The 2026 Subaru Outback, Honda Passport, and Toyota RAV4 are top contenders for Missouri families seeking a reliable and versatile SUV. The Subaru Outback stands out with its superior AWD fuel economy and spacious interior, making it ideal for long family trips across Missouri's diverse landscapes. The Honda Passport offers a robust engine and intelligent traction management, perfect for adventurous families who enjoy off-road excursions. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 combines a versatile design with a range of powertrain options, providing flexibility for everyday errands and weekend getaways. Each vehicle offers unique features tailored to meet the needs of Missouri families, ensuring a comfortable and safe driving experience.

2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Honda Passport vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4: The Complete Comparison for Missouri Families

Exploring the best midsize SUV for your family’s safety, comfort, and adventure needs requires a clear overview grounded in facts that matter most on Twin Oaks roads, St Charles outings, or the daily school runs in Webster Groves. This comprehensive comparison pits the 2026 Subaru Outback against the 2026 Honda Passport and Toyota RAV4, demonstrating why Sunset Hills Subaru’s popular Outback is the strong choice for families and active lifestyles across Sunset Hills, St Louis, and surrounding Missouri communities.

Visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call (314) 476-9638 to explore our inventory and schedule a no-pressure test drive.

Table of Contents

• Clear Winner in Midsize SUV Versatility and Safety: Executive Summary
• Introducing the Contenders: Outback, Passport, and RAV4
• Mastering the Drive: Performance and Handling Comparison
• Exterior Elegance Meets Rugged Practicality
• Interior Space, Comfort, and Quality: Where Families Relax
• Smart, Connected, and User-Friendly Tech Features
• Safety Leadership with EyeSight® Driver Assist
• Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility
• Everyday Usability and Cargo Versatility
• Value and Ownership: Long-Term Smart Choice
• Final Recommendation: Why the Outback Stands Above the Rest

Clear Winner in Midsize SUV Versatility and Safety: Executive Summary

Among the 2026 models, the Subaru Outback clearly balances rugged capability with everyday family practicality, making it the premier choice for drivers in Richmond Heights, Glendale, and Crestwood areas. The Outback's comprehensive suite of standard safety tech, including the enhanced EyeSight® driver assist system, surpasses the driver assistance offered by the Honda Passport and Toyota RAV4. It also delivers superior all-weather confidence with symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) standard on every trim, a feature limited or optional on competitor models.

The Honda Passport offers notable power with its V6 engine and impressive towing capacity but lacks hybrid or advanced fuel-saving technologies, and its infotainment system lags behind. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 focuses exclusively on hybrid powertrains, appealing to eco-conscious buyers; however, it does not match the cargo capacity or enhanced off-road capability of the Outback's Wilderness trim.

For Missouri families from Maryland Heights to Fenton seeking a vehicle that performs on highways and trails alike while prioritizing safety, comfort, and connectivity, the Subaru Outback delivers unmatched value.

Introducing the Contenders: Outback, Passport, and RAV4

2026 Subaru Outback: The All-Around Family and Adventure SUV

The new Outback embraces a more traditional SUV design while retaining Subaru’s signature flat boxer engine and standard AWD. It appeals to families that cherish weekend getaways to Valley Park or daily commutes through St Louis rain and snow. Its raised ground clearance (8.7 inches, 9.5 on Wilderness) and rugged roof rack support heavier loads up to 800 lbs static — perfect for kayaks, bikes, or camping gear.

2026 Honda Passport: Rugged and Powerful but Less Tech-Packed

Honda’s Passport aims to attract drivers wanting V6 muscle and off-road-inspired TrailSport models. Its naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 generates 285 horsepower, handing strong towing and highway passing power. Exceptional rear legroom and cargo space showcase remarkably practical interior dimensions, ideal for families in Chesterfield or Ladue who prioritize openness. However, the Passport’s infotainment and hybrid offerings trail behind, limiting appeal for tech-savvy and eco-conscious buyers.

2026 Toyota RAV4: Hybrid-Focused with Urban-Outdoor Balance

The RAV4 stands out as a pioneer in electrified midsize SUVs, delivering hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrains with aggressive fuel economy targets reaching upwards of 40 mpg city. Its compact footprint, modern tech interface, and proven Toyota Safety Sense suite suit suburban commuters in Maplewood and Concord. Though efficient, it lacks the Outback’s cargo flexibility and full-time AWD standard across trims, especially in off-road-tuned models.

