Check the weights first off: Passport tips the scales at 4702 pounds, while the Outback's lighter at 4016. Cargo room? The Passport edges it with 83 cubic feet behind the seats, dropping to 44 when folded. Outback's close at 81, but only 35 folded. That's a solid hint on hauling trail gear or airport bags in these 2026 mid-size adventurers. Angles count big time, though. Outback's ground clearance hits 9.5 inches; Passport's at 8.3. The tires we tested decided the rough stuff at Mounds ORV Park.
Exterior and trail‑ready packaging
Outback Wilderness nails that rugged vibe. Hexagonal grille up front. Black cladding all around. Gold accents popping. It's yelling adventure from the parking lot. Passport TrailSport plays it subtler, bulkier. Brick-solid sheetmetal. Skid plates guarding the underbelly. Amber daytime running lights. Those orange tow hooks right out there. On specs, Subaru wins clearance. But in the dirt, Passport's shorter nose and knobby General Grabber A/T Sport tires—275/60R-18—usually outclimbed the Outback's Bridgestone Dueler A/T 225/65R-17 on steep stuff. Frankly, it surprised me how much those tires mattered.
Styling vs. function
The Subaru Outback Wilderness has that classic SUV shape with gold touches that catch your eye, plus the extra clearance that eats up ruts without flinching. Honda's Passport TrailSport stands solid with simple lines, skid guards for real protection, and a hitch that's great for trailers—though it dings the departure angle a bit when you're backing off rocks.
Interior comfort, usability and cargo logistics
Passport's wider by more than five inches. You're getting real elbow room inside. Flat floor in the back. Perfect for kids or stacking boxes. It swallowed 16 carry-on suitcases behind the seats. Outback squeezed in 12. Fold 'em down? Passport leaps to 38 cubic feet. Outback manages 29. They've got smart spots for stashing—hidden bin under the cargo floor. Controls feel straightforward. Honda takes it for those long hauls or rental stops along the way. Here's the thing: that space makes family trips way less of a Tetris game.
Ergonomics and finishes
Both come with heated seats. Heated steering wheel, too. Wireless charging pads. Solid audio setups. Passport's two-tone leather and softer materials just feel more premium, like they put extra care in. Subaru's 12.1-inch screen and gauges can look a tad busy, overwhelming at times. Honda's 12.3-inch display melts into the dash nicely, keeps things tidy.
Powertrains, performance, and fuel logistics
Engines make the difference here. Passport packs a 3.5-liter V-6, naturally aspirated. 285 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque. Hooks up to a 10-speed automatic. Outback Wilderness uses a turbo 2.4-liter flat-four. 260 hp, 277 lb-ft. CVT transmission. Subaru's torque kicks hard right away, off the line. Passport's V-6 needs revs to wake up fully. You feel the extra weight in quick sprints—0-60 in 7.1 seconds versus Outback's 6.0. Worth noting: that CVT in the Subaru drones a bit under load, but it gets you moving.
Real‑world fuel economy
We ran a mix of highway miles and ORV park loops one afternoon. Outback pulled about 19 mpg. Passport hovered around 17. For rentals on long trips or airport shuttles, those few extra miles per tank really stack up when you're filling up often.
Driving manners and braking
Twisty pavement. Passport's wide track and precise steering hold it flat, despite the softer suspension. Outback feels shorter, narrower, but the steering's a little vague. Wilderness's adaptive dampers tame body roll better than before. Braking's tight. Passport needs 177 feet from 70 mph. Outback 174. Either one's safe enough for rental duty. The catch? Neither's a sports car, but they don't scare you either.
Off‑road assessment
Specs like approach angles and clearance only tell part of the story. Ramp travel index? Passport crushed it. Scaled those banks easy. Outback's tech—collision warnings firing even in X-Mode—nixed a five-foot hill attempt. In snow and ruts, Passport's traction and tires won out. Outback could close the gap with grippier rubber. This is where it gets fun. I mean, who knew a rental could handle that?
| Spec | 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite | 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 4702 lb | 4016 lb |
| Engine | 3.5‑L V‑6, 285 hp | 2.4‑L turbo flat‑4, 260 hp |
| Transmission | 10‑speed auto | CVT |
| Cargo (behind seats) | 83/44 ft³ | 81/35 ft³ |
| Tires (test) | General Grabber A/T 275/60R‑18 | Bridgestone Dueler A/T 225/65R‑17 |
| 0–60 mph | 7.1 s | 6.0 s |
Pros and cons at a glance
Passport TrailSport excels with interior space, cargo flexibility, and genuine off-road ability that doesn't quit. Downsides include the heft, so-so fuel, and pricier top trims that sting the wallet. Outback Wilderness accelerates fast, clears obstacles higher, and rides smoothly thanks to those dampers. But the electronics can glitch on trails, tires lose grip in deep snow, and the bold styling might not click if you prefer understated looks.
How this matters to car rental and trip planning
Family camping trip? Airport pickup then backroads? Some overland exploring? It comes down to this: Passport handles gear and passengers effortlessly, with toughness to match. Outback hustles on highways, uses a touch less gas. Tires. Clearance. Cargo space. They trump brand loyalty when you're booking via apps or agencies. Passport TrailSport edged out for trails and everyday rental use. Outback shone on pavement and tech features. Reviews are helpful, sure. But test-driving and packing the trunk yourself? That's the real test. At GetRentaCar, we pull from reliable fleets at decent prices. No headaches. Their simple booking, flexible swaps, massive selection—from cars to scooters—suits your itinerary and group perfectly. Looking ahead, these models won't reshape travel worldwide, but they'll nudge rentals toward tough mid-size SUVs for adventure seekers. GetRentaCar keeps pace, delivering what travelers need as plans evolve. Next trip? Head to GetRentaCar for a hassle-free, capable ride. Book at GetRentaCar.com.
Bottom line. Got dirt roads, heavy loads, family gear in the mix? Passport TrailSport's the rental pick—its room, capability, and grip outweigh the fuel dip. Crave quicker acceleration, better mpg, compact size for solo or duo trips? Outback Wilderness delivers on-road poise. When reserving, compare rates, insurance, add-ons, extras carefully. The right choice saves hours, dodges breakdowns, eases the whole journey. Need something city-tight? Convertible thrill? Eco hauler? Economy ride? Line up the details—cargo volume, engine punch, seating, clearance, tire grip—with your route, crew, and duration. Choose what matches the drive and the luggage. Dig into reviews, scan photos, stick to reputable sites for the best deals. Avoid those surprise charges at drop-off.
