Ford Escape 73·Nissan Rogue 71on the MotiveGrid Score·Nissan Rogue about $3,516 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,516 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Escape counters with more cargo room (37.5 vs 31.6 cu ft).
Go with the Nissan Rogue for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Escape if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Nissan Rogue
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Nissan Rogue.
Metric
Ford Escape
Nissan Rogue
MotiveGrid Score
73
71
Cost of Ownership
75
82
Powertrain
64
59
Driver Assistance
16
0
Livability
55
56
Safety
93
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$44,323
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$14,923
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$9,640
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$2,490
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,377
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$880
Starting Price
$30,350
$29,090
Horsepower
180 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
31.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$29,090
MSRP
$29,090
Mo · 5yr
$739
$44,323 / 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 →
Ford Escape scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Nissan Rogue
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
Rogue
82
Winner: Rogue
$3,516 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
Rogue
59
Winner: Escape
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
Rogue
0
Winner: Escape
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
Rogue
56
Winner: Rogue
+1 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Nissan Rogue is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,516 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Nissan Rogue
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Nissan Rogue
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Escape
More cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Escape
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Nissan Rogue
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
Nissan Rogue
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$739
$44,323 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$739/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Nissan Rogue comes out about $3,516 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.
