Shopping for a Subaru Outback? Consider These 3 Alternatives

Honda, Mazda and Toyota offer compelling two-row midsize SUVs of their own

written by David Gluckman
edited by Greg Migliore
8/8/2026
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What's new: As of the 2026 model year, the Subaru Outback is no longer an off-beat lifted all-wheel-drive wagon.
Why it matters: Now that the Outback has gone to the SUV side, it has a lot more competition.
Edmunds says: If you're considering a new Outback, take a look at these options from Honda, Mazda and Toyota.

For years, the Subaru Outback was in a class by itself as an affordable and lifted all-wheel-drive wagon. With its 2026 redesign, the iconic Subaru has morphed into a more familiar midsize SUV shape. Now easier to categorize, the Outback nevertheless excels in its new mission, already topping our rankings of two-row midsize SUVs. But it won't be the perfect choice for everyone, so check out these three alternatives that are also worth a look.

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Honda Passport

Price range (with destination): $46,445-$55,345
Edmunds Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)

Midsize SUVs don't get much boxier than the Honda Passport. While the design gives off rugged vibes, it also translates to lots of interior space, which is comfortable for passengers and capacious for their stuff. All-wheel drive is standard across the board, as is a strong V6 engine. Fuel economy is nothing special but average for the segment.

The Passport lineup is split into two series of trims: The less expensive RTL has more of a civilized look, while the TrailSport versions look ready to head to the trail. And they are, at least more than a lot of SUVs in this class; the TrailSport nets more aggressive all-terrain tires and a unique suspension tune with added ground clearance and underbody protection. It should stand up well against the Outback's Wilderness trim and gets you an SUV that's civilized on the street and capable in the dirt.

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Mazda CX-70

Price range (with destination): $44,280-$58,400
Edmunds Rating: 6.8 (out of 10)

Maybe crunchy isn't your thing. Mazda's CX-70 is a tailored suit compared to the Outback's outdoor-ready technical gear. Though not quite a luxury SUV, the Mazda gets close with the design and quality of its interior appointments. As of 2026, ventilated front seats are standard on all models. And with no pretensions of off-road prowess, the CX-70 is allowed to focus on making street driving not just pleasant but enjoyably sporty. Note that the very similar Mazda CX-90 swaps some cargo space for a third row of seats. It's also available for a lower price with fewer standard features — no ventilated seats for that base model.

The CX-70 (and the CX-90) is available with either a turbocharged inline-six engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain that uses a turbo four-cylinder. Both offer ample power and return fuel economy numbers that best many rivals'. In Edmunds' testing, a gas-only CX-70 averaged 23.2 mpg, while the PHEV did only slightly better, at 24.3 mpg. The plug-in is rated for 32 miles of electric-only range, but we'd only consider that if you have somewhere to plug in overnight.

Toyota Crown Signia

Price range (with destination): $46,185-$50,585
Edmunds Rating: 6.8 (out of 10)

Lifted-wagon aficionados mourning the loss of Subaru's offering in that arena may want to consider Toyota's Crown Signia, which is shorter in height than the pre-SUV Outback. This is another not-quite-luxury option for folks who want a lot of features and tech. The ride is very comfortable, as are the standard leather seats; posterior ventilation is standard up front, and there's heat for bottoms in both rows.

All Crown Signias come with all-wheel drive and use hybrid power. The 240-hp system mustered a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds at our test track, which is adequate but won't set any records. What's more impressive is this tidy SUV's fuel economy numbers. In Edmunds' testing, we saw results right around the Crown Signia's 38 mpg combined EPA rating. The only number that may disappoint is the cargo volume, which is less than what you'll find with the others on this list. Style sometimes requires sacrifice.

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by David Gluckman

David has years of experience as a writer and editor for print and digital automotive publications, including Car and Driver and Road & Track. He can parallel-park a school bus, has a spreadsheet listing every vehicle he's ever tested, and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. When not searching for the perfect used car, he can be found sampling the latest gimmicky foodstuffs that America has to offer.

edited by Greg Migliore

Greg Migliore is an accomplished journalist with more than two decades covering the auto industry. He was the editor-in-chief of Autoblog for more than seven years and also served as the editorial director of AutoGuide. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek magazines. A widely quoted industry expert, he has contributed commentary to Autoline After Hours, NPR, Yahoo Finance and America on the Road. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing Course. He is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury. When not writing, editing or driving the latest new vehicles, Greg can be seen driving around in his extremely low-mileage 2006 Dodge Charger.

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