2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport vs. Toyota RAV4: Which SUV Fits Your Life in North Georgia?
The short answer: The redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback is the best value of the three. It starts at $34,995 MSRP with standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. A comparable Honda Passport costs about $10,000 more to start, and the Toyota RAV4 offers less cargo room, less clearance, and charges extra for AWD on most trims.
For 2026, the Outback has changed more than at any point in its 30-year history. It is taller, boxier, and roomier, and it now competes directly with midsize SUVs like the Honda Passport while still undercutting them on price. At the same time, plenty of shoppers compare it to the best-selling Toyota RAV4. We put all three side by side so you can decide which one belongs in your driveway.
What Is New on the 2026 Subaru Outback?
The seventh-generation Outback trades its wagon roots for a true SUV shape. Subaru raised the roofline by about two inches, which adds headroom and makes the cargo area more useful for tall, bulky items like coolers, dog crates, and camping bins.
Other highlights include:
- An all-new 12.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system
- Two engines: a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER or a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER on Limited XT, Wilderness, and Touring XT
- Up to 558 miles of estimated driving range on a tank
- Highway Hands-Free Assist on Touring trims
- A sharper, more planted feel in corners, thanks to a stiffer body
Outback vs. Passport vs. RAV4 at a Glance
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 2026 Honda Passport | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price (incl. destination) | $36,445 | $46,445 | $34,750 (LE AWD, approx.) |
| All-wheel drive | Standard | Standard | Optional on most trims |
| Engine | 180 hp 4-cyl or 260 hp turbo | 285 hp V6 | 226 to 236 hp hybrid |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in. (9.5 in. Wilderness) | Not the class leader | 8.1 in. (8.5 in. Woodland) |
| Max cargo space | 80.5 cu. ft. | 104.4 cu. ft. | About 70 cu. ft. |
| Max towing | 2,700 lbs. (3,500 lbs. turbo) | 5,000 lbs. | Up to 3,500 lbs. (select trims) |
| Combined fuel economy | Up to about 28 mpg | Up to 21 mpg | Hybrid, mid-40s |
| 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Yes, including Wilderness | Not announced at time of writing | Not announced at time of writing |
Specs and pricing reflect manufacturer and third-party published data as of October 2026 and may change. RAV4 price estimated from the LE AWD MSRP plus destination.
Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport
Price: The Outback Saves You About $10,000
The 2026 Outback Premium starts at $36,445 including destination. The 2026 Passport starts with the RTL trim at $46,445. Even a fully loaded Outback lands around $50,000, while a loaded Passport is closer to $55,000. That gap pays for a lot of road trips.
Performance: The Outback Turbo Holds Its Own
The Passport’s V6 makes more horsepower on paper, but in Edmunds testing, the turbocharged Outback actually beat the Passport in acceleration. It also uses less fuel. The Passport tops out at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, while the 2.5-liter Outback is rated up to 25 city and 31 highway.
Capability: Wilderness Is the Real Deal
The Outback Wilderness brings 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, electronic dampers, and water-resistant seating surfaces. It is a natural fit for Forest Service roads near Blue Ridge, fishing access points on the Chattahoochee, or a muddy pasture at a fall festival.
Where the Passport Wins
The Passport is the bigger vehicle. It offers more cargo space (104.4 versus 80.5 cubic feet) and tows up to 5,000 pounds. If you regularly tow a large boat or need maximum cargo volume, the Passport deserves a look. For most families, though, the Outback delivers the space they actually use for a lot less money, plus better fuel economy.
Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4
More Room for Real Life
The Outback offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with about 70 cubic feet in the RAV4. That extra space is the difference between fitting the stroller and the pack-and-play, or fitting the stroller and leaving the pack-and-play at home.
More Ground Clearance and Standard AWD
Every Outback comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and at least 8.7 inches of clearance. Most RAV4 trims start as front-wheel drive and ride at 8.1 inches.
Stronger Standard Towing
The base Outback tows 2,700 pounds and turbo models tow 3,500 pounds. The entry-level RAV4 LE is rated for 1,750 pounds, with higher ratings reserved for more expensive trims.
Where the RAV4 Wins
Every 2026 RAV4 is a hybrid, so it gets noticeably better fuel economy. If mpg is your number-one priority, the RAV4 is worth considering. If you want more space, more clearance, and standard AWD, the Outback is the better all-around SUV.
Which Outback Trim Should You Choose?
- Outback Premium: The best value, with standard AWD, EyeSight, and the new 12.1-inch touchscreen.
- Outback Limited: Leather-trimmed upholstery and a power moonroof for daily comfort.
- Outback Limited XT and Touring XT: The 260-horsepower turbo for easier merging, mountain driving, and towing up to 3,500 pounds.
- Outback Wilderness: 9.5 inches of clearance and trail-ready hardware for true off-pavement adventures.
- Outback Touring: Highway Hands-Free Assist and the most premium cabin in the lineup.
Test-Drive the 2026 Outback at Hughes Subaru
Hughes Subaru is proud to be known as North Georgia’s Subaru Outback dealership. Stop by 3010 Atlanta Highway in Athens to see the new Outback in person, or start online:
- Shop new Subaru Outback inventory and the Outback Wilderness
- Check current new Subaru specials and Subaru incentives
- Get your trade-in value online
- Considering a smaller SUV? Read our Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V comparison
Call 706-715-2303 or contact our team to schedule your test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Subaru Outback an SUV now?
Yes. The redesigned 2026 Outback has a taller, boxier SUV body with more headroom and cargo space, while keeping standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Is the Subaru Outback cheaper than the Honda Passport?
Yes. The 2026 Outback starts at $36,445 including destination, about $10,000 less than the 2026 Passport.
Does the Subaru Outback have more cargo space than the Toyota RAV4?
Yes. The Outback offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with about 70 cubic feet in the RAV4.
How much can the 2026 Subaru Outback tow?
The 2.5-liter Outback tows up to 2,700 pounds. Turbocharged models, including the Wilderness, tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Is the 2026 Subaru Outback safe?
Yes. The 2026 Outback, including the Wilderness, earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
Prices are MSRP and may exclude destination where noted, plus tax, title, registration, and dealer fees. EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage will vary. Competitor information based on manufacturer and third-party published data as of October 2026.
0 comment(s) so far on 2026 Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport vs. Toyota RAV4: Which SUV Fits Your Life in North Georgia?