For enthusiasts who enjoy weekend escapades on unpaved roads and demand practicality for everyday errands, both the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness and the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport present compelling options. These vehicles are engineered to tackle more than just paved surfaces, yet they aren't intended for extreme rock crawling or desert dune bashing. They are tailored for those seeking enhanced capability beyond standard models, offering a blend of ruggedness and daily usability.
These specialized trims are designed for versatile lifestyles, incorporating features such as increased ground clearance, more aggressive tires, and off-road-specific drive modes. They also prioritize interior comfort and user-friendly technology. However, their philosophies diverge significantly. The Outback Wilderness is a reinforced wagon, celebrated for its rally-derived all-wheel-drive system and a potent turbocharged boxer engine. In contrast, the Passport TrailSport emerges as a more substantial two-row SUV, powered by a smooth V6 engine. Understanding these core differences is crucial for selecting the vehicle that best aligns with individual needs and adventurous inclinations.
In terms of propulsion, the Outback Wilderness benefits from a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) optimized for low-speed control. It achieves a commendable 23 MPG combined, impressive for a vehicle equipped with all-terrain tires and a nearly 10-inch ground clearance. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds, a respectable figure for a family-oriented off-roader weighing close to 4,000 pounds. Key specifications include 9.5 inches of ground clearance, enhanced approach, breakover, and departure angles, 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires, robust underbody protection, and advanced X-MODE technology for various terrains. It also boasts a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The Honda Passport TrailSport, while featuring more cylinders, opts for a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Its combined fuel economy is 21 MPG, slightly lower than the Subaru. While offering a smooth and responsive driving experience, its 0-60 mph acceleration takes 7.3 seconds, slower than the Outback, largely due to its substantial curb weight of 4,782 pounds. Notable features include 8.3 inches of ground clearance, distinct approach and departure angles, 18-inch wheels with General Grabber A/T Sport tires, a specially tuned suspension, and comprehensive body cladding and skid plates. Its Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system offers multiple traction modes, and its towing capacity is a robust 5,000 pounds.
Regarding interior accommodations and storage, both vehicles offer ample space. The Subaru Outback Wilderness comes equipped with water-repellent StarTex upholstery, designed for durability and ease of cleaning. It provides 39.5 inches of rear legroom, comfortably seating adults. Rear headroom measures 39.1 inches, and shoulder room is 57.4 inches. Standard amenities include heated front and rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel. Passenger volume is 107.5 cubic feet. For cargo, it offers 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
The Honda Passport TrailSport is the more voluminous of the two. It provides 40.9 inches of rear legroom, slightly surpassing the Outback, along with 39.6 inches of rear headroom and 61.7 inches of shoulder room. Its passenger volume is 119.1 cubic feet. Cargo space is also more generous, with 44.0 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 83.8 cubic feet when the seats are stowed. For those frequently towing trailers or needing extensive cargo capacity, the Passport is the superior choice. If agility and a lower loading height are priorities, the Outback Wilderness is more suitable. Both vehicles provide comfortable seating for adult occupants.
Both vehicles integrate functional technology. The Subaru Outback Wilderness features a prominent 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered by Subaru's STARLINK system. While visually appealing, its responsiveness could be enhanced, and some functions are nested deep within menus. A Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers is standard. Physical controls for climate adjustments and audio volume are present, and the steering wheel controls are intuitive. Safety is paramount with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. Additional safety features encompass Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist, a 180-Degree Front View Monitor, and a rear camera. The Outback also holds an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
The Honda Passport TrailSport is equipped with a 12.3-inch landscape-oriented color touchscreen. While less ornate than the Subaru's, it offers easier navigation and better responsiveness. The interior features leatherette and cloth seating, with heated front seats as standard. The Passport excels in physical control layout, mirroring the ergonomics found in models like the CR-V and Civic, with large, tactile climate control and audio knobs. However, its push-button shifter is less intuitive than the Outback's traditional gear selector. Safety technologies include a Collision Mitigation Braking System with Advanced Pedestrian Detection, Road Departure Mitigation, Blind Spot Information with Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The Passport has also earned a "good" rating in all IIHS crash tests.
When considering cost, the Subaru Outback Wilderness starts at $41,710, while the Honda Passport TrailSport begins at $48,450. This price difference of $6,740 gives the Subaru a considerable advantage in affordability. Both vehicles offer standard all-wheel drive, commendable off-road capabilities for their class, distinctive styling, spacious interiors, and robust infotainment and safety systems. The decision ultimately rests on whether an adventurous lifestyle values the Outback's nimbleness and fuel efficiency or the Passport's greater power and cargo volume.
In essence, both the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Honda Passport TrailSport offer distinct advantages for drivers seeking a capable and practical vehicle. Each model proficiently handles diverse driving conditions and integrates seamlessly into daily life. If your preference leans towards a more agile and fuel-efficient option for varied terrains, the Outback Wilderness hits the mark. Conversely, if substantial space and formidable power are higher priorities for your light-trail excursions, the Passport TrailSport represents a more secure choice. The ultimate selection should reflect your genuine adventuring habits rather than superficial appearances.