Mastering the Drive: Performance and Handling Comparison

Powertrains and Driving Confidence

The Subaru Outback offers two robust boxer engine options: a fuel-efficient 2.5L naturally aspirated engine producing 180 hp and a turbocharged 2.4L variant boosting output to 260 hp. Both pair with a smooth CVT transmission and **Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard**, ensuring traction and stability on Missouri’s variable road surfaces from snowy Sappington streets to muddy trails near Twin Oaks.

The Honda Passport’s 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated engine delivers 285 hp, surpassing Outback’s turbo in horsepower but at the cost of lower fuel efficiency and no hybrid option. It features a 10-speed automatic that ensures confident acceleration but lacks Subaru’s AWD system standardization.

Toyota RAV4 exclusively offers hybrid powertrains combining a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motors, achieving up to 236 combined horsepower in AWD models and 320 hp in PHEV trims with nearly 50 miles of electric-only range. While this leads in efficiency, the hybrid system entails a quieter, smoother urban ride but less immediate off-road readiness compared to the Outback Wilderness edition.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

The Outback benefits from a lower center of gravity thanks to its boxer engines and advanced suspension tuning, providing balanced handling that instills driver confidence, especially on backcountry routes around Creve Coeur and Valley Park. Its active AWD and X-MODE® enhance grip on snow and rough terrain, unlike systems on competitors that either come only on select trims or focus primarily on paved roads.

The Passport prioritizes ruggedness with off-road-tuned TrailSport variants but falls short in sophisticated traction management and ride comfort. The Toyota RAV4’s hybrid design prioritizes ride smoothness and fuel economy, ideal for city and highway driving but with limited off-road finesse.

Exterior Elegance Meets Rugged Practicality

The 2026 Subaru Outback’s design shifts toward a bolder SUV silhouette with a larger grille and repositioned lighting elements, projecting strength without sacrificing sophistication for drivers near Richmond Heights and Fenton. Its squared, broader body and a raised roofline (+2 inches) create more interior volume and improve headroom, which is a tangible benefit on extended family road trips or grocery runs in Oakland.

In contrast, the Honda Passport favors rugged styling cues aligned with its TrailSport off-road trims—including aggressive skid plates and recovery hooks—but the overall shape remains less streamlined. The Toyota RAV4’s redesign embraces modern angularity with compact proportions and special trims like Woodland and GR Sport targeted at urban adventurers and performance enthusiasts.

Note the Outback’s increased cargo space, now a class-leading 34.6 cubic feet behind rear seats, giving families in Crestwood or Lakeshire extra room without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Interior Space, Comfort, and Quality: Where Families Relax

Inside the Subaru Outback, the emphasis is on family comfort and usability. Spacious rear seating with increased headroom allows riders from Webster Groves to Maplewood to stretch out easily. The cabin combines durable, water-repellent materials with refined options such as perforated Nappa leather and heated/ventilated seats on higher trims. The Outback also features a thoughtfully designed control layout, placing frequently used climate and media controls within easy reach, helping drivers maintain focus during the school run or rush hour in St Louis.

The Honda Passport impresses with its roomy interior, especially rear legroom expanding to about 40.9 inches and generous cargo space, making it a practical option for those prioritizing passenger space. However, its infotainment system feels dated compared to Subaru’s latest equipment.

Toyota’s RAV4 balances a tight cabin with straightforward design optimized for hybrid tech integration. While comfortable, it offers less cargo volume and fewer premium seating options compared to the Outback, factors to consider for long drives in Richmond Heights or Glendale.

Smart, Connected, and User-Friendly Tech Features

The Subaru Outback’s revamped infotainment system leads the pack with a crisp 12.1-inch horizontal display complemented by a vertical menu for simplified navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, enhancing family road trips without tethering phones. The inclusion of a voice recognition system improves hands-free convenience—a critical feature when traversing challenging Sappington weather or busy St Louis traffic. Higher trims offer Harman Kardon audio and an optional cloud-based navigation system tailored to Missouri’s landscape.

Honda’s Passport offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen in its latest iteration but still lacks the responsiveness and intuitiveness offered by Subaru’s faster processor and dedicated physical controls for climate adjustments, an appreciated feature for drivers in Twin Oaks and Valley Park.

Toyota’s RAV4 takes a tech-centric approach with multiple touchscreen sizes, dual wireless charging pads, and a 360-degree camera system; however, integrating climate control fully into the touchscreen interface may hinder ease-of-use during quick adjustments while driving.

