Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $15,778 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $15,778 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more towing capacity (6,200 vs 1,500 lbs) and more cargo room (37.7 vs 28.9 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Forester for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
73
79
Cost of Ownership
69
88
Powertrain
54
66
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
47
65
Safety
99
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$895
Starting Price
$37,995
$29,995
Horsepower
324 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 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 Forester scores higher overall.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
Forester
88
Winner: Forester
$15,778 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+12 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
Forester
32
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
Forester
65
Winner: Forester
+18 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Forester is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $15,778 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 Forester
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
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 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%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $15,778 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.
