For drivers craving rugged capability, adventure-ready tech, and everyday interior comfort, a Subaru Outback Wilderness vs. Honda Passport TrailSport vs. Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road comparison is no doubt at the top of the list. The team from Hughes Subaru dives into how these three outdoor-oriented SUVs stack up and shows the Subaru Outback Wilderness dominating in key areas.
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| 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness | 2025 Honda Passport TrailSport | 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo 4-cyl | 3.5L V-6 | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 260 | 280 | 278 |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | Part-time 4WD |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs4 | 5,000 lbs5 | 6,000 lbs6 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 21 / 26 / 232 | 19 / 24 / 217 | 19 / 25 / 218 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 18.5 gal | 19.5 gal | 19 gal |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cargo Space | 75.6 cu ft | 77.7 cu ft | 90.2 cu ft |
| Headroom (front / rear) | 40.1 / 39.1 in | 39.5 / 40.0 in | 39.7 / 37.8 in |
| Legroom (front / rear) | 42.8 / 39.5 in | 40.9 / 39.6 in | 41.8 / 34.8 in |
| Length / Width / Height | 191.3 / 74.6 / 66.9 in | 189.1 / 78.6 / 72.2 in | 194.9 / 78 / 73.6 in |
| Approach & Departure Angles | 20.0 / 23.6 deg | 21.1 / 24.3 deg | 19 / 24 deg |
| Ground Clearance | 9.5 in | 8.1 in | 9.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,902 lbs | 4,229 lbs | 4,850 lbs |
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| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 Stars9 | 5 Stars10 | Not Rated |
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The new Subaru Outback Wilderness for sale redefines what it means to be outdoor-ready with a refined yet practical cabin. Outfitted with durable, water-repellent StarTex seating and all-weather floor mats, this SUV’s built to handle muddy boots and wet gear without sacrificing comfort. Heated front and rear seats come standard, along with dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.
Its thoughtfully designed layout offers up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, with the front row providing 40.1 inches of headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom, both more than the Honda Passport TrailSport and Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road.
The Passport TrailSport delivers on space and upscale design with leather-trimmed seats and a larger maximum cargo area. While it offers an additional zone in its climate system, a closer look reveals where the Wilderness truly begins to pull ahead.
While spacious, the Passport TrailSport lacks some of the trail-focused touches found in the Subaru, like water-repellent upholstery. Its 8-inch touchscreen is functional but lacks the immersive experience offered by the expansive 11.6-inch touchscreen display on the Wilderness. Plus, its standard seven-speaker audio system underperforms compared to the standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system on the Subaru.
Comparing this to the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, the overall tech and comfort experience of the Toyota feel stuck in a previous generation compared to the Outback Wilderness. This bulkier model wins on cargo volume with up to 90.2 cubic feet, but its dated cabin – featuring cloth seats, a single-zone climate control system, and six-way manually adjustable front seats (compared to the 10-way power-adjustable front seats on the Outback Wilderness) – leaves it behind the curve. Like the TrailSport, it falls short of the more advanced and user-friendly infotainment system offered by the Subaru.
The Outback Wilderness proves that true off-road capability doesn’t need brute force – it requires balance, smart engineering, and purpose-built features. Powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine and paired with a CVT, the Wilderness offers smooth, responsive power for steep climbs and challenging conditions.
What truly sets it apart is its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, enhanced front and rear bumpers for better approach and departure angles, and the advanced dual-function edition of Subaru X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Standard Symmetrical AWD with Active Torque Vectoring provides consistent traction where others falter. Add Hill Descent Control, a reinforced suspension, and Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, and the Outback Wilderness becomes a confident companion for every kind of adventure.
The Passport TrailSport trim comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine but falls behind in torque compared to the Outback Wilderness. It joins the Subaru with its own AWD and drive mode system but isn’t as kind to its undercarriage with only 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
The 4Runner TRD Off-Road features its own set of trail-ready features – such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control – but it also lags behind the Outback Wilderness with its lower ground clearance and shorter approach angle.
Under normal conditions, the TRD Off-Road runs in 2WD and requires manual 4WD engagement, lacking the constant traction and automatic response of AWD. In contrast, the Outback Wilderness offers a more seamless transition from trails to pavement.
The 4Runner TRD Off-Road sports a similar 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. However, its eight-speed automatic transmission tends to feel clunkier in comparison to the continuously variable transmission on the Subaru. The Wilderness CVT offers smoother gear changes, a more aggressive final drive ratio that delivers superior grip at lower speeds, and better fuel efficiency – a topic we’ll explore in the next section.
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness stands out not only for its trail-ready features but also for its impressive MPG rating. It achieves an EPA-estimated 21/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 figures that are pretty stunning in the off-road SUV segment.
The Passport TrailSport costs more at the pump with an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),7 while the TRD Off-Road fares only slightly better at EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)8 – still unable to reach the efficiency of the Subaru Outback Wilderness.
Each SUV features its own advanced safety suite, such as the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on the Outback Wilderness. But you’ll quickly see that the data overwhelmingly supports the Outback in reliability. Here are a few standout highlights from our Subaru research:
The Outback Wilderness, Passport TrailSport, and 4Runner TRD Off-Road all come with a 36-month/36,000-mile New Limited Warranty11 and a 60-month/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.11 However, the Outback Wilderness stands out with a lower starting price than both the Toyota and Honda SUVs – offering not only peace of mind but also exceptional value right from the start.
For drivers who want it all – comfort, space, tech, and trail-ready toughness – the new Subaru Outback Wilderness is the clear champion in our 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness vs. 2025 Honda Passport Trailsport vs. 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road comparison. Discover all this SUV has to offer at Hughes Subaru!
1Manufacturer’s suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/outback/2025/overview/
4Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
5Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
6Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
7Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
8Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/SUBARU/OUTBACK/SW/AWD
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/HONDA/PASSPORT/SUV/FWD
11Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
12Based on Experian Automotive vehicles in operation vs. total new registrations for MY2015-2024 as of December 2024.
13Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/passport/2025/overview/
14Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/
