Nissan Rogue 71·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Nissan Rogue about $4,227 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,227 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Subaru Outback counters with more cargo room (34.6 vs 31.6 cu ft).
Go with the Nissan Rogue for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Outback if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Nissan Rogue vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Nissan Rogue versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
71
86
Cost of Ownership
82
85
Powertrain
59
62
Driver Assistance
0
32
Livability
56
69
Safety
94
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$44,323
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,923
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,263
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,640
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,377
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$995
Starting Price
$29,090
$34,995
Horsepower
201 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
31.6 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,090
MSRP
$29,090
Mo · 5yr
$739
$44,323 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 5 years
Best for families
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.
Nissan Rogue
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Rogue
82
Outback
85
Winner: Outback
$4,227 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Rogue
59
Outback
62
Winner: Outback
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Rogue
0
Outback
32
Winner: Outback
+32 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Rogue
56
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+13 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Nissan Rogue is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,227 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Outback still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Nissan Rogue
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Nissan Rogue
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Subaru Outback
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Nissan Rogue
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%
Nissan Rogue
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$739
$44,323 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$739/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Nissan Rogue comes out about $4,227 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.
