Nissan Rogue 71·Subaru Crosstrek 75on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $5,019 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,019 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Nissan Rogue counters with better mileage (32 vs 29 mpg combined) and more cargo room (31.6 vs 20 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Nissan Rogue if you prioritize better gas mileage and more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Nissan Rogue vs. Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Nissan Rogue versus 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Metric
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Crosstrek
MotiveGrid Score
71
75
Cost of Ownership
82
90
Powertrain
59
63
Driver Assistance
0
32
Livability
56
61
Safety
94
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$44,323
$39,304
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,923
$9,502
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,263
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,640
$9,195
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$2,450
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,650
Financing (5-yr)
$4,377
$4,062
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$835
Starting Price
$29,090
$26,995
Horsepower
201 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
31.6 cu ft
20 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,090
MSRP
$29,090
Mo · 5yr
$739
$44,323 / 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 →
Subaru Crosstrek scores higher overall.
Nissan Rogue
0
/ 100
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Rogue
82
Crosstrek
90
Winner: Crosstrek
$5,019 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Rogue
59
Crosstrek
63
Winner: Crosstrek
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Rogue
0
Crosstrek
32
Winner: Crosstrek
+32 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Rogue
56
Crosstrek
61
Winner: Crosstrek
+5 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Crosstrek is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,019 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Nissan Rogue still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Nissan Rogue
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Crosstrek
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Nissan Rogue
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Subaru Crosstrek
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%
Nissan Rogue
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$739
$44,323 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$739/mo
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Nissan Rogue recoups its $2,095 price premium in 8.0 years ($261/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Crosstrek comes out about $5,019 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.
