Honda Civic 82·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $5,149 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,149 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with more cargo room (20 vs 14.8 cu ft).
Go with the Honda Civic for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Crosstrek if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Civic vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Civic versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Honda Civic
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
82
75
Cost of Ownership
93
91
Powertrain
60
63
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
71
61
Safety
77
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$33,800
$38,949
Depreciation (5-yr)
$7,532
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,352
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,315
$2,095
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$3,716
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$790
$835
Starting Price
$24,695
$26,995
Horsepower
158 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
14.8 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$24,695
MSRP
$24,695
Mo · 5yr
$563
$33,800 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$26,995
MSRP
$26,995
Mo · 5yr
$649
$38,949 / 5 years
Best on balance
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 Civic scores higher overall.
Honda Civic
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Civic
93
Crosstrek
91
Winner: Civic
$5,149 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Civic
60
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Crosstrek
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Civic
43
Crosstrek
32
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Civic
71
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Civic
+10 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,149 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Crosstrek still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Honda Civic
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Crosstrek
More cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Civic
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Crosstrek
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%
Honda Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$563
$33,800 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$563/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$649
$38,949 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$649/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $5,149 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.
