Ford Escape 73·Toyota Prius 98on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius about $12,774 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius is the cheaper one to own — roughly $12,774 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Escape counters with more cargo room (37.5 vs 20.3 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Prius for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Escape if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Toyota Prius.
Metric
Ford Escape
Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid Score
73
98
Cost of Ownership
75
92
Powertrain
64
76
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
55
82
Safety
93
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,689
$34,915
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$10,792
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$5,908
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$10,165
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,340
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,296
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$865
Starting Price
$30,350
$28,550
Horsepower
180 hp
194 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
57 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$795
$47,689 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$28,550
MSRP
$28,550
Mo · 5yr
$582
$34,915 / 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 →
Toyota Prius scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
Prius
92
Winner: Prius
$12,774 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
Prius
76
Winner: Prius
+12 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
Prius
43
Winner: Prius
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
Prius
82
Winner: Prius
+27 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $12,774 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Escape
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Prius
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Prius
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%
Ford Escape
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$795
$47,689 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$795/mo
Toyota Prius
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$582
$34,915 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$582/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Prius comes out about $12,774 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.
