Honda and Nissan are often compared to each other, not only because both are Japanese automakers, but because they are also reliable and affordable. They both offer similar prices, and tend to be beloved amongst critics for the most part. So if you’re interested in a Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, which is the cheapest option long-term?

The Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue have a lot in common

These two vehicles aren’t that different on paper. There is only a $1,050 difference between the base trims. Even though Edmunds gave the Honda CR-V an overall rating of 8.1, which is higher than the Rogue’s score of 7.8, it’s only by 0.3 points. There is no doubt that consumers are more into the CR-V, as they ranked it at 4.3 out of 5.0, while the Rogue received a lackluster 3.2 out of 5.0.

In terms of features, they are both comparable. The CR-V doesn’t offer Satellite radio or parking assistance at the base trim, while the Rogue does. On the other hand, the Rogue does not offer adaptive cruise control unless you upgrade. These two share other features like cruise control, Bluetooth, and keyless ignition.

At the time of initial purchase, there really isn’t that major of a difference between the two. Things change drastically over time, however, and in five years you’ll be shocked at how much you could save with the Honda CR-V.

How much will you save with the Honda CR-V long-term?

Edmunds reports that the true cost to own a 2023 Honda CR-V over five years is $34,969. This is an increase of $6,559, from an MSRP of $28,410.

In contrast, the Nissan Rogue will cost you $40,489. The MSRP for the Rogue is $27,360, which is an increase of $13,129.

This means the Nissan Rogue will cost you much more in the long term than the Honda CR-V. In fact, it’s $6,570 more. If you take into consideration that the Rogue actually starts out $1,050 less, then the final price is more like $7,620. That’s a huge increase, so where is the cost coming in?

Why is the Nissan Rogue so much more expensive?

There are several differences between the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V over a five-year period when you check the costs. For example, the average cost per mile to drive a CR-V is $0.47, as compared to the Rogue, which costs $0.54. That may not seem like a huge sum, but it adds up over the years. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles each year, then the CR-V will cost you $7,050 over five years. The Rogue will cost $8,100.

Another example is the insurance. You’ll pay on average $3,475 for the CR-V as opposed to $3,963. The differences become more prominent when it comes to maintenance. There is a difference of $1,452. The Rogue once again costs more in this case. In terms of repairs, both are estimated to cost around $768.

The biggest cost is clearly the depreciation, however. It’s well known that the second you drive off the dealership lot, your vehicle drops in value. There are several reasons for this, such as mileage, how clean the vehicle is, and if it has been involved in a wreck. 

In the case of the Rogue, it will depreciate $13,970, leaving you with a vehicle that is only worth $13,390. The CR-V only depreciates $9,473, so your SUV is worth $18,937. If you plan on hanging on to your SUV for the next five years, then the CR-V is the clear choice.