Pick Honda Passport if…
You want the most V6 power in the segment (280 hp), the highest tow rating (up to 2,268 kg / 5,000 lb), and a calm, quiet highway ride. Best fit for Vaughan buyers who tow a small trailer, boat, or ATV on weekends.
Photo: Honda Canada. Honda Passport shown for comparison context.
The quick answer
For most Vaughan shoppers, the Honda Passport is the safest all-round pick. The Mazda CX-50 fits a different priority, and the Subaru Outback fits a third. Use the table below to test your own priorities against what each model actually delivers on a back-to-back test drive.
Pick Mazda CX-50 if…
You want the most engaging driving feel in the segment and a near-luxury cabin. Mazda's Kodo design language and interior materials are a clear step above mainstream. Best fit for buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment and cabin ambience over outright cargo or power.
Pick Subaru Outback if…
You want standard symmetrical AWD on every trim, the best ground clearance in the segment (8.7 inches / 221 mm on most trims), and a wagon-like cargo layout. Best fit for Vaughan buyers who head north for ski, hike, or gravel-road weekends and want the most practical daily-and-adventure crossover.
Honda Passport vs Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Outback: buyer table
| Question | Honda Passport | Mazda CX-50 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best role | V6 power + 5,000 lb tow in a unibody crossover | Engaging drive + premium cabin at a mainstream price | Standard AWD wagon-crossover with off-road capability |
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6, 280 hp, 262 lb-ft (Honda Canada) | 2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cyl, 187 hp standard / 2.5L turbo 227 hp optional (Mazda Canada) | 2.5L boxer 4-cyl, 182 hp standard / 2.4L turbo 260 hp optional (Subaru Canada) |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9-speed automatic, i-VTM4 AWD standard (Honda Canada) | 6-speed automatic standard, i-Activ AWD standard (Mazda Canada) | Lineartronic CVT, Symmetrical AWD standard (Subaru Canada) |
| Fuel economy — combined (L/100 km) | 12.3 / 9.6 / 11.1 city/hwy/combined (Honda Canada) | About 9.4 combined non-turbo / 9.8 combined turbo (Mazda Canada) | About 9.1 combined non-turbo / 9.7 combined turbo (Subaru Canada) |
| Standard AWD | Yes — i-VTM4 on every Passport trim | Yes — i-Activ AWD standard on every CX-50 | Yes — Symmetrical AWD standard on every Outback |
| Ground clearance | About 196 mm (7.7 in) (Honda Canada) | About 211 mm (8.3 in) (Mazda Canada) | About 221 mm (8.7 in) — best in class (Subaru Canada) |
| Towing capacity | Up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) with accessory tow pkg (Honda Canada) — best in class | Up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) on turbo trims (Mazda Canada) | Up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) on Wilderness trim (Subaru Canada) |
| Cargo behind rear seat / with seats folded | 1,172 L / 2,449 L (Honda Canada) — largest of the three | 898 L / 1,595 L (Mazda Canada) | 920 L / 2,141 L (Subaru Canada) |
| Seating | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Long-term reliability signal | Strong — Honda V6 has one of the longest production track records in the industry | Strong — Mazda reliability has been at or near the top of mainstream in Consumer Reports for several years | Good — Subaru boxer engines need slightly more frequent attention; AWD system is robust |
| Warranty | 3 yr / 60,000 km comprehensive, 5 yr / 100,000 km powertrain (Honda Canada) | 3 yr / unlimited km comprehensive, 5 yr / unlimited km powertrain (Mazda Canada) — Mazda's unlimited km is a real edge | 3 yr / 60,000 km comprehensive, 5 yr / 100,000 km powertrain (Subaru Canada) |
| Who should test-drive it first? | Buyers who tow, want V6 power, and want Honda long-term ownership | Buyers who want the most premium cabin and engaging drive at a mainstream price | Buyers who want standard AWD, the best ground clearance, and wagon practicality for active lifestyles |
Spec notes were checked against the official 2026 Honda Canada, Mazda Canada, and Subaru Canada model pages on June 28, 2026. Towing, payload, and fuel-economy numbers vary by trim and drivetrain — confirm with the dealer before signing.
How this plays out in Vaughan
Highway 400 and 407 commuting
Passport's V6 is the calmest pick for a long commute — Honda's 9-speed automatic settles into low revs on the highway. CX-50 is the most engaging if you enjoy the drive. Outback's CVT is the most fuel-efficient but feels less connected at speed.
Cottage weekends and towing
If you tow a small boat, ATV trailer, or camper under 5,000 lb, the Passport's 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) rating is the class leader. CX-50 and Outback both tow up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) on their turbo/Wilderness trims.
Winter and snow performance
All three are AWD standard and handle a typical Ontario winter with proper winter tires. Outback's 221 mm ground clearance and X-Mode give it the edge on unplowed cottage-road and ski-hill parking lots. Passport's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD is the most confidence-inspiring on bare pavement.
