Ford Escape 73·Kia Sportage 81on the MotiveGrid Score·Kia Sportage about $1,669 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,669 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Kia Sportage is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Kia Sportage
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Kia Sportage.
Metric
Ford Escape
Kia Sportage
MotiveGrid Score
73
81
Cost of Ownership
75
78
Powertrain
64
64
Driver Assistance
16
38
Livability
55
57
Safety
93
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$46,170
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$14,712
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$12,027
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$10,565
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,332
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$870
Starting Price
$30,350
$28,790
Horsepower
180 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
39.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 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 →
Kia Sportage scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
Sportage
78
Winner: Sportage
$1,669 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
Sportage
64
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
Sportage
38
Winner: Sportage
+22 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
Sportage
57
Winner: Sportage
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Kia Sportage is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,669 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Ford Escape
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia Sportage
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Sportage
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Kia Sportage
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia Sportage
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%
Ford Escape
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$797
$47,839 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$797/mo
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford Escape would need 34.4 years to recoup its $1,560 price premium ($45/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Kia Sportage comes out about $1,669 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.
