Honda HR-V 78·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda HR-V about $1,147 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda HR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,147 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda HR-V is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda HR-V versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Honda HR-V
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
78
75
Cost of Ownership
91
90
Powertrain
62
63
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
54
61
Safety
79
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,157
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$8,533
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,135
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$1,500
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$3,987
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$825
$835
Starting Price
$26,500
$26,995
Horsepower
158 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
24.4 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$26,500
MSRP
$26,500
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,157 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$26,995
MSRP
$26,995
Mo · 5yr
$655
$39,304 / 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 HR-V scores higher overall.
Honda HR-V
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
HR-V
91
Crosstrek
90
Winner: HR-V
$1,147 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
HR-V
62
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Crosstrek
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
HR-V
43
Crosstrek
32
Winner: HR-V
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
HR-V
54
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+7 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda HR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,147 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Crosstrek still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Subaru Crosstrek
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda HR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Honda HR-V
Better safety rating with more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda HR-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 HR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,157 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda HR-V comes out about $1,147 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.
