Hyundai Santa Fe 84·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Outback about $5,140 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,140 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with more power (277 vs 180 hp) and seating for 7.
Go with the Subaru Outback for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Santa Fe if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Hyundai Santa Fe
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
84
86
Cost of Ownership
81
85
Powertrain
62
62
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
71
69
Safety
97
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$53,690
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,997
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,320
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,274
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$1,000
$995
Starting Price
$35,050
$34,995
Horsepower
277 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
14.6 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
7
5
Towing capacity
—
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$35,050
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 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 →
Subaru Outback scores higher overall.
Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Santa Fe
81
Outback
85
Winner: Outback
$5,140 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Santa Fe
62
Outback
62
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Santa Fe
32
Outback
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Santa Fe
71
Outback
69
Winner: Santa Fe
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Outback is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,140 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Santa Fe still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Subaru Outback
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Outback
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Outback
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%
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Outback comes out about $5,140 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.
