Mazda CX-50 86·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $3,383 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,383 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Mazda CX-50 counters with more cargo room (31.4 vs 20 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Mazda CX-50 if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Mazda CX-50
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
86
75
Cost of Ownership
90
90
Powertrain
67
63
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
60
61
Safety
99
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$42,687
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,631
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,535
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$4,499
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$835
Starting Price
$29,900
$26,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 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 →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-50
90
Crosstrek
90
Evenly matched
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-50
67
Crosstrek
63
Winner: CX-50
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-50
32
Crosstrek
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-50
60
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Crosstrek is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,383 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-50 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
Mazda CX-50
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Mazda CX-50
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%
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Mazda CX-50 would need 175.6 years to recoup its $2,905 price premium ($17/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 $3,383 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.
