Ford Mustang Mach-E 78·Subaru Forester 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $7,586 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,586 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang Mach-E counters with more power (264 vs 180 hp).
Go with the Subaru Forester for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
78
80
Cost of Ownership
73
88
Powertrain
66
66
Driver Assistance
49
32
Livability
39
69
Safety
99
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$49,048
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,299
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,412
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,340
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,590
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,687
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$1,670
$895
Starting Price
$37,795
$29,995
Horsepower
264 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
—
29 mpg
Electric range
260 mi
—
Cargo volume
29.7 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Electric
2026$37,795
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 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 Mustang Mach-E
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang Mach-E
73
Forester
88
Winner: Forester
$7,586 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang Mach-E
66
Forester
66
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang Mach-E
49
Forester
32
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+17 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang Mach-E
39
Forester
69
Winner: Forester
+30 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 $7,586 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang Mach-E still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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%
Charging mix
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$817
$49,048 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$817/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford Mustang Mach-E recoups its $7,800 price premium in 5.1 years ($1,544/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $7,586 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.