Chevrolet Trax 70·Honda Civic 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $5,935 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,935 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Trax counters with more cargo room (25.6 vs 14.8 cu ft).
Go with the Honda Civic for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Trax if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Trax vs. Honda Civic
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Trax versus 2026 Honda Civic.
Metric
Chevrolet Trax
Honda Civic
MotiveGrid Score
70
82
Cost of Ownership
90
93
Powertrain
68
60
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
60
71
Safety
66
77
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,734
$33,800
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,534
$7,532
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$9,352
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,260
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,990
$1,315
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$3,250
$3,716
Registration (5-yr)
$725
$790
Starting Price
$21,600
$24,695
Horsepower
137 hp
158 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
36 mpg
Cargo volume
25.6 cu ft
14.8 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$21,600
MSRP
$21,600
Mo · 5yr
$662
$39,734 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Gas
2026$24,695
MSRP
$24,695
Mo · 5yr
$563
$33,800 / 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 →
Honda Civic scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Trax
0
/ 100
Honda Civic
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Trax
90
Civic
93
Winner: Civic
$5,935 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Trax
68
Civic
60
Winner: Trax
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Trax
16
Civic
43
Winner: Civic
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Trax
60
Civic
71
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,935 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Trax still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Honda Civic
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Trax
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Civic
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Trax
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%
Chevrolet Trax
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$662
$39,734 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$662/mo
Honda Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$563
$33,800 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$563/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Honda Civic recoups its $3,095 price premium in 6.1 years ($510/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $5,935 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.
