2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior was fresher compared to the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, plain styling maintained its lifted wagon appearance, with minor updates like new paint options and standard adaptive LED headlights.

The 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, shared many styling similarities with its three-row counterpart. Inside, the Passport's dash layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, including the controversial button shifter design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels ranged from the entry-level Sport, with features like 20-inch alloy wheels and tri-zone climate control, to the top-tier Elite, which included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The Passport's design choices and feature set made it a practical and comfortable option for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a significant improvement with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided better acceleration and smoother operation, albeit with slightly lower fuel economy (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) compared to the base engine (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway). The Outback's ride comfort and off-road capability were highlights, thanks to its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Subaru's advanced all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode for tougher conditions.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Passport offered strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. The AWD model featured Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of light off-roading. The Passport's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds for FWD models and up to 5,000 pounds for AWD models. The ride quality balanced comfort and handling, making it suitable for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, comparable to larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford F-150, without the bulk. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Visibility was excellent, and storage options included large door pockets, a front center console with handy pockets, and a small shelf on the passenger-side dash. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with them in use, plus an additional 2.5 cubic feet in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim and above included a power liftgate, with hands-free operation on the Touring and Elite trims. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console featured a deep bin and an open cargo tray. Both front and rear seats had deep in-door pockets for storage. The rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly outdated. Despite this, the system included modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to systems that also use radar.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across all trims, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While this was a positive move, the system's graphics and menu layout were dated and confusing. The inclusion of a volume dial was appreciated, though the overall audio interface lacked a tuning dial. Despite these shortcomings, the standard smartphone connectivity features were a significant advantage.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and received top ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for the rollover test.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. However, it earned "Acceptable" ratings for the passenger-side small overlap front crash test, headlights, and child-seat anchor ease of use, and an "Advanced" rating for front crash prevention tech.