Family practicality
Passport has the largest cargo hold (2,449 L seats folded). CX-50 has the smallest (1,595 L seats folded) — adequate but tighter for hockey bags or a Costco run. Outback splits the difference with a long wagon-style cargo floor.
Fuel-cost reality for a GTA commuter
On 20,000 km/year at Ontario fuel prices, the Outback non-turbo and CX-50 non-turbo save roughly $250-$350/year over the Passport. The Passport's V6 fuel economy is competitive within its power class.
Payment conversation
Trim-for-trim monthly payment is usually within $75 of each other across all three once you lock the same term and down payment. CX-50 Touring tends to come in slightly under Passport Touring on payment. Outback Wilderness is the most expensive Subaru trim, often matching Passport Touring.
Availability
All three are usually in stock in the GTA in some trim. Passport Trailsport and Blackout trims are typically the hardest to find. Send Henry your CX-50 or Outback quote and he will confirm Passport availability before you sign.
Maple Honda Reviews — what buyers say about Henry
Maple Honda holds a 4.8-star Google average across 3,993 reviews. A few recent ones from Henry’s customers:
- Jun · 2025 Pilot · ★★★★★
“The purchase of my 2025 Pilot was seamless, thanks entirely to Henry. He was polite, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable, ensuring all my questions were answered with care and attention from start to finish.”
- Naila Aaijaz · Civic lease renewal · ★★★★★
“Loyal to Honda for over a decade and truly thankful to Henry Chen at Maple Honda for the exceptional service. Henry is proactive and sends timely reminders. He helped me renew my car lease that fits into my budget perfectly.”
- Rhonda Parente · CR-V · ★★★★★
“Bought my CR-V with Henry's assistance. From the get-go Henry always showed up — really caring about the experience and ensuring I got the right vehicle for my needs.”
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FAQ
Which is best for a Vaughan buyer: Passport, CX-50, or Outback?
It depends on what you prioritize. Honda Passport is the safest all-round pick if you want V6 power, the highest tow rating, and Honda's long-term ownership cost. Mazda CX-50 is the strongest pick if driving enjoyment and cabin quality are your top priorities. Subaru Outback is the strongest pick if you want standard AWD, the best ground clearance, and a wagon-like cargo floor for active-lifestyle weekends.
Is the Honda Passport cheaper to own than the CX-50 or Outback over 5 years?
Typically yes for the powertrain and resale side, because of Honda's V6 long-life reputation and stronger resale in the Canadian market. The Outback's CVT and boxer engine can have slightly higher scheduled-maintenance costs. The CX-50 has competitive maintenance pricing but resale is typically a few percent below Passport at the 5-year mark.
Does the Passport really tow more than the CX-50 and Outback?
Yes — Honda Canada rates the 2026 Passport at up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) with the accessory tow package. Mazda Canada rates the CX-50 turbo at up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lb). Subaru Canada rates the Outback Wilderness at up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lb). The Passport's V6 has the torque advantage that matters for towing.
Is the Mazda CX-50's cabin really more premium than the Passport's?
Most reviewers and buyers say yes — Mazda's interior materials, panel gaps, and switchgear feel a clear step above the mainstream segment, including the Passport. The Passport counters with more interior space and a quieter ride at highway speed. If cabin feel is your top priority, test-drive a CX-50 first.
Which has the better warranty for a Vaughan buyer?
Mazda Canada offers 3 yr / unlimited km comprehensive, 5 yr / unlimited km powertrain — the unlimited km in year 1-3 is a real edge for high-mileage commuters. Honda Canada offers 3 yr / 60,000 km comprehensive, 5 yr / 100,000 km powertrain. Subaru Canada offers 3 yr / 60,000 km comprehensive, 5 yr / 100,000 km powertrain.
Is the Passport built in Canada?
No — the Passport is built in Lincoln, Alabama for the North American market. The Honda Civic and gas Honda CR-V are the Honda Canada Manufacturing Alliston-built models. Mazda CX-50 is built in Huntsville, Alabama. Subaru Outback is built in Lafayette, Indiana. Ask Henry for the build origin of any specific trim if it matters for your delivery timeline.
More 3-way midsize crossover SUV guides for the GTA
The Passport vs CX-50 vs Outback question comes up all over the GTA. Henry runs the same comparison across cities — here are the other versions:
Passport vs CX-50 vs Outback — Hamilton
Passport vs CX-50 vs Outback — Mississauga
Passport vs CX-50 vs Outback — Oakville
Want the Passport number beside your CX-50 or Outback quote?
Send Henry the trim, payment, term, and trade-in details from your Mazda CX-50 or Subaru Outback quote. He will show the comparable Honda Passport number clearly so you can decide without guessing.