Subaru Forester 79·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $7,088 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,088 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Subaru Outback counters with more cargo room (34.6 vs 28.9 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Forester for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Outback if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Forester versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
79
86
Cost of Ownership
88
85
Powertrain
66
62
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
65
69
Safety
79
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$41,462
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,038
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,546
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,175
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,513
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$995
Starting Price
$29,995
$34,995
Horsepower
180 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
29 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
28.9 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 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.
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Forester
88
Outback
85
Winner: Forester
$7,088 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Forester
66
Outback
62
Winner: Forester
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Forester
32
Outback
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Forester
65
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Forester is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,088 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Outback still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Subaru Forester
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Much stronger safety with more cargo room
Highway driver
Subaru Forester
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Forester
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 Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $7,088 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.
