Battle Of The Adventure-ready Suvs: Subaru Outback Vs Honda Passport. Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport stand out as two exceptional options.
- However, the Subaru Outback’s slightly larger cargo space and more comfortable rear seats give it a slight advantage in terms of overall comfort and practicality.
- The Outback delivers impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV, with EPA-estimated ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the base engine and 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged engine.
When it comes to choosing a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport stand out as two exceptional options. Both vehicles offer a blend of rugged capability, spacious interiors, and advanced technology, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV best suits your needs.
Performance and Power: A Clash of Engine Options
1. Subaru Outback: The Outback offers two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offer all-wheel drive as standard.
2. Honda Passport: The Passport, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and also features standard all-wheel drive.
While the Honda Passport boasts more horsepower, the Subaru Outback‘s turbocharged engine delivers impressive torque, making it more capable in off-road situations.
Capability and Off-Road Prowess: Navigating Rugged Terrains
1. Subaru Outback: Known for its exceptional off-road capabilities, the Outback features a standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system that distributes power evenly between the front and rear wheels. It also offers a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough terrain with confidence.
2. Honda Passport: The Passport also comes standard with all-wheel drive, but its ground clearance is slightly lower at 8.1 inches. However, it features a more sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that can send power to individual wheels for enhanced traction in challenging conditions.
While both vehicles are capable off-road, the Subaru Outback‘s higher ground clearance and more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system give it a slight edge in this category.
Interior Space and Comfort: A Roomy Comparison
1. Subaru Outback: The Outback offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows. Cargo space is generous, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
2. Honda Passport: The Passport provides a similarly spacious interior, with comfortable seating for five adults. Cargo capacity is slightly less than the Outback, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 77.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Both vehicles offer comfortable interiors with high-quality materials and user-friendly infotainment systems. However, the Subaru Outback’s slightly larger cargo space and more comfortable rear seats give it a slight advantage in terms of overall comfort and practicality.
Technology and Safety Features: A Battle of Advanced Innovations
1. Subaru Outback: The Outback comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offers a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
2. Honda Passport: The Passport also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Its infotainment system is also user-friendly and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Both vehicles offer a wide range of technology and safety features, making them excellent choices for drivers who prioritize advanced driver assistance systems.
Fuel Efficiency: A Duel of MPG Ratings
1. Subaru Outback: The Outback delivers impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV, with EPA-estimated ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the base engine and 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged engine.
2. Honda Passport: The Passport offers slightly lower fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
While both vehicles offer decent fuel economy, the Subaru Outback‘s superior MPG ratings make it the more efficient choice.
Price and Value: A Matter of Cost and Benefits
1. Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback has a starting price of $27,995 for the base trim and can go up to $40,495 for the top-of-the-line Touring XT trim.
2. Honda Passport: The Honda Passport starts at $32,990 for the base Sport trim and ranges up to $44,890 for the top-of-the-line Elite trim.
While the Honda Passport has a slightly higher starting price, it offers more standard features and a more powerful engine than the base Subaru Outback. However, the Outback offers a better value proposition with its superior fuel efficiency and more spacious interior.
Wrapping Up: Choosing Your Adventure Companion
The Subaru Outback and Honda Passport are both excellent choices for adventure-seeking drivers who need a versatile SUV that can handle both daily commutes and weekend getaways. The Outback offers superior fuel efficiency, a more spacious interior, and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize off-road capability and practicality. On the other hand, the Honda Passport boasts more horsepower, a more sophisticated infotainment system, and a slightly lower starting price, making it a compelling option for those who value power and technology. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
FAQ: Addressing Common Questions
Q1: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
Both the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Q2: Can either vehicle tow a trailer?
Yes, both the Subaru Outback and Honda Passport have towing capacities. The Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds, while the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Q3: Which SUV offers more cargo space?
The Honda Passport offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Outback, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 77.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, compared to the Outback’s 35.4 cubic feet and 75.7 cubic feet, respectively.
