MotorTrend Pits Outback Wilderness Against Passport Trailsport – Who Won? 

Both the Outback Wilderness and the Honda Passport Trailsport aim to blur the line between docile, comfortable car-based crossovers and truck-based off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota 4-Runner. Those three still offer greater off-road ability, but at the cost of on-road comfort. The Outback Wilderness and Trailsport are more off-road capable than most people need, especially for those who don’t make off-roading their hobby. MotorTrend had both of these off-road-focused crossovers in its long-term test fleet, so a direct comparison was practically necessary. Ewing Subaru of Plano shares what editors found.  

The Passport Trailsport in MotorTrend’s fleet was an Elite model, complete with all the bells and whistles of the flagship Passport. The powertrain, however, is shared with all Passports, and incorporates a 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 262 lb-ft of peak torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels via all-wheel drive. The Trailsport adds an off-road kit, including adjusted spring, damper, and anti-roll bar tuning, underbody skid plates, 31-inch all-terrain tires, and recovery hooks.  

The Outback Wilderness features 9.5 inches of ground clearance (1.4 inches higher than the Honda) and electronic adaptive suspension, the Dual-mode enhancement of the X-Mode drive mode selector, and a lower final drive ratio to boost acceleration. Also helping with acceleration is the Outback Wilderness’ standard 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

MotorTrend points out that you don’t have to climb to the top of the Outback model line to get the Wilderness model. It came in at $50,535, including a robust option package with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats with power adjustment, a larger (12.1-inch) infotainment screen, a moonroof, and a bird’s-eye parking camera. Ironically, you would have to surrender a number of those features on the Passport – notably heated and ventilated perforated-leather seats, rear window shades, a Bose audio system, and Trail Watch camera system) – in order to whittle its price tag down to nearly match that of the Outback Wilderness tested here.  

Aesthetically, MotorTrend liked the Trailsport, though, as just mentioned, its editors would have to look past some of the nicer cabin materials for the models to be price comparable. The Passport’s 9-inch screen was also considered minimal for a vehicle of this size, which is about five inches wider than the Outback. In contrast, the Wilderness’ standard 12.1-inch screen was far more generous. While MotorTrend thought the Android Auto display could be improved, they concluded, “the setup as a whole is superior to the Passport’s, and the stereo sounds better, as well.” 

Given their off-road leanings, both models impressed on the highway, though they found, “The Outback’s ride is taut and more carlike than the Passport’s. In sharp turns it feels eager and playful, even willing to rotate a bit—good fun with no downside. It’s also quieter and more refined than the Honda.” 

The power specs are close numerically, trading horsepower and torque advantages, but the Outback’s torque also peaks earlier and the CVT is quick to adjust ratios such that it “responds more quickly and eagerly than the Passport.” 

Both the Outback Wilderness and Passport Trailsport promise some semblance of off-road capability, and MotorTrend found they both make good on that promise. “We were satisfied that either vehicle can take us as far as we want to go without prepping for a serious off-road adventure—you know, the kind that involves winches, jacks, and a survival blanket.” 

 When things got rougher, both models came through, even when the terrain forced each to have one tire lifted in the air. “Both cars benefit from a bit of momentum, but we found if we got stuck, the Outback was more likely to sort itself out and start moving again, whereas the best bet with the Passport was to back up and give it another try.” 

Both brands have high reputations from Consumer Reports and researchers in the industry regarding quality, durability, reliability, and even resale, so there is no distinct advantage there. 

While they were impressed by the off-road ability of both vehicles, they had no trouble picking a winner. It mostly came to value as whatever they preferred on the Passport Trailsport did not add up to a $4000 difference.  “Despite being smaller than the Passport, the Outback accommodates five adults in just as much comfort. Its ride, though firmer, is not uncomfortable, plus it’s quieter inside, and it feels quicker and more engaging to drive.” 

It is nice that both models deliver on their off-road looks, but at Ewing Subaru of Plano, it is even nicer that the Outback Wilderness won the comparison.  See for yourself all the new Outback Wilderness has to offer as you choose among the many models available in the Ewing Subaru of Plano inventory.