Ford Mustang 63·Honda Civic 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $17,547 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $17,547 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 158 hp).
Go with the Honda Civic 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 Civic
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Honda Civic.
Metric
Ford Mustang
Honda Civic
MotiveGrid Score
63
82
Cost of Ownership
73
93
Powertrain
52
60
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
36
71
Safety
93
77
5-Year Cost to Own
$51,371
$33,825
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,656
$7,532
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,950
$9,352
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,975
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,815
$3,716
Registration (5-yr)
$935
$790
Starting Price
$32,000
$24,695
Horsepower
315 hp
158 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
36 mpg
Cargo volume
13.5 cu ft
14.8 cu ft
Seating
4
5
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2026$32,000
MSRP
$32,000
Mo · 5yr
$856
$51,371 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$24,695
MSRP
$24,695
Mo · 5yr
$564
$33,825 / 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 Mustang
0
/ 100
Honda Civic
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Civic
93
Winner: Civic
$17,547 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Civic
60
Winner: Civic
+8 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Civic
43
Winner: Civic
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Civic
71
Winner: Civic
+35 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $17,547 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Honda Civic
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang
Much stronger safety
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 Mustang
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$856
$51,371 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$856/mo
Honda Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$564
$33,825 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$564/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $17,547 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.
