Subaru Forester 79·Toyota Prius 98on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius about $6,467 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,467 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Subaru Forester counters with more cargo room (28.9 vs 20.3 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Prius for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Forester if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Forester versus 2026 Toyota Prius.
Metric
Subaru Forester
Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid Score
79
98
Cost of Ownership
88
92
Powertrain
66
76
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
65
82
Safety
79
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$41,382
$34,915
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,038
$10,792
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,546
$5,908
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$10,165
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,095
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,513
$4,296
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$865
Starting Price
$29,995
$28,550
Horsepower
180 hp
194 hp
MPG (combined)
29 mpg
57 mpg
Cargo volume
28.9 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$690
$41,382 / 5 years
Best on balance
Hybrid
2026$28,550
MSRP
$28,550
Mo · 5yr
$582
$34,915 / 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 →
Toyota Prius scores higher overall.
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Forester
88
Prius
92
Winner: Prius
$6,467 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Forester
66
Prius
76
Winner: Prius
+10 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Forester
32
Prius
43
Winner: Prius
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Forester
65
Prius
82
Winner: Prius
+17 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,467 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Forester still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Toyota Prius
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Prius
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
$690
$41,382 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$690/mo
Toyota Prius
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$582
$34,915 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$582/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Prius comes out about $6,467 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.
