Kia Sportage 81·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $6,866 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,866 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Kia Sportage counters with more cargo room (39.6 vs 20 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Sportage if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia Sportage vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia Sportage versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Kia Sportage
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
81
75
Cost of Ownership
78
90
Powertrain
64
63
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
57
61
Safety
97
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,170
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,712
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,565
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$4,332
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$870
$835
Starting Price
$28,790
$26,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
39.6 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 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 →
Kia Sportage scores higher overall.
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sportage
78
Crosstrek
90
Winner: Crosstrek
$6,866 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sportage
64
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Sportage
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sportage
38
Crosstrek
32
Winner: Sportage
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sportage
57
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+4 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 $6,866 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Sportage 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
Kia Sportage
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Kia Sportage
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%
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Kia Sportage would need 76.0 years to recoup its $1,795 price premium ($24/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Crosstrek comes out about $6,866 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.
