Kia Sportage 81·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $4,708 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,708 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Kia Sportage counters with more cargo room (39.6 vs 28.9 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Forester for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Sportage if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia Sportage vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia Sportage versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
81
79
Cost of Ownership
78
88
Powertrain
64
66
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
57
65
Safety
97
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,170
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,712
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,565
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,332
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$870
$895
Starting Price
$28,790
$29,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
39.6 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 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 →
Kia Sportage scores higher overall.
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sportage
78
Forester
88
Winner: Forester
$4,708 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sportage
64
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sportage
38
Forester
32
Winner: Sportage
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sportage
57
Forester
65
Winner: Forester
+8 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 $4,708 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Sportage still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Subaru Forester
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
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 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%
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Subaru Forester would need 27.3 years to recoup its $1,205 price premium ($44/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 Forester comes out about $4,708 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.
