New 2026 Honda Passport vs. Subaru Outback in Lufkin, TX

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2026 Subaru Outback are two fantastic options. Both are built to handle everyday driving, weekend adventures, and long-distance road trips, but the Honda Passport stands out in many ways. At Loving Honda, we're breaking down the key differences to show you how the Passport exceeds expectations. 

2026 Passport vs Outback Performance - For Sale in Lufkin, TX

The 2026 Honda Passport combines impressive power, versatile capability, and family-ready comfort in one SUV. Its 285-horsepower V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission delivers confident performance on every drive, while available off-road-tuned suspension and TrailWatch™ technology make tackling rough trails just as easy as navigating city streets. With towing-ready trims, adaptable roof rails, and a spacious, flexible interior, the Passport is built for active families who want adventure without compromise.

The 2026 Subaru Outback, while rugged with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and available X-MODE®, offers slightly less power and versatility. Its engine options, including a 260-horsepower turbocharged SUBARU BOXER®, provide capable performance, but the Outback may be a better fit for off-road enthusiasts rather than someone looking for an all-around SUV. 

2026 Passport vs Outback - Technology Features

Honda equips the Passport with a technology-rich interior, starting with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers. Google built-in, Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and wireless charging all come standard, making it easy to stay connected wherever you go.

Subaru's 2026 Outback has also stepped up its tech game with a newly available 12.1-inch touchscreen that controls navigation, entertainment, and climate. While not quite as expansive as the Passport's offerings, the Outback focuses on simplicity and accessibility, giving drivers intuitive controls and available Wi-Fi connectivity.

2026 Passport vs Outback - Safety Features

Both SUVs offer advanced safety technology, but the 2026 Honda Passport gives drivers confidence right from the start with the standard Honda Sensing® Suite. This comprehensive system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information, Road Departure Mitigation, and Traffic Sign Recognition. These features work together to provide peace of mind in busy city traffic or on long highway drives. With these features standard across all trims, the Passport prioritizes safety without compromise.

The 2026 Subaru Outback steps up with an upgraded EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, including available Hands-Free Driving Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, and Safe Lane Selection. These semi-autonomous features enhance convenience on longer drives, but they are optional rather than standard, and the Outback leans more toward tech-focused support than the all-around safety foundation the Passport provides for families.

2026 Passport vs Outback - Personalization

Honda offers the 2026 Passport in 10 trims, giving shoppers more ways to match their SUV to their lifestyle. Drivers can also choose from a wide selection of colors, such as Ash Green Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic II, Platinum White Pearl and more. Inside, options like heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone climate control, panoramic moonroof, and a hands-free access power tailgate add comfort and practicality.

The 2026 Outback has six trims and nine exterior colors, such as Crimson Red Pearl, Deep Emerald Green Pearl, and Geyser Blue, with certain shades tied to specific trims. Personalization is more trim-dependent compared to the Passport, but still provides enough flexibility for drivers to find their style.

Ready to Test Drive the New Honda Passport? Visit Us Today at Loving Honda

The 2026 Honda Passport and the 2026 Subaru Outback are both fantastic options for your next SUV. However, the Passport excels with its stronger V-6 power, advanced cabin technology, and a wide range of trim options for drivers who want personalization and comfort. 

Explore Loving Honda's current vehicle inventory, discover flexible financing options, and take advantage of trade-in opportunities at our dealership in Lufkin, TX. Visit us today or call us at (936) 632-7711 to schedule your test drive and explore the 2026 Honda Passport.

Disclaimers:

MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,495 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg rating for RTL trims. 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

Honda reminds you to properly secure cargo items and follow all applicable load limits and loading guidelines.

Google, Google Play, Google Maps, and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Google built-in requires an internet connection and may be accessible through your smartphone's mobile hotspot feature. Includes 3 years of unlimited data for in-vehicle apps. Non-distraction optimized apps such as video streaming, web browser, and games are only available to use while the vehicle is in park, not during operation. Depending on use, Google can share certain user and vehicle information such as vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions with its service providers. See Google privacy policy for details regarding Google's use and handling of data.

Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®. Requires AT&T data plan.

Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smart home technology.

Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.

Depending on use, Apple CarPlay can share certain user and vehicle information (e.g., vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions) with the connected iPhone. See Apple's privacy policy for details regarding Apple's use and handling of data uploaded by CarPlay. Use of CarPlay is at user's own risk, and is subject to agreement to the CarPlay terms of use, which are included as part of the Apple iOS terms of use. CarPlay vehicle compatibility is provided "as is", and Honda cannot guarantee CarPlay operability or functionality now or in the future due to, among other conditions, changes in CarPlay software/Apple iOS, service interruptions, or incompatibility or obsolescence of vehicle-integrated hardware or software. See dealer for details. Only use CarPlay when conditions allow you to do so safely. Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Google, Android, Android Auto, YouTube Music and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility.

Wireless phone charger is compatible with both Qi and Powermat wireless charging standards. Check with your device's manufacturer for wireless capability.

Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up, as the rearview camera and cross traffic monitor may not provide complete information about conditions at the rear of your vehicle. Monitor cannot detect all objects behind or to the side of a vehicle and may not detect a given object; system accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object, and speed. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

TSR cannot detect all traffic signs, may misidentify certain signs and does not include any braking or speed control functions. Accuracy will vary based on weather and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for complying with all traffic regulations.

The systems are not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes or backing up, and may not detect all objects, or provide complete information about conditions, behind or to the side of the vehicle. System accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object, and speed. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all the alert stages before initiating the last stage (of collision mitigation). CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

ACC with Low-Speed Follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) with Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. The system may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Road Departure Mitigation only alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position or to slow the vehicle's departure from a detected lane. RDM may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.