Ford Mustang 63·Hyundai Elantra 83on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Elantra about $14,899 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the cheaper one to own — roughly $14,899 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 147 hp).
Go with the Hyundai Elantra 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. Hyundai Elantra
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
Metric
Ford Mustang
Hyundai Elantra
MotiveGrid Score
63
83
Cost of Ownership
73
90
Powertrain
52
73
Driver Assistance
16
32
Livability
36
70
Safety
93
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$51,371
$36,472
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,656
$9,367
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,950
$9,621
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,975
$10,370
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,415
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,815
$3,404
Registration (5-yr)
$935
$745
Starting Price
$32,000
$22,625
Horsepower
315 hp
147 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
35 mpg
Cargo volume
13.5 cu ft
14.2 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$22,625
MSRP
$22,625
Mo · 5yr
$608
$36,472 / 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 →
Hyundai Elantra scores higher overall.
Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Hyundai Elantra
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Elantra
90
Winner: Elantra
$14,899 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Elantra
73
Winner: Elantra
+21 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Elantra
32
Winner: Elantra
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Elantra
70
Winner: Elantra
+34 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Elantra is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $14,899 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Elantra
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Elantra
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Hyundai Elantra
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Elantra
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
Hyundai Elantra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$608
$36,472 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$608/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Elantra comes out about $14,899 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.