Honda Passport vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its nearly flat hood and abrupt lower bumper enhanced its off-road appeal, while bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop added distinctive touches. The Passport's design drew comparisons to popular models like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, yet it retained a unique Honda identity. The profile view, with its blacked-out D-pillar and large rear-quarter window, was said to be inspired by a backpack, though it also evoked similarities to the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Notable features included nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The rear showcased a two-tone tailgate design, standard roof rails, and 18-inch wheels, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward and practical interior with four trim levels, with the TrailSport models featuring visually appealing cloth and vegan interiors.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign that resulted in a more cohesive yet conventional appearance, losing some of its distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and rugged black plastic elements hinted at off-road potential, while subtle hybrid badges differentiated it from its non-hybrid counterpart. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard centre section and a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats providing ample comfort and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats and a digital instrument panel. While some felt the Forester lost some personality, it gained broader appeal with its modern design and practical features.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered for both on-road and off-road performance, featuring improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for enhanced traction. Its i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system offered seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. The Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided ample power, the Passport's fuel economy remained modest, with an estimated 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving. The Passport excelled in off-road environments, showcasing its capabilities on challenging terrains. Despite the trend towards smaller turbocharged engines, the Passport stuck with its V6, appealing to those seeking a powerful yet less efficient engine.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. Its all-wheel drive system, combined with hybrid components, offered better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes felt slower due to its unique operation. The Forester Hybrid's ride quality was firm, with larger 19-inch wheels contributing to some road undulations. Off-road, the Forester Hybrid excelled with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, providing a balanced performance for both urban and adventurous driving.

The 2026 Honda Passport boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a practical interior with physical controls. It excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with seats folded, making it a leader in its segment. The Passport also provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage options, catering to family road trips. A panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats added comfort, while post-production options included a rear cargo shelf that doubled as a table.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thinner roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space, and the cockpit felt open and airy. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The Forester Hybrid featured a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and USB ports for rear passengers. Its cargo space measured 779 litres, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. The Forester's upright tail allowed for bulkier items, making it practical for various needs.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The Passport's tech upgrades included a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB-C charging ports, and a digital driver information display. Touring trims added a Bose stereo system and TrailWatch camera system for enhanced convenience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, built-in navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system received praise for its user-friendly interface and large on-screen buttons. The Forester Hybrid also featured X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views for off-roading. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provided premium sound quality.

The 2026 Honda Passport was equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport had eight standard airbags, but previous crash test results were less than stellar, with four out of five stars in front-impact and rollover tests.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid model received high marks from IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Top-trim models added rear automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor.