Kia EV6 67·Subaru Forester 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $7,751 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,751 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Subaru Forester is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia EV6 vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia EV6 versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Kia EV6
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
67
80
Cost of Ownership
73
88
Powertrain
61
66
Driver Assistance
22
32
Livability
34
69
Safety
95
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$49,213
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$23,309
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,413
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,115
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$955
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,702
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$1,670
$895
Starting Price
$37,900
$29,995
Horsepower
168 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
—
29 mpg
Electric range
237 mi
—
Cargo volume
24.4 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Electric
2026$37,900
MSRP
$37,900
Mo · 5yr
$820
$49,213 / 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.
Kia EV6
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
EV6
73
Forester
88
Winner: Forester
$7,751 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
EV6
61
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
EV6
22
Forester
32
Winner: Forester
+10 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
EV6
34
Forester
69
Winner: Forester
+35 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 $7,751 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia EV6 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Kia EV6
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia EV6
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Subaru Forester
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%
Charging mix
Kia EV6
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$820
$49,213 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$820/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Kia EV6 recoups its $7,905 price premium in 4.7 years ($1,671/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $7,751 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.
