Best Cars · head-to-head

Honda Accord (2026) vs Subaru Outback (2026)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Honda Accord (2026) is cheaper at $28395. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Honda Accord (2026) or Subaru Outback (2026)?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Honda Accord (2026) is the cheaper at $28395.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.

Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Honda Accord (2026) Subaru Outback (2026)
US price $28395 $34995
BrandHondaSubaru
Released20262026
Body style midsize sedan midsize wagon/crossover
Mpg combined 32 27
Horsepower 192 180
Drivetrain FWD AWD
Seats 5 5
Cargo cuft
Powertrain 1.5L inline-4 turbocharged, automatic CVT 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8
Release 2026 2026

Sources — Honda Accord (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Subaru Outback (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Honda Accord (2026) and Subaru Outback (2026)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Body style: Honda Accord (2026) midsize sedan vs Subaru Outback (2026) midsize wagon/crossover
  • Mpg combined: Honda Accord (2026) 32 vs Subaru Outback (2026) 27
  • Horsepower: Honda Accord (2026) 192 vs Subaru Outback (2026) 180
  • Drivetrain: Honda Accord (2026) FWD vs Subaru Outback (2026) AWD
  • Powertrain: Honda Accord (2026) 1.5L inline-4 turbocharged, automatic CVT vs Subaru Outback (2026) 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Honda Accord (2026)

Two whitelisted testers with hands-on track data — Car and Driver and MotorTrend — rate the 2026 Accord a class leader (C/D's 10Best pick and #1 midsize sedan, MT #2). Both praise its ride, handling and hybrid efficiency; both flag the lack of all-wheel drive and thin gas-trim options. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Composed ride, precise steering and confident handling; Efficient, punchy hybrid powertrain preferred over the gas engine; Spacious interior with a large trunk.

Flagged: No all-wheel drive offered, unlike several rivals; Few standalone options; base gas trims miss hybrid-grade features; Wind and road noise noticeable at highway speed.

Subaru Outback (2026)

Only Car and Driver's live page survived skeptic verification with full instrumented data for the redesigned 2026 Outback; all quotes and measured values were confirmed against the fetched text. C/D rates it 8.5/10: roomy and comfortable with decent light-duty off-road ability, but numb handling and a sluggish base engine hold it back. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Spacious rear seat and expanded cargo area; Decent light-duty off-road capability; Friendly physical dashboard controls and faster 12.1-inch infotainment.

Flagged: Sluggish, unhurried base 2.5-liter engine; Numb steering and loose, unengaging handling; Jerky CVT blunts the turbo engine.

← All cars compared · Open data