Ford Escape 73·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $6,377 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,377 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Escape counters with more cargo room (37.5 vs 28.9 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Forester 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. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Ford Escape
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
73
79
Cost of Ownership
75
88
Powertrain
64
66
Driver Assistance
16
32
Livability
55
65
Safety
93
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$895
Starting Price
$30,350
$29,995
Horsepower
180 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 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 →
Subaru Forester scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
Forester
88
Winner: Forester
$6,377 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
Forester
32
Winner: Forester
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
Forester
65
Winner: Forester
+10 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Forester is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,377 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
Subaru Forester
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Escape
Stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Subaru Forester
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Forester
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
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $6,377 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.
