Subaru Outback 86·Volkswagen Tiguan 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Volkswagen Tiguan about $1,107 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,107 less over five years. The Subaru Outback counters with more cargo room (34.6 vs 26.9 cu ft).
Go with the Volkswagen Tiguan for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Outback if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Outback versus 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Metric
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score
86
73
Cost of Ownership
85
75
Powertrain
62
52
Driver Assistance
32
49
Livability
69
42
Safety
100
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$48,550
$47,443
Depreciation (5-yr)
$15,678
$15,248
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,100
$9,840
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,175
$3,500
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,700
Financing (5-yr)
$5,265
$4,635
Registration (5-yr)
$995
$910
Starting Price
$34,995
$30,805
Horsepower
180 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
34.6 cu ft
26.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,700 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$30,805
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$791
$47,443 / 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 Outback scores higher overall.
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
Volkswagen Tiguan
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Outback
85
Tiguan
75
Winner: Outback
$1,107 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Outback
62
Tiguan
52
Winner: Outback
+10 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Outback
32
Tiguan
49
Winner: Tiguan
+17 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Outback
69
Tiguan
42
Winner: Outback
+27 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Volkswagen Tiguan is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,107 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Outback still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Volkswagen Tiguan
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Better safety rating with more cargo room
Highway driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
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 Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$791
$47,443 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$791/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Subaru Outback would need 28.0 years to recoup its $4,190 price premium ($150/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Volkswagen Tiguan comes out about $1,107 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.
