Toyota 4Runner vs Subaru Outback vs Honda Passport
Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.
Choose your shortlist
The verdict
Photo finish
The 2026 Subaru Outback edges ahead by just 5 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.
2026 Subaru Outback
58.7
2026 Honda Passport
53.7
2026 Toyota 4Runner
52.699999999999996
How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.
The Scoreboard
No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.
2026 Subaru Outback
$36,415 incl. destination — $6,605 less than the runner-up
2026 Subaru Outback
25/31 city/hwy
2026 Honda Passport
285 hp
2026 Toyota 4Runner
7 seats
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2026 Toyota 4Runner. Start with the 2026 Subaru Outback at $36,415 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Toyota · Off-Road SUV
2026 Toyota 4Runner
“Retains the iconic power-down rear window”
See the full reviewTrim-Level Comparison
Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.
Trim Price (incl. dest.)
- 4Runner$51,740
- Outback$41,415
- Passport$50,145
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- 4Runner$1,025/mo
- Outback$820/mo
- Passport$993/mo
vs. Base Trim
- 4Runner+$8,720
- Outback+$5,000
- Passport+$3,700
| 4Runner TRD Off-Road | Outback Limited | Passport TrailSport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $51,740 | $41,415 | $50,145 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $1,025/mo | $820/mo | $993/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$8,720 | +$5,000 | +$3,700 |
14 of 14 features shown
4RunnerOutbackPassport
2.4L i-FORCE Turbo Engine
Included Not included Not included
Standard Power Rear Window
Included Not included Not included
Electronic Locking Rear Differential
Included Not included Not included
Multi-Terrain Select
Included Not included Not included
12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia System
Not included Included Not included
12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster
Not included Included Not included
Leather-trimmed upholstery
Not included Included Not included
Harman Kardon speaker system
Not included Included Not included
i-VTM4 AWD System
Not included Not included Included
12.3-inch Color Touchscreen
Not included Not included Included
Leather-Trimmed Interior
Not included Not included Included
Off-Road Tuned Suspension
Not included Not included Included
General Grabber All-Terrain Tires
Not included Not included Included
Standard Recovery Points
Not included Not included Included
| 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo Engine | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Standard Power Rear Window | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Electronic Locking Rear Differential | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Multi-Terrain Select | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia System | Not included | Included | Not included |
| 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Leather-trimmed upholstery | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Harman Kardon speaker system | Not included | Included | Not included |
| i-VTM4 AWD System | Not included | Not included | Included |
| 12.3-inch Color Touchscreen | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Leather-Trimmed Interior | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Off-Road Tuned Suspension | Not included | Not included | Included |
| General Grabber All-Terrain Tires | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Standard Recovery Points | Not included | Not included | Included |
Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.
Subaru · Off-Road SUV
2026 Subaru Outback
“Unmatched all-weather confidence with Symmetrical AWD”
See the full reviewFull Spec Sheet
Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.
Pricing & Financing
Base MSRP
- 4Runner$41,570
- Outback$34,995
- Passport$44,950
Est. dealer invoice
- 4Runner$38,244
- Outback$32,195
- Passport$41,354
Destination fee
- 4Runner$1,450
- Outback$1,420
- Passport$1,495
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- 4Runner$43,020
- Outback$36,415
- Passport$46,445
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- 4Runner$852/mo
- Outback$721/mo
- Passport$920/mo
Trims offered
- 4Runner3 (from $41,570)
- Outback4 (from $34,995)
- Passport3 (from $44,950)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- 4Runner2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl, i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
- Outback2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder, 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder
- Passport3.5L V6
Horsepower
- 4Runner278 - 326 hp
- Outback180 hp
- Passport285 hp
Fuel economy
- 4Runner20/26 city/hwy
- Outback25/31 city/hwy
- Passport19/25 city/hwy
Seating
- 4Runner7 seats
- Outback5 seats
- Passport5 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- 4RunnerOff-Road SUV
- OutbackOff-Road SUV
- PassportOff-Road SUV
Assembly location
- 4RunnerTahara, Japan
- OutbackLafayette, IN, USA
- PassportLincoln, AL, USA
