2023 Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback

If you’re in the market for a capable midsize SUV, you’ve probably seen the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback. These two vehicles have built a solid reputation over the years for reliable performance. At Performance Honda in Fairfield, Ohio, we understand that comparing them can present challenges with all the various trim levels, features, and option packages. So we had our SUV experts run a head-to-head comparison to see which SUV rates better in key features. Let’s see which vehicle comes out on top. If you have questions, click the link below to give us a call!

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2023 Honda Passport Vs. Subaru Outback: Trim Levels and Pricing

Honda keeps it simple, offering the Passport in three trims. Subaru takes a shotgun approach with nine Outback models. Here’s a look at their respective pricing:

As you can see, the Subaru Outback has more trims than the Honda Passport. The Honda Passport EX-L lines up the closest feature-wise with the Outback Touring model, although the Passport EX-L edges the Touring model with more standard features. Both vehicles have an off-road trim in the Passport TrailSport and the Outback Wilderness and a premium model with the Passport Elite and the Touring XT. The Passport has a slightly higher price than the Outback in these key models, but after a closer look, you’ll see you get more with the Honda.

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Subaru Outback: Key Features

“Car and Driver” magazine recently ran a comparison challenge between the Passport and Outback. They tested the Passport TrailSport against the Outback Touring, and here’s what they found:

What this table tells you is both vehicles operate off-road well. However, you see a significant disparity in speed and power thanks to the Passport’s standard engine over the Outback’s standard engine. And you have a larger, more comfortable cabin with the Passport.

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Subaru Outback: Powertrain

Here we compare the powertrain these two SUVs use. Honda equipped every Passport with the same engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 with direct injection and variable cylinder management technology. Honda pairs this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology that delivers smooth shifting and spirited acceleration. As a result, this powertrain makes an impressive 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Passport’s power output enables a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the variable cylinder management delivers fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg on surface roads, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.

Subaru uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams in the bottom five Outback trims. They paired this engine with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. This powertrain rates at 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 2,700 pounds. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg around town and 33 mpg on the interstates.

The Outback’s top four models come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine mated to the same continuously variable transmission. This powertrain puts out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. It gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg on city roads and 30 mpg on the freeway.

So, if you’re looking for power and performance, the Passport offers more horsepower and a higher towing capacity than both Outback powertrain configurations. As a result, you see a slight variance in economy ratings, but the capability you gain with the Passport outweighs the modest gains in efficiency of the Outback.

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Subaru Outback: Interior Comfort and Convenience

The base model Passport EX-L comes with more standard equipment than the lower Outback models, giving the Passport an easy edge for base features. Here we compare the interiors of the top-tier Passport Elite model against the top-of-the-range Outback Touring XT trim.

The Passport Elite comes with heated and ventilated front seats, premium leather upholstery, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. You also get a one-touch power moonroof, a tri-zone climate control system, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Behind the back seat, you have 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the back seat flat opens up a total of 77.5 cubic feet to carry more gear.

An 8.0-inch touch screen operates the Passport’s infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology to sync your smartphone for wireless operations. You also get a wireless charging pad and USB ports in both rows to keep everyone charged and connected. The Passport has built-in navigation with voice recognition and a ten-speaker premium audio system.

Subaru equipped the Outback Touring XT with heated and ventilated front seats, premium leather upholstery, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, you must add the All-Weather Package to get the heated seats. The Outback only comes with a dual-zone climate control system, but it does feature a 60/40 split-folding back seat. Behind the second row, you have 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding the second row flat opens up 75.6 cubic feet.

You get a larger 11.6-inch vertically oriented touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth included with the Outback Touring XT. Unfortunately, you don’t have a wireless charging pad, but you do get USB ports in both rows.

2023 Honda Passport for the Win

After comparing the two vehicles, it’s clear that the Honda Passport beats the Subaru Outback in nearly every significant category. With the Passport, you get more power, performance, space, premium comfort, and elevated technology. If you’re ready to upgrade to a capable SUV, we recommend you shop our Passport inventory online and then give us a call at  (513) 829-7300. If you prefer a personalized demonstration of the Passport’s capabilities, you can visit Performance Honda on Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Ohio, and we’ll let you take one for a spin.

Image Credits: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT by Lisa Suender is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0