I drove the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback for a week — here’s the midsize SUV I recommend for families

Most SUVs today are designed to tackle everyday commuting, but a select few add the utility of being weekend road warriors. That’s why I drove the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback for a week each to see how these family SUVs compare.

There are clearly a lot of similarities between the two, including their spacious cabins, solid towing capacity, powerful engine performance, and standard all-wheel drive. Honda has already proven to me this year that it prioritizes driving performance over efficiency, as seen when the Honda Pilot came out on top against the Toyota Grand Highlander in my testing.

Likewise, Subaru offers a charming lineup of crossovers and SUVs that have proven to be top contenders for all sorts of families. While the lineup ranges from the small but mighty Crosstrek to electric options like the Solterra, the Outback remains by far the most notable and widely acclaimed vehicle in its stable.

I specifically drove the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite and 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, which have as-tested prices of $54,145 and $50,535, respectively. While they occupy a similar price bracket, they approach the daily drive and weekend escape with very different personalities.

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Specifications

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Design

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Visually, these two couldn’t approach outdoor utility from more distinct angles. Subaru’s aesthetic is undeniable here, as the Outback Wilderness leans heavily into its lifted-wagon roots, accented by matte-black body cladding and signature anodized copper accents on the bumpers and roof rails.

Small details like those copper accents really highlight Subaru’s signature styling, which people either love or hate. At the same time, the Outback retains the low-slung silhouette of a crossover.

On the other hand, the Passport TrailSport Elite embraces a classic, upright SUV stance with boxier proportions and a taller roofline. Aggressive trail accents, such as thick skid plates and beefy all-terrain tires, give it an equally trail-ready look.

While the Outback’s flashier details give it plenty of personality, the Passport takes the win for me because of its taller stance and more conventional styling that has broader appeal — giving it a stronger presence on both highways and trails.

Winner: Honda Passport

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Fuel economy

When it comes to efficiency at the pump, it’s a one-sided affair, with the Subaru Outback Wilderness outperforming its rival in every category I tested. I drove a total of 320.8 miles in my week of testing, achieving a better-than-expected 26.5 mpg average — an improvement over its 23 mpg EPA combined rating. By comparison, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite fell just short of its rating, averaging 19 mpg.

Across all driving scenarios, the Outback consistently squeezed more distance out of every gallon, delivering 24.8 mpg on short-distance trips along mostly local and county roads. It performs even better on highway stretches, reaching an impressive 32.8 mpg on one of my trips. The Passport peaks at a slightly better 20.5 mpg on short distances, while my best run on mostly highway driving came out to 22.8 mpg.

Calculating fill-up costs using a current price of $4 per gallon for regular gasoline, a full tank would set me back $74 for the Passport and $72 for the Outback. More importantly, though, is their estimated maximum range based on my testing: 477 miles for the Outback versus 351 miles for the Passport.

If maximizing efficiency on daily commutes and road trips is a priority, the Outback Wilderness is the undeniable winner.

Winner: Subaru Outback

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Driving performance

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Now, this one’s tough because I can’t deny how impressively powerful they both are. For midsize SUVs, they accelerate like full-size sedans with instant response the moment my foot taps the pedal.

Both of these adventure vehicles bring unique strengths to the table, but ultimately I’m giving the win to the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness for its overall driving dynamics. Thanks to how it sits closer to the ground, giving it an inherently lower center of gravity, its punchy 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and car-like agility keep it noticeably more planted through corners.

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Don’t get me wrong, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite also delivers buttery-smooth acceleration with its 3.5L V6 engine and traditional 10-speed automatic transmission. But despite that seamless power delivery, driving the Passport can still feel like a challenge for some drivers. Its taller, boxier stance and substantially larger overall footprint introduce more body roll and make navigation feel much more unwieldy compared to the nimble Outback.

Winner: Subaru Outback

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Comfort

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When it comes to pure passenger comfort and cargo versatility, the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite takes this category. Its wider frame opens up a significantly roomier cabin with premium touches that elevate overall ride comfort. I particularly appreciate the standard leather-trimmed seating, tri-zone climate control, and rear sunshades—luxuries that make long-distance travel much more enjoyable compared to the Outback’s utility-focused StarTex water-repellent upholstery.

The Passport also proves more accommodating where space matters most: legroom and cargo capacity. Rear-seat passengers get a generous 40.9 inches of legroom in the Honda versus 39.5 inches in the Subaru. When it comes to hauling gear, the Passport's trunk offers an impressive 44.0 cubic feet of space behind the second row — which expands to 83.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. By comparison, the Outback Wilderness provides 34.6 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats, expanding to an 80.5 cubic foot maximum.

For families who prioritize maximum room to stretch out alongside serious cargo-hauling capacity, the Passport is the superior option.

Winner: Honda Passport

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Value

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These Japanese automakers have remarkable brand loyalty, reliability, and resale value — making this category very tough to decide.

Right off the bat, you’re paying slightly less for the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness with its as-tested price of $50,535. That delivers a savings of $4,554 over the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite’s $55,089 sticker price. For me, that price difference is largely driven by the Passport’s roomier size, more luxurious amenities, panoramic glass roof, second-row sunshades, and ventilated front seats. Larger families will certainly see the added value in its more spacious cabin and cargo-packing utility, which becomes even more crucial as kids grow.

As for the Subaru Outback? I can’t say enough about how this rugged midsize SUV refuses to compromise on performance and efficiency. You’ll certainly save more in the long run when it comes to fuel costs, even if it lacks some of the premium cabin refinements found in its rival. Either way, both make a compelling case for their value.

Winner: tie

Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback: Verdict

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After putting the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite to the test against the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, I can confirm the obvious: you won’t go wrong choosing either of them. I can’t say enough about how the Outback wins handily on efficiency, lower out-of-pocket cost, and everyday car-like driving agility, making it an extraordinary vehicle for budget-conscious families.

On the flip side, the Passport TrailSport Elite dominates on interior space, cabin comfort, boxy adventure design, and overall utility. Even though it's less fuel efficient, it benefits from being backed by a smooth V6 engine and a 5,000-pound towing capacity, giving it the necessary power to tackle harsh outdoor conditions.

However, if I had to sign on the dotted line and spend my own money, I’d personally choose the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. While the Outback’s efficiency is tough to ignore, the Passport has the styling and utility that are better suited for a long-term family vehicle.

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