Honda CR-V 75·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda CR-V about $1,879 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,879 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda CR-V is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
75
79
Cost of Ownership
90
88
Powertrain
59
66
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
56
65
Safety
72
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,583
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,431
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,650
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,960
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,652
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$915
$895
Starting Price
$30,920
$29,995
Horsepower
190 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
39.3 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
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.
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CR-V
90
Forester
88
Winner: CR-V
$1,879 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CR-V
59
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CR-V
43
Forester
32
Winner: CR-V
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CR-V
56
Forester
65
Winner: Forester
+9 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda CR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,879 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Forester still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Honda CR-V
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda CR-V
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 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 CR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$660
$39,583 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda CR-V comes out about $1,879 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.
