Chevrolet Trax 70·Honda HR-V 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda HR-V about $1,662 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda HR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,662 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda HR-V is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Trax vs. Honda HR-V
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Trax versus 2026 Honda HR-V.
Metric
Chevrolet Trax
Honda HR-V
MotiveGrid Score
70
78
Cost of Ownership
90
91
Powertrain
68
62
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
60
54
Safety
66
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,584
$37,922
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,534
$8,533
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$12,027
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,260
$9,135
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,840
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,500
Financing (5-yr)
$3,250
$3,987
Registration (5-yr)
$725
$825
Starting Price
$21,600
$26,500
Horsepower
137 hp
158 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
25.6 cu ft
24.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$21,600
MSRP
$21,600
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,584 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Gas
2026$26,500
MSRP
$26,500
Mo · 5yr
$632
$37,922 / 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 HR-V scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Trax
0
/ 100
Honda HR-V
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Trax
90
HR-V
91
Winner: HR-V
$1,662 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Trax
68
HR-V
62
Winner: Trax
+6 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Trax
16
HR-V
43
Winner: HR-V
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Trax
60
HR-V
54
Winner: Trax
+6 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda HR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,662 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
Chevrolet Trax
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda HR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Honda HR-V
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Honda HR-V
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
$660
$39,584 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/mo
Honda HR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$632
$37,922 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$632/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda HR-V comes out about $1,662 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.
