Hyundai Tucson 79·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $6,517 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,517 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Hyundai Tucson counters with more cargo room (38.7 vs 20 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Tucson if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Tucson vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Tucson versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Hyundai Tucson
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
79
75
Cost of Ownership
79
90
Powertrain
60
63
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
57
61
Safety
97
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,821
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,211
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$835
Starting Price
$29,300
$26,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
38.7 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$764
$45,821 / 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 →
Hyundai Tucson scores higher overall.
Hyundai Tucson
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Tucson
79
Crosstrek
90
Winner: Crosstrek
$6,517 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Tucson
60
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Crosstrek
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Tucson
32
Crosstrek
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Tucson
57
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+4 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Crosstrek is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,517 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Tucson still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Subaru Crosstrek
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Crosstrek
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Tucson
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai Tucson
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%
Hyundai Tucson
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$764
$45,821 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$764/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Hyundai Tucson would need 97.6 years to recoup its $2,305 price premium ($24/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 $6,517 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.
