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2023 Honda Ridgeline Vs Subaru Outback Wilderness: A Tale Of Two Off-roaders

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • On the other hand, the Outback Wilderness boasts a rugged ladder frame chassis and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, making it more adept at tackling challenging off-road conditions.
  • With its smaller engine and more aerodynamic design, the Outback Wilderness achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Honda Ridgeline gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
  • In terms of reliability, both vehicles have a solid reputation, with the Subaru Outback Wilderness slightly edging out the Honda Ridgeline in recent years.

The Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness are two of the most popular choices for those seeking adventure and versatility in their vehicles. Both offer unique features and capabilities, making it challenging to decide which one is the better choice. This comprehensive comparison of the Honda Ridgeline vs Subaru Outback Wilderness will help you make an informed decision based on your needs, preferences, and driving style.

Ruggedness and Off-Road Performance

The Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness are both known for their off-road capabilities, but they approach this terrain in different ways. The Ridgeline features a unibody construction with independent suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on paved roads while still being capable of handling rough terrain. On the other hand, the Outback Wilderness boasts a rugged ladder frame chassis and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, making it more adept at tackling challenging off-road conditions.

Power and Performance

When it comes to power and performance, the Honda Ridgeline has a slight edge over the Subaru Outback Wilderness. The Ridgeline is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback Wilderness comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Ridgeline also offers a more robust towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Outback Wilderness’s 3,500 pounds.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback Wilderness takes the lead. With its smaller engine and more aerodynamic design, the Outback Wilderness achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Honda Ridgeline gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the Outback Wilderness has a larger fuel tank, giving it a longer driving range than the Ridgeline.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness offer spacious and comfortable interiors, but they cater to different needs. The Ridgeline has a more traditional truck-like cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. It also features a versatile cargo bed that can be used for hauling various items. In contrast, the Outback Wilderness has a more car-like interior with a lower seating position and a more focused driving experience. It offers a generous amount of cargo space with its spacious trunk and foldable rear seats.

Technology and Features

Both the Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness come equipped with a range of advanced technology and features. The Ridgeline features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium audio system. The Outback Wilderness offers a similar level of technology, including a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, the Outback Wilderness stands out with its exclusive X-Mode system, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for various off-road conditions.

Safety and Reliability

Both the Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including airbags, stability control, and various driver-assistance technologies. In terms of reliability, both vehicles have a solid reputation, with the Subaru Outback Wilderness slightly edging out the Honda Ridgeline in recent years.

The Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

The Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness are both excellent choices for those seeking adventure and versatility in their vehicles. However, the ultimate decision depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road performance and ruggedness, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is the better choice. If you value a more comfortable ride, better fuel efficiency, and a more spacious cabin, the Honda Ridgeline is the way to go. Ultimately, it’s best to test drive both vehicles to determine which one suits you better.

Top Questions Asked

  • Which vehicle has a better towing capacity?

The Honda Ridgeline has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Subaru Outback Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

  • Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

The Subaru Outback Wilderness is more fuel-efficient, achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Honda Ridgeline’s 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

  • Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

The Honda Ridgeline has a more spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, as well as a versatile cargo bed.

  • Which vehicle has more advanced technology features?

Both vehicles offer a range of advanced technology features, but the Subaru Outback Wilderness stands out with its exclusive X-Mode system, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for various off-road conditions.

  • Which vehicle is more reliable?

Both vehicles have a solid reputation for reliability, with the Subaru Outback Wilderness slightly edging out the Honda Ridgeline in recent years.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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