Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Outback about $8,690 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,690 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more towing capacity (6,200 vs 2,700 lbs) and more cargo room (37.7 vs 34.6 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Outback 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 Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
73
86
Cost of Ownership
69
85
Powertrain
54
62
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
47
69
Safety
99
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$995
Starting Price
$37,995
$34,995
Horsepower
324 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
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.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
Outback
85
Winner: Outback
$8,690 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
Outback
62
Winner: Outback
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
Outback
32
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+22 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Outback is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,690 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Subaru Outback
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Outback
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
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%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/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 $8,690 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.
