Honda Civic 82·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $7,582 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,582 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Subaru Forester counters with more cargo room (28.9 vs 14.8 cu ft).
Go with the Honda Civic for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Forester if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Civic vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Civic versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Honda Civic
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
82
79
Cost of Ownership
93
88
Powertrain
60
66
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
71
65
Safety
77
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$33,800
$41,382
Depreciation (5-yr)
$7,532
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,352
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,315
$2,095
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$3,716
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$790
$895
Starting Price
$24,695
$29,995
Horsepower
158 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
14.8 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$24,695
MSRP
$24,695
Mo · 5yr
$563
$33,800 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$690
$41,382 / 5 years
Best for families
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 Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Civic
93
Forester
88
Winner: Civic
$7,582 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Civic
60
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+6 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Civic
43
Forester
32
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Civic
71
Forester
65
Winner: Civic
+6 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,582 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Forester still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Honda Civic
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Forester
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Civic
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%
Honda Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$563
$33,800 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$563/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$690
$41,382 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$690/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $7,582 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.
