Kia Sportage 81·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Kia Sportage about $2,380 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,380 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
Kia Sportage vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia Sportage versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Kia Sportage
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
81
86
Cost of Ownership
78
85
Powertrain
64
62
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
57
69
Safety
97
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,170
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,712
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,565
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,332
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$870
$995
Starting Price
$28,790
$34,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
39.6 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
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 Outback scores higher overall.
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sportage
78
Outback
85
Winner: Outback
$2,380 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sportage
64
Outback
62
Winner: Sportage
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sportage
38
Outback
32
Winner: Sportage
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sportage
57
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+12 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Kia Sportage is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,380 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Outback still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Kia Sportage
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia Sportage
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Sportage
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%
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Kia Sportage comes out about $2,380 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.
