Subaru Crosstrek 75·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Crosstrek about $2,158 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,158 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Subaru Forester counters with more cargo room (28.9 vs 20 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Crosstrek for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Forester if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
75
79
Cost of Ownership
90
88
Powertrain
63
66
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
61
65
Safety
72
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,304
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,502
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,610
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,195
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,450
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,650
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,062
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$835
$895
Starting Price
$26,995
$29,995
Horsepower
180 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
29 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
20 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$26,995
MSRP
$26,995
Mo · 5yr
$655
$39,304 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 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 Forester scores higher overall.
Subaru Crosstrek
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Crosstrek
90
Forester
88
Winner: Crosstrek
$2,158 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Crosstrek
63
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Crosstrek
32
Forester
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Crosstrek
61
Forester
65
Winner: Forester
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Crosstrek is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,158 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Forester still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Subaru Forester
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Crosstrek
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Forester
Better safety rating 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%
Subaru Crosstrek
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$655
$39,304 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$655/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Subaru Forester would need 44.2 years to recoup its $3,000 price premium ($68/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 $2,158 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.
