Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Subaru Forester

Ford Mustang Mach-E 78Subaru Forester 80on the MotiveGrid ScoreSubaru 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.
MetricFord Mustang Mach-ESubaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score7880
Cost of Ownership7388
Powertrain6666
Driver Assistance4932
Livability3969
Safety9979
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
Horsepower264 hp180 hp
MPG (combined)29 mpg
Electric range260 mi
Cargo volume29.7 cu ft28.9 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs
DrivetrainRWDAWD
Electric
2026$37,795
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E in Grabber Blue front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$29,995
2026 Subaru Forester Touring front three-quarter view
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.
Mustang Mach-E
99
Forester
79
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+20 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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