The heart of the 2026 Outback Wilderness is its 2.4-liter Turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine. This powerplant is designed for the unique demands of Missouri driving. The horizontal layout provides a lower center of gravity, which is a massive advantage when carving through the winding backroads of Eureka or Pacific. With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque available early in the rev range, merging onto a crowded I-44 is effortless, even when fully loaded with gear for a float trip on the Meramec River. The Lineartronic® CVT is specially tuned for the Wilderness, featuring revised gear ratios for better low-end torque and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds—perfect for a small boat or a pair of ATVs.

Honda counters with its tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Passport TrailSport. While it offers a respectable 280 horsepower, it lacks the turbocharged punch of the Subaru at lower speeds. The Passport relies on a 9-speed automatic transmission that can occasionally hunt for gears during steep climbs in the rolling hills of South County. Honda does edge out Subaru in raw towing with a 5,000-pound limit, but that extra capacity comes at the cost of a much heavier curb weight and a higher center of gravity, making it feel significantly less nimble than the Outback when the pavement ends. For most St. Louis families, the Subaru’s blend of efficiency and accessible power is the more practical choice.

When you’re exploring the rockier paths at St. Joe State Park or navigating a flooded street after a classic St. Louis thunderstorm, ground clearance is your best friend. The 2026 Outback Wilderness boasts a class-leading 9.5 inches of ground clearance. This isn’t just a number; it’s the difference between clearing a hidden stump and a costly repair bill. Subaru also equips the Wilderness with standard front metal skid plates and redesigned bumpers that provide aggressive approach and departure angles.

The Honda Passport TrailSport, while more capable than a standard crossover, sits at 8.1 inches of clearance. That nearly 1.5-inch difference is massive when the trail gets technical. While the TrailSport features some underbody protection, it lacks the comprehensive ‘armored’ feel of the Outback. For those who take their ‘off-road’ badging seriously, the Subaru’s purpose-built suspension and lifted geometry provide far more confidence on the varied terrain of the Midwest.

The Wilderness features water-repellent StarTex upholstery. It’s designed to be wiped down after a muddy hike or a messy grocery run. No more worrying about wet dogs or spilled soda.

With 76 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, the Outback handles long items like kayaks or flat-pack furniture with ease, thanks to its wagon-inspired length.

The TrailSport uses leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching. While stylish, leather is more prone to scratching from gear and can be harder to maintain after a dusty trail day.

The 2026 Outback Wilderness features a vertical 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK® Multimedia system. This tablet-style interface is intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration as standard. For Missouri drivers who find themselves in areas with spotty cell service—like parts of the Katy Trail—the available built-in navigation powered by TomTom® is a lifesaver. The Wilderness also includes a Front View Monitor, which acts as a virtual spotter, helping you see obstacles directly in front of the vehicle when crawling over rocks or parking in tight Sunset Hills lots.

The Honda Passport utilizes an 8-inch touchscreen that feels a generation behind the Subaru’s expansive display. While it covers the basics like smartphone integration, the interface lacks the specialized trail-mapping features found in the Subaru. The Honda system is functional but lacks the ‘command center’ feel that modern adventure-seekers crave. If you’re looking for a vehicle that feels truly high-tech both on and off the road, the Outback is the clear winner in the cockpit.

In an era of fluctuating gas prices, efficiency matters. The 2026 Outback Wilderness manages a respectable EPA-estimated 21 city / 26 highway MPG. While the lift and all-terrain tires take a small bite out of the standard Outback’s efficiency, it still outperforms the Honda Passport TrailSport, which struggles to reach 19 city / 24 highway MPG. Over 100,000 miles of St. Louis driving, those extra miles per gallon add up to thousands of dollars in savings.

Subaru also holds a distinct advantage in resale value. According to ALG, Subaru vehicles consistently retain a higher percentage of their original price than almost any other brand. This means that when you’re ready for your next vehicle, your Outback Wilderness will likely be worth more than a comparable Passport. Lower maintenance costs and high reliability scores make the Subaru the smarter long-term financial play for St. Louis families.

The Wilderness features reinforced roof rails that can handle a static load of up to 700 pounds—perfect for a rooftop tent or heavy gear carriers.

Add a genuine Subaru trailer hitch to haul your bikes to Castlewood State Park or pull a light camper for a weekend getaway.

Protect your floor with custom-fit liners that trap salt, snow, and mud, keeping your interior looking brand new for years to come.

While the Honda Passport TrailSport is a capable SUV, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is a superior tool for the St. Louis driver who values true off-road readiness and everyday efficiency. Its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, specialized Symmetrical AWD, and rugged StarTex interior make it uniquely suited for the Midwest’s varied terrain and weather. It’s more than just a trim level; it’s a statement of capability that doesn’t compromise on comfort or safety. For the weekend warrior and the daily commuter alike, the Outback Wilderness is the definitive choice.

Owning an AWD powerhouse like the Outback Wilderness means keeping it in peak condition. Our factory-trained technicians at Sunset Hills Subaru know these vehicles inside and out. From specialized differential fluid changes after a dusty trail season to routine oil changes and tire rotations, we ensure your Subaru stays ready for whatever the road throws at it. Check out our Current Service and Parts Specials to save on your next visit.

We use only Genuine Subaru Parts to maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s engineering. Scheduling is easy and transparent. If you’ve been pushing your Wilderness to its limits, don’t wait for a warning light. Schedule Service and Diagnostics today and let our experts give your vehicle the care it deserves.