2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Honda Passport: Midsize SUV Comparison in Tucson, AZ
Choosing the ultimate midsize adventure vehicle for Arizona trails and daily commutes comes down to two legendary names: the 2026 Subaru Outback and the completely redesigned 2026 Toyota 4Runner. Both vehicles are built to tackle off-tarmac exploration, but they approach the journey from completely different engineering perspectives. If you are ready to find your next adventure-ready vehicle today, explore our
The Toyota 4Runner is a traditional, body-on-frame truck-based SUV built for severe rock crawling and high-clearance off-roading. Conversely, the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback pairs a car-like ride, premium comfort, and stellar everyday fuel economy with standard, full-time adventure capability.
Let's break down the specifications to see which vehicle aligns with your lifestyle.
| Subaru Outback | Honda Passport | |
| Powertrain | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder; available 2.4L turbo | 3.5L V6 |
| Max Horsepower | Up to 260 hp (XT Models) | 285 hp |
| Standard All-Wheel Drive? | Yes, Symmetrical AWD | Yes, i-VTM4® AWD |
| Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT | 10-speed automatic |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) | Up to 25 / 31 MPG | Up to 19 / 25 MPG |
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 3,500 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7"; 9.5" Wilderness | 8.3" |
| Max Cargo Capacity | Up to 80.5 cu. ft. | Up to 104.6 cu. ft.* |
| Driver Assistance Technology | EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | Honda Sensing® |
| Available Driver Monitoring System | DriverFocus® | Driver Attention Monitor |
Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Trim Levels
Both the Subaru Outback and Honda Passportr are available in a variety of trims designed to suit different lifestyles, from daily commuting to off-road exploration.
Subaru Outback
Honda Passport
- RTL
- TrailSport
- TrailSport Elite
Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Specs & Performance
The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback and Honda Passport both come standard with all-wheel drive, making this a closer capability comparison than many competing SUVs. The Passport uses a 285-horsepower V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Outback offers a choice between a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine and an available 260-horsepower turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine.
Where the Outback stands apart is its balance of capability and everyday efficiency. The Outback offers up to 31 MPG highway, compared with up to 25 MPG highway for the Passport. It also provides 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, increasing to 9.5 inches on the Subaru Outback Wilderness model, compared with 8.3 inches for the Passport. The Passport counters with greater maximum towing capability at up to 5,000 pounds, versus up to 3,500 pounds for the Outback.
For Tucson drivers who want standard AWD capability without giving up fuel efficiency and everyday comfort, the Outback offers a compelling balance.
Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Interior, Comfort & Cargo
Both the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport feature spacious two-row interiors designed for passengers, gear and everyday versatility. The Passport's larger overall dimensions provide generous interior and cargo space, while the Outback combines a roomy cabin with a lower, more car-like design that's easy to live with around town.
The redesigned 2026 Outback offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space and features a new 12.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration make it easy to stay connected without adding extra cables to the cabin.
For shoppers who want plenty of space without moving into a larger SUV, the Outback's combination of passenger comfort, flexible cargo room and manageable size makes it especially practical for commuting, pets, outdoor gear and Arizona road trips.
Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport Safety & Driver-Assistance Features
Both the 2026 Subaru Outback and Honda Passport include comprehensive suites of driver-assistance technology as standard equipment. The Passport features Honda Sensing®, while the Outback comes standard with the latest generation of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
EyeSight includes features designed to assist with everyday driving, including Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and lane-centering technology. Available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System can also help identify signs of driver distraction or fatigue.
Both SUVs provide a strong selection of safety and driver-assistance features. For Outback shoppers, those technologies are paired with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and generous ground clearance, creating a vehicle designed to provide confidence whether driving around Tucson or heading farther off the beaten path.
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Why Tucson Drivers Choose the Subaru Outback
✓ Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
✓ Up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance
✓ Available Outback Wilderness trim
✓ Up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space
✓ Excellent fuel economy for adventure travel
✓ Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
✓ Comfortable ride for daily driving and road trips
✓ Adventure-ready capability without SUV compromises
Ready to experience the refined capability of the redesigned Outback? Our dedicated team is here to walk you through our current
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Tucson Subaru
4901 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85704
- Sales: 520-721-2400
