Honda Passport TrailSport vs Subaru Outback Wilderness: Which Off-Road AWD SUV Is Right for You?
The Subaru Outback Wilderness tackles rocky trails with 9.5 inches of clearance and rally-bred agility, while the Honda Passport TrailSport counters with smarter torque-vectoring AWD and more muscle for hauling gear.
You know that feeling when you’re staring down a rocky trail and wondering if your SUV can handle it? Both the Passport TrailSport and Outback Wilderness are built for exactly those moments, but they go about it in completely different ways . Here’s the thing—one is a toughened wagon with rally-inspired handling, and the other is a brawny two-row SUV with a velvety V6. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize agility and efficiency or space and towing muscle.
TL;DR
The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers superior ground clearance (9.5 inches vs. 8.3) and a more agile feel on tight trails, thanks to its shorter wheelbase and rally-bred Symmetrical AWD system . The Honda Passport TrailSport counters with a more powerful 285-hp V6, smarter i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD that can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels, better approach/departure angles, and 5,000 lbs of towing capacity . The Subaru is more fuel-efficient and costs about $6,740 less, while the Honda offers significantly more cargo space and premium interior features .
Ground Clearance and Angles: Who Sits Taller?
When you’re crawling over rocks or through ruts, ground clearance and approach angles matter—a lot.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness wins the clearance battle with a commanding 9.5 inches of ground clearance . That’s nearly an inch taller than the standard Outback and enough to clear obstacles that would high-center many SUVs.
The Outback Wilderness also comes with 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, electronic dampers that adjust in real-time to trail conditions, and dual-mode X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud programs for low-speed control .
The Honda Passport TrailSport counters with 8.3 inches of ground clearance and chunkier 31-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels designed to protect the rims and valve stems from damage .
Where the Passport TrailSport shines is in its approach and departure angles. At 23 degrees for both front and rear, the TrailSport beats the Outback’s 20-degree approach and 22.5-degree departure, making it better for steep transitions . The Outback’s shorter wheelbase gives it a slight edge in breakover angle, though.
The AWD Showdown: Torque Vectoring vs Symmetrical Grip
This is where things get interesting. Both systems are excellent, but they work differently.
Honda’s i-VTM4: Smarter Power Delivery
The Passport TrailSport’s i-VTM4 system is genuinely special—and it’s basically Acura’s SH-AWD system under a different name . Here’s how it works:
- It can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels
- It can then send 100% of that rear torque to a single rear wheel
- It overdrives the outside rear wheel when cornering, reducing understeer and making the Passport feel more agile than its size suggests
The system works with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management, offering Trail, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. In Trail mode, the system increases rear torque bias and allows more wheel slip to maintain momentum .
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD: Rally-Bred Simplicity
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is legendary for a reason. It’s a full-time system with a front/rear torque split that can vary based on conditions . For 2026, the Outback Wilderness gets a revised system with:
- Faster center differential lockup
- Reduced wheelspin when off-roading
- Steering angle data integrated into torque distribution for better stability
The dual-mode X-MODE system optimizes throttle, transmission, and braking to maintain traction in snow, mud, and on steep descents .
Bottom line on AWD: The Subaru’s system is more intuitive and easier to use, especially in low-speed situations. The Honda’s system is more sophisticated and can send power where it’s needed with incredible precision.
Power and Towing: The V6 Difference
The Honda Passport TrailSport is the clear winner here. Its 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a traditional 10-speed automatic . More importantly, it can tow 5,000 pounds—enough for a small camper or boat .
The Subaru Outback Wilderness uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque . It gets better fuel economy (around 23 mpg combined vs. 20 mpg for the Honda) and is surprisingly quick—0-60 mph in under 6 seconds . But it can only tow 3,500 pounds .
Cargo and Passenger Space
| Feature | Honda Passport TrailSport | Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Behind Second Row | 44.0 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft |
| Cargo With Seats Folded | 104.6 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.9 in | 39.5 in |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in | 57.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 9.5 in |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
*Data from *
The Passport TrailSport offers significantly more cargo space and rear passenger room, making it the better choice if you’re hauling people and gear.
Price and Value
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is considerably more affordable at around $41,710, compared to $49,900 for the Passport TrailSport—a difference of about $6,740 .
You get more standard features for the money with the Subaru, including StarTex water-repellent upholstery and a more sophisticated infotainment system. The Honda costs more but offers more towing capacity, cargo space, and a more premium interior with available leather and a 12-speaker Bose sound system .
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better ground clearance?
The Subaru Outback Wilderness has 9.5 inches of ground clearance compared to the Honda Passport TrailSport’s 8.3 inches . That extra inch can make a difference on rocky trails.
Is the Honda Passport TrailSport good off-road?
Yes. The Passport TrailSport features a torque-vectoring i-VTM4 AWD system, 31-inch all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and an approach angle of 23 degrees . It’s more capable than most drivers will ever need.
Can the Outback Wilderness tow a camper?
Yes, the Outback Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is enough for a small camper or boat . The Passport TrailSport can tow 5,000 pounds, giving it a significant advantage for heavier loads.
Which has more cargo space?
The Honda Passport TrailSport has 44 cubic feet behind the second row and 104.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, compared to the Outback Wilderness’s 34.6 and 80.5 cubic feet, respectively .
Which is better for tight trails?
The Outback Wilderness’s shorter wheelbase and 9.5 inches of ground clearance make it more maneuverable on tight, rocky trails .
Is the Outback Wilderness faster than the Passport TrailSport?
Yes. The Outback Wilderness can hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds, while the heavier Passport TrailSport takes about 7.3 seconds .
Does the Passport TrailSport have skid plates?
Yes. The Passport TrailSport comes with steel skid plates to protect the underbody .
What is X-MODE on Subaru?
X-MODE is Subaru’s off-road traction system that optimizes throttle, transmission, braking, and AWD torque distribution for low-speed driving on snow, mud, gravel, and steep terrain . The Wilderness has dual-mode X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings .
Have you taken either of these off-road SUVs on a real adventure? Share your experiences—and which one you’d choose—in the comments below.
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