Kia Telluride 80·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Outback about $9,326 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,326 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Kia Telluride counters with more power (291 vs 180 hp) and seating for 8.
Go with the Subaru Outback for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Telluride if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Kia Telluride versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Kia Telluride
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
80
86
Cost of Ownership
72
85
Powertrain
60
62
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
63
69
Safety
100
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,877
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,771
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$15,304
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,760
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,896
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$1,080
$995
Starting Price
$39,190
$34,995
Horsepower
291 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
22 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
21 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
8
5
Towing capacity
—
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2027$39,190
MSRP
$39,190
Mo · 5yr
$965
$57,877 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 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 →
Subaru Outback scores higher overall.
Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Telluride
72
Outback
85
Winner: Outback
$9,326 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Telluride
60
Outback
62
Winner: Outback
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Telluride
32
Outback
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Telluride
63
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+6 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Outback is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,326 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Telluride still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Subaru Outback
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Outback
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Kia Telluride
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Outback
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 Telluride
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$965
$57,877 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$965/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Outback comes out about $9,326 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.
