honda justifies some of that premium with more horsepower, greater towing capacity, and additional cargo space. But buyers who do not need those advantages can get standard AWD, strong ground clearance, modern safety technology, and serious all-weather capability from the Outback for less.

Subaru Outback or Honda Passport: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Passport if you regularly tow heavier trailers, want maximum cargo room with the rear seats upright, or prefer the power of a V6.

For many New Hampshire drivers, the 2026 Outback is the more balanced choice. It costs less, uses less fuel, provides standard AWD capability, and offers more ground clearance than the Passport when you choose the Wilderness trim. It is comfortable for daily commuting but still equipped for snowstorms, ski trips, trailheads, camping weekends, and long New England road trips.

Compare the 2026 Subaru Outback at Granite Subaru

Visit Granite Subaru in Hudson to explore the redesigned 2026 Outback and Outback Wilderness in person. Our team can help you compare engines, trims, X-MODE capability, towing, cargo space, and features so you can choose the Outback that fits your everyday driving and New Hampshire adventures.