Ford Mustang 63·Hyundai Sonata 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Sonata about $8,204 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,204 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 191 hp).
Go with the Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
Metric
Ford Mustang
Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid Score
63
84
Cost of Ownership
73
83
Powertrain
52
67
Driver Assistance
16
32
Livability
36
60
Safety
93
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$51,371
$43,167
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,656
$12,952
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,950
$10,526
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,975
$11,210
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,815
$4,164
Registration (5-yr)
$935
$850
Starting Price
$32,000
$27,675
Horsepower
315 hp
191 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
13.5 cu ft
15.6 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$27,675
MSRP
$27,675
Mo · 5yr
$719
$43,167 / 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 Sonata scores higher overall.
Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Hyundai Sonata
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Sonata
83
Winner: Sonata
$8,204 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Sonata
67
Winner: Sonata
+15 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Sonata
32
Winner: Sonata
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Sonata
60
Winner: Sonata
+24 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Sonata is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,204 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Sonata
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Sonata
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Sonata
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Hyundai Sonata
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Sonata
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 Sonata
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$719
$43,167 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$719/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Sonata comes out about $8,204 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.
