Honda Accord vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Honda Accord

—

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2024 Honda Accord

2026 Subaru Outback

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Flat 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.3L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

New exterior design feels refreshing
Great on-road presence and manners
It's fuel efficiency is worth a look

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Dislikes

Missing a few features for price tag
Cabin is nice but plain
Multimedia system needs an overhaul

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

2024 Honda Accord Summary

The Honda Accord is now in its 11th generation and there was a time when the Accord, and rivals like the Skoda Superb and Toyota Camry were the perfect family cars.

But if you head to a car park, it's obvious they're no longer the choice when it comes to family hauling.

We’re family testing the new Accord, now offered in one highly-specified variant, to see if its new hybrid powertrain and design are worth a look in a world where the SUV is king.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Honda Accord 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

Will the new Honda Accord e:HEV RS topple the SUV throne? Unlikely, but it proves sedans can still haul the family around in relative comfort and style.

The new Accord drives stupidly well and offers great ongoing ownership costs, even if it's price tag is a little steep. It's hybrid powertrain also offers fantastic efficiency and that's a big win.

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Honda Accord vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda Accord vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?