Honda CR-V 75·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $279 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $279 less over five years. The Honda CR-V counters with more cargo room (39.3 vs 20 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Honda CR-V if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Honda CR-V
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
75
75
Cost of Ownership
90
90
Powertrain
59
63
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
56
61
Safety
72
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,583
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,431
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,650
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,960
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$4,652
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$915
$835
Starting Price
$30,920
$26,995
Horsepower
190 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
39.3 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$26,995
MSRP
$26,995
Mo · 5yr
$655
$39,304 / 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 →
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CR-V
90
Crosstrek
90
Evenly matched
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CR-V
59
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Crosstrek
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CR-V
43
Crosstrek
32
Winner: CR-V
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CR-V
56
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+5 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $279 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Honda CR-V wins on best for families; Subaru Crosstrek wins on best for long-term savings.
Daily commuter
Honda CR-V
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Crosstrek
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Honda CR-V
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda CR-V
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 CR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$660
$39,583 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Honda CR-V would need 22.4 years to recoup its $3,925 price premium ($175/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Crosstrek comes out about $279 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.
