Kia Sportage vs. Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,196 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
| Metric | Kia Sportage | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 81 | 75 |
| Cost of Ownership | 78 | 91 |
| Powertrain | 64 | 63 |
| Driver Assistance | 38 | 32 |
| Livability | 57 | 61 |
| Safety | 97 | 72 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $46,145 | $38,949 |
| 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) | $1,890 | $2,095 |
| 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 |
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.
Which vehicle is right for you
Subaru Crosstrek is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,196 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Sportage still wins if your priority is best for families.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Kia Sportage ranks #2 of 3 in Best Compact SUV for Families and #10 of 10 in Best Compact SUVs.
- Subaru Crosstrek ranks #2 of 3 in Easiest Compact SUV to Park and #2 of 5 in Best Compact SUV for Tall Drivers.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in Wisconsinwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Coloradowhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Minnesotawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in South Carolinawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Louisianawhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →