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2026 Kia Sportage LX vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

At a fair price, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium costs less — about $26,992. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium holds its value a touch better, keeping roughly 62% after three years. All in — the value it loses plus what it costs to run — the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium works out cheaper to own, about $15,932 over three years. Whichever you lean toward, start a fund now and your down payment will be ready when you are.
The price to buy it
$27,521
$26,992Better
What a fair price could save you
$1,479Better
$1,008
What it may be worth in 3 years
$15,950
$17,360Better

The value it loses plus what it costs to run — the cheaper car to buy isn't always the cheaper car to own.

Over 3 years
$17,871
$15,932Better
A mile
50¢
44¢Better
Not sure yet? Start a fund either way

You don't have to decide today. Save a little each week and your car fund keeps growing — pick the car when you're ready and the down payment is already there.

Start my car fundHave the Downly app? Open it here
Rather keep your cash?

Buying either one means a big payment up front — around $5,504 for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX or $5,398 for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. Leasing can let you keep that money working for you instead of handing it to the dealer. See your monthly and how much cash you'd keep — lease vs buy, side by side.

For the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium: About $16,986 in all over the 3-year lease. Buying, about $33,664 in all over the 5-year loan.
That's about $5,662 a year leasing — vs about $6,733 a year financing.
See lease vs buy for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
Is the 2026 Kia Sportage LX or the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium cheaper to buy?

At a fair price the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium costs less — about $26,992, versus $27,521 for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX.

Which one holds its value better?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium holds its value a little better — about 62% after three years, versus 55% for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX.

Which one is cheaper to own overall?

Looking at the whole picture — the value it loses plus what it costs to run — the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium costs less to own over three years, about $15,932 (roughly 44¢ a mile), versus $17,871 for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX. The cheaper car to buy isn't always the cheaper car to own. A national-average guide, not a quote.

How much should I save for either one?

A common starting point is about 20% up front — that's roughly $5,504 for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX or $5,398 for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. Start a fund and it keeps growing while you decide.

Should I lease one of these instead of buying?

It's worth a look if you'd rather keep your cash. Buying either one means a big payment up front — around $5,504 for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX or $5,398 for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. Leasing usually skips most of that, so that money stays yours instead of going to the dealer — Downly suggests putting $0 down on a lease. See lease vs buy for either car to compare the monthly and how much cash you'd keep.

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