Safety awards & ratings
- 4RunnerToyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
- OutbackIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026)
- PassportIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- 4RunnerTRD Off-Road
- OutbackLimited
- PassportTrailSport
Trim to skip
- 4RunnerSR5
- OutbackTouring XT
- PassportTrailSport Elite
Key rivals
- 4RunnerFord Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender
- OutbackHonda Passport, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee
- PassportToyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer
| |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Financing | |||
| Base MSRP | $41,570 | $34,995 | $44,950 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $38,244 | $32,195 | $41,354 |
| Destination fee | $1,450 | $1,420 | $1,495 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $43,020 | $36,415 | $46,445 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $852/mo | $721/mo | $920/mo |
| Trims offered | 3 (from $41,570) | 4 (from $34,995) | 3 (from $44,950) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl, i-FORCE MAX Hybrid | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder, 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 278 - 326 hp | 180 hp | 285 hp |
| Fuel economy | 20/26 city/hwy | 25/31 city/hwy | 19/25 city/hwy |
| Seating | 7 seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | Off-Road SUV | Off-Road SUV | Off-Road SUV |
| Assembly location | Tahara, Japan | Lafayette, IN, USA | Lincoln, AL, USA |
| Safety awards & ratings | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026) |
| Honest Verdict | |||
| Recommended trim | TRD Off-Road | Limited | TrailSport |
| Trim to skip | SR5 | Touring XT | TrailSport Elite |
| Key rivals | Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender | Honda Passport, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee | Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer |
Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.
Toyota 4Runner
Off-Road SUV
Pros
- Retains the iconic power-down rear window
- Massive improvement in technology and interior materials
- Tahara, Japan assembly suggests high build quality
Cons
- Starting price has moved significantly upmarket
- Fuel economy is better, but still trails crossover competitors
Subaru Outback
Off-Road SUV
Pros
- Unmatched all-weather confidence with Symmetrical AWD
- Highly functional interior with durable, easy-to-clean materials
- Superior ride quality that bridges the gap between sedan and SUV
Cons
- Base engine performance is modest for its size
- Over-reliance on touchscreen for basic climate functions
Honda Passport
Off-Road SUV
Pros
- Rugged and improved exterior styling
- Exceptional cargo versatility for a 5-passenger vehicle
- Highly effective torque-vectoring AWD system
Cons
- Lack of a hybrid powertrain option
- Higher starting price than some entry-level rivals
How They Drive
Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.
Toyota 4Runner
Performance
- Strong low-end torque from the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system
- Significant power jump to 326 hp
- 8-speed transmission is a massive upgrade over the old 5-speed
- Four-cylinder engine note lacks the character of a V6
- Hybrid system adds noticeable weight to the platform
Handling
- TNGA-F platform provides much better chassis rigidity
- More communicative steering feel than the previous generation
- High center of gravity leads to predictable body roll
- Brake dive is still present during sudden stops
Comfort
- Modernized seats offer better long-distance support
- Cabin insulation is greatly improved at highway speeds
- Third-row legroom is very limited for adults
- Stiffer suspension on TRD trims can be jittery on broken pavement
Subaru Outback
Performance
- Linear power delivery from the Boxer engine design
- Turbocharged 2.4L offers excellent passing power at highway speeds
- Base 180 hp engine can feel sluggish when fully loaded with gear
Handling
- Low center of gravity reduces body roll compared to taller SUVs
- Standard Symmetrical AWD provides exceptional grip in slippery conditions
- Light steering feel lacks feedback for enthusiastic driving
Comfort
- Long-travel suspension excels at smoothing out broken pavement
- Impressive cabin insulation keeps wind noise to a minimum
- Infotainment screen can be slow to respond in extreme temperatures
Honda Passport
Performance
- Predictable and linear power from the 3.5L V6
- Smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission
- Lacks the low-end punch of turbocharged competitors
Handling
- i-VTM4 torque vectoring improves cornering agility
- Precise steering feel for a mid-size SUV
- Boxy profile is sensitive to highway crosswinds
Comfort
- Well-bolstered seats for long-distance travel
- Excellent cabin insulation from road noise
- TrailSport suspension can feel stiff over small pavement imperfections
Straight Answers
The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.
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