Ford Maverick 70·Honda Civic 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $4,145 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,145 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Maverick counters with more cargo room (33.3 vs 14.8 cu ft).
Go with the Honda Civic for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Maverick if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Maverick vs. Honda Civic
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Maverick versus 2026 Honda Civic.
Metric
Ford Maverick
Honda Civic
MotiveGrid Score
70
82
Cost of Ownership
92
93
Powertrain
60
60
Driver Assistance
0
43
Livability
70
71
Safety
72
77
5-Year Cost to Own
$37,945
$33,800
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,371
$7,532
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$8,865
$9,352
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,020
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,595
$1,315
Tires (5-yr)
$2,000
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,235
$3,716
Registration (5-yr)
$860
$790
Starting Price
$28,145
$24,695
Horsepower
191 hp
158 hp
MPG (combined)
38 mpg
36 mpg
Cargo volume
33.3 cu ft
14.8 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Hybrid
2026$28,145
MSRP
$28,145
Mo · 5yr
$632
$37,945 / 5 years
Best for families
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.
Ford Maverick
0
/ 100
Honda Civic
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Maverick
92
Civic
93
Winner: Civic
$4,145 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Maverick
60
Civic
60
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Maverick
0
Civic
43
Winner: Civic
+43 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Maverick
70
Civic
71
Winner: Civic
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,145 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Maverick still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Ford Maverick
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Maverick
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Civic
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda Civic
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 Maverick
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$632
$37,945 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$632/mo
Honda Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$563
$33,800 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$563/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford Maverick would need 83.1 years to recoup its $3,450 price premium ($41/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $4,145 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.
