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2026 Subaru Outback Comparisons: How It Stacks Up Against Every Top Competitor
By Lancaster County Motors Subaru | Reviewed by Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, and Ross Rodruan, General Manager | Last updated August 2026
Quick Answer
Shopping the 2026 Subaru Outback against other midsize SUVs and crossovers? We've built detailed, side-by-side comparisons against six of its closest competitors: the Honda Passport, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, and the all-new Jeep Cherokee. Every comparison covers pricing, performance, safety ratings, cargo space, technology, and total cost of ownership, using current manufacturer, EPA, and IIHS data, plus honest commentary from our own General Sales Manager and General Manager. Across nearly every matchup, the Outback's standard all-wheel drive, confirmed 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, and class-leading cargo and towing capacity stand out, though we call out the specific areas where a competitor genuinely has an edge.
Choosing an SUV is easier when you can see the real numbers side by side, not just marketing claims. Below, you'll find our full library of 2026 Subaru Outback comparisons, each built around the most comparably equipped, popular trim of the competing model. Click through to any comparison for the full breakdown, or use the summary table below to see how the Outback stacks up across the board at a glance.
Browse All 2026 Outback Comparisons
 | 2026 Outback vs. Honda Passport RAV4-adjacent midsize rival with strong towing and horsepower; Outback counters with better fuel economy and a lower starting price. |
 | RAV4's hybrid powertrain wins on mpg and horsepower; Outback wins on standard AWD and a confirmed 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. |
 | Nearly identical pricing and both standard AWD; Outback wins decisively on max cargo space and towing capacity. |
 | Rogue's turbo engine and price look tempting until you add its optional AWD; Outback includes AWD standard on every trim. |
 | 2026 Outback vs. Chevrolet Equinox America's best-selling Chevy SUV has a low base price, but AWD is a mandatory add-on and it hasn't earned a 2026 IIHS award. |
 | 2026 Outback vs. Jeep Cherokee The all-new, relaunched Cherokee brings a strong hybrid powertrain but no reliability track record or IIHS rating yet. |
2026 Outback vs. the Competition: At a Glance
| Competitor | Starting Price | AWD Standard? | 2026 IIHS Award | Outback's Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Outback Premium | $36,445 | Yes, all trims | Top Safety Pick+ | Baseline vehicle |
| 2026 Honda Passport RTL | $44,570 | Yes, all trims | Top Safety Pick+ | Lower price, better mpg |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD | $38,950 | Yes, all trims | Not yet rated (new) | Lower price, confirmed IIHS rating |
| 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium | $36,495 | Yes, all trims | Top Safety Pick+ | More cargo, more towing |
| 2026 Nissan Rogue SV AWD | $36,285 | Optional, +$1,400 | Top Safety Pick | AWD standard, more towing, higher IIHS tier |
| 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD | $37,595 | Optional, +$2,000 | Not awarded for 2026 | AWD standard, more towing, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo | $39,995 | Yes, all trims | Not yet rated (new) | Lower price, proven reliability, confirmed IIHS rating |
Starting MSRP includes destination charge; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. Figures reflect manufacturer, EPA and IIHS data available as of August 2026 and are subject to change. See each individual comparison for full trim-level detail and sourcing.
See the 2026 Outback in Person at Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Browse current inventory or schedule a test drive at our Lancaster, PA showroom, 1705 Manheim Pike.
About Our Experts
 | Ross Rodruan, General Manager Ross oversees dealership operations at Lancaster County Motors Subaru, including the sales and service departments, giving him a long-term view of how Subaru vehicles perform for local owners well past the day they drive off the lot. |
 | Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager Jonathan leads the sales team at Lancaster County Motors Subaru, where he works directly with Lancaster County shoppers every day to match them with the right Subaru model and trim for their needs and budget. |
Pricing, specifications and ratings referenced above reflect publicly available manufacturer, EPA and IIHS data as of August 2026 and are subject to change without notice. Starting MSRP includes destination charge and excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. Contact Lancaster County Motors Subaru for current pricing, incentives and availability.
