Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang vs. Honda Accord

Ford Mustang 63Honda Accord 77on the MotiveGrid ScoreHonda Accord about $11,555 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Honda Accord is the cheaper one to own — roughly $11,555 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 192 hp).

Go with the Honda Accord for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang if you prioritize stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Ford Mustang vs. Honda Accord

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Honda Accord.
MetricFord MustangHonda Accord
MotiveGrid Score6377
Cost of Ownership7387
Powertrain5260
Driver Assistance1643
Livability3656
Safety9380
5-Year Cost to Own$51,371$39,816
Depreciation (5-yr)$18,656$10,733
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$12,950$10,526
Insurance (5-yr)$9,975$10,080
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$1,790
Tires (5-yr)$1,550$1,550
Financing (5-yr)$4,815$4,272
Registration (5-yr)$935$865
Starting Price$32,000$28,395
Horsepower315 hp192 hp
MPG (combined)26 mpg32 mpg
Cargo volume13.5 cu ft16.7 cu ft
Seating45
DrivetrainRWDFWD
Gas
2026$32,000
2026 Ford Mustang Fastback in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$32,000
Mo · 5yr
$856
$51,371 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$28,395
2026 Honda Accord sedan in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$28,395
Mo · 5yr
$664
$39,816 / 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 Accord scores higher overall.

Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Honda Accord
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Accord
87
Winner: Accord
$11,555 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Accord
60
Winner: Accord
+8 pts
Good fuel economy
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Accord
43
Winner: Accord
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Accord
56
Winner: Accord
+20 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mustang
93
Accord
80
Winner: Mustang
+13 pts
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Honda Accord is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $11,555 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Ford Mustang still wins if your priority is best on balance.

Daily commuter
Honda Accord
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Accord
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Honda Accord
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Mustang
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 Mustang
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$856
$51,371 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$856/mo
Honda Accord
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$664
$39,816 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$664/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Honda Accord comes out about $11,555 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.

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