Ford Escape 73·Honda CR-V 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda CR-V about $8,256 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,256 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda CR-V is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Honda CR-V.
Metric
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
MotiveGrid Score
73
75
Cost of Ownership
75
90
Powertrain
64
59
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
55
56
Safety
93
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$39,583
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$9,431
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$11,225
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$9,650
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,960
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,652
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$915
Starting Price
$30,350
$30,920
Horsepower
180 hp
190 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
30 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
39.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Honda CR-V scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
CR-V
90
Winner: CR-V
$8,256 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
CR-V
59
Winner: Escape
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
CR-V
43
Winner: CR-V
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
CR-V
56
Winner: CR-V
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda CR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,256 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Ford Escape
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda CR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Escape
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Honda CR-V
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda CR-V
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Escape
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$797
$47,839 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$797/mo
Honda CR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$660
$39,583 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda CR-V comes out about $8,256 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
