Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $17,937 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $17,937 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more cargo room (37.7 vs 20 cu ft) and more power (324 vs 180 hp).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
73
75
Cost of Ownership
69
90
Powertrain
54
63
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
47
61
Safety
99
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$835
Starting Price
$37,995
$26,995
Horsepower
324 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 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 →
Subaru Crosstrek scores higher overall.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
Crosstrek
90
Winner: Crosstrek
$17,937 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Crosstrek
+9 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
Crosstrek
32
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+14 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 $17,937 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 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
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
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%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Crosstrek comes out about $17,937 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.