Safety Leadership with EyeSight® Driver Assist

Subaru’s EyeSight® driver assist technology is widely recognized for its comprehensive, standard features that help families feel secure on Missouri highways and rural roads alike. In 2026, the system steps ahead with radar and three forward-facing cameras providing adaptive cruise with lane centering, emergency stop with safe lane select, front and rear collision mitigation, and even hands-free driving support up to 85 mph on certain highways. The inclusion of DriverFocus® distraction mitigation adds a layer of attentiveness monitoring rare in this class.

Honda’s Passport equips the well-known Honda Sensing suite, including traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the system's sensor range and intervention capabilities generally trail Subaru’s latest enhancements. The Passport’s larger size and heavier V6 powerplant also influence crash dynamics differently.

Toyota’s Safety Sense 4.0 offers robust safety tech such as intersection collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection. Still, the hybrid powertrains and smaller compact SUV frame diverge from Subaru’s balanced combination of active driving assistance and family-sized durability.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility

The Toyota RAV4 takes the lead in pure fuel economy with its hybrid and PHEV offerings delivering city mileage around 38 to 41 mpg and an impressive electric-only range of approximately 50 miles on PHEV models. This makes it especially suitable for environmentally minded drivers in communities like Crestwood or Maplewood who prioritize low emissions without sacrificing daily usability.

The Subaru Outback trades some pure MPG numbers for versatile and reliable AWD capabilities and ruggedness essential for Missouri’s changeable seasons, offering an estimated 26/32 mpg on the base engine and 22/29 mpg with turbo power. This balance strikes a practical compromise for families in St Louis suburbs who need a vehicle flexible for snow, gravel, and highway miles.

Honda Passport’s V6 powertrain has a notably lower fuel economy around 19 city / 25 highway mpg, reflecting the trade-off for higher horsepower and towing capacity.

Everyday Usability and Cargo Versatility

Families in Webster Groves and Richmond Heights will appreciate the Outback’s thoughtful interior touches such as large door bottle holders accommodating 32-ounce containers and a redesigned cargo area now boasting 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats — the largest in Outback history. Its expanded roof rack supports substantial cargo weights, echoing the active lifestyles of local residents.

While the Passport provides greater cargo volume, reaching 44 cubic feet behind seats and 83.5 cubic feet folded, its design focuses more on rugged appeal than interior ergonomic refinement. The Toyota RAV4 offers adequate cargo for its segment but cannot match the Outback’s marriage of off-road readiness and daily practicality.

Value and Ownership: Long-Term Smart Choice

Sunset Hills Subaru’s 2026 Outback presents a thoughtful balance of initial cost, standard equipment, and long-term reliability. While official MSRP ranges from approximately $35,000 to just under $50,000 position it competitively among midsize SUVs, its standard symmetrical AWD and comprehensive safety suite deliver added value most competitors only provide as expensive options.

Honda’s Passport starts higher with fewer tech amenities standard and exclusion of hybrid options, representing a less fuel-efficient ownership. Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid range covers a notable price span but carries standard FWD on many trims, requiring choice and expense to equip AWD.

Furthermore, Subaru’s warranty and dealer service programs at Sunset Hills Subaru ensure customers from Lakeshire to Valley Park enjoy expert maintenance support. Accessories, parts, and timely service scheduling are easily accessible online, making ongoing ownership straightforward and cost-effective.

Explore our offerings at Schedule Service and Diagnostics, Get your value trade, and browse parts at Find Subaru Parts.

Final Recommendation: Why the Outback Stands Above the Rest

For Missouri families embracing an active, safety-conscious lifestyle from the neighborhoods of Twin Oaks to the streets of St Charles, the 2026 Subaru Outback embodies the ideal balance of rugged capability, spacious comfort, and smart technology. With industry-leading standard EyeSight® driver assist, unmatched standard all-wheel drive, and versatile cargo options, it ensures peace of mind on every journey — from the daily school run to weekend escapes in the Ozarks.

Its flexible trim roster, including the all-terrain Wilderness edition, caters to a range of needs without overwhelming complexity, combining efficiency, power, and safety backed by Subaru’s renowned dependability.

Browse the extensive selection in our New Subaru Outback Inventory or consider certified options from our Used Vehicle Inventory. Discover current incentives at Current New Car Specials or schedule your no-pressure test drive today to experience firsthand what makes the Outback uniquely suited for Missouri families.