Comparing Two Off-Road Contenders

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport has quickly gained traction as a top pick for its blend of highway comfort and genuine off-road talent. However, it faces stiff competition from the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, a vehicle with a long-standing reputation for backcountry performance. To determine which crossover truly reigns supreme, we put both models through a rigorous long-term comparison test.


The Contenders: Specs and Equipment

The Honda Passport TrailSport is equipped with specialized hardware, including tuned springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, protective skid plates, 31-inch all-terrain tires, and recovery hooks. It is powered by a 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our Elite trim tester costs $54,355, though lower trims are available at a lower price point.


The Subaru Outback Wilderness occupies a mid-level position in its lineup. It features an electronic adaptive suspension, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and a turbocharged 260-hp flat-four engine linked to a CVT. With various upgrades including Nappa leather and a 12.1-inch infotainment screen, our test model totaled $50,535.


Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside, the two vehicles offer distinct experiences:

  • Honda Passport: Boasts a wider cabin with superior storage, higher-quality materials, and a more premium aesthetic. However, its infotainment screen is notably undersized for the segment.
  • Subaru Outback: The interior feels more utilitarian with a dark color scheme and cheaper plastics. While it lacks the Honda's spaciousness, the seats offer excellent support. Its new landscape-oriented touchscreen is a significant upgrade in functionality, though its interface is not perfect.

On-Road Performance

On winding roads, the Passport surprised us with its agility, masking its size with precise steering. Yet, it suffers from excessive road noise. Conversely, the Subaru Outback feels more like a car—taut, refined, and playful. Its powertrain delivers more responsive acceleration, making it the more engaging vehicle to drive on pavement.


When it comes to safety systems, the Outback features effective lane-tracing technology, though it is prone to excessive "nagging" alerts regarding driver input and focus. The Honda provides similar safety benefits without the intrusive warnings.


Off-Road Capability

We took both SUVs to the Mojave Desert to test their limits.

Both vehicles proved far more capable than standard crossovers, successfully navigating obstacles we typically expect to see handled by body-on-frame off-roaders.
While the Passport offered a softer ride, the Outback’s X-Mode simplifies off-road driving by managing power and hill descent control with the press of a button. Both vehicles managed uneven terrain with ease, though the Outback felt slightly more composed when finding traction on steep, low-friction climbs.


The Final Verdict

Ultimately, both vehicles are impressive, but the price-to-performance ratio dictates our winner:

  • 2nd Place: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. A highly capable, comfortable SUV that struggles with a high price point, significant road noise, and a small infotainment display.
  • 1st Place: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Despite its unconventional styling, the Outback wins for its engaging driving dynamics, refined interior tech, and superior value, offering comparable off-road ability for thousands of dollars less.