Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang vs. Toyota Camry

Ford Mustang 63Toyota Camry 89on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Camry about $13,189 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Camry is the cheaper one to own — roughly $13,189 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 225 hp).

Go with the Toyota Camry 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. Toyota Camry

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Toyota Camry.
MetricFord MustangToyota Camry
MotiveGrid Score6389
Cost of Ownership7389
Powertrain5274
Driver Assistance1643
Livability3657
Safety9399
5-Year Cost to Own$51,371$38,182
Depreciation (5-yr)$18,656$11,017
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$12,950$7,697
Insurance (5-yr)$9,975$11,290
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$1,340
Tires (5-yr)$1,550$1,550
Financing (5-yr)$4,815$4,408
Registration (5-yr)$935$880
Starting Price$32,000$29,300
Horsepower315 hp225 hp
MPG (combined)26 mpg51 mpg
Cargo volume13.5 cu ft15.1 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
Hybrid
2026$29,300
2026 Toyota Camry hybrid sedan in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,182 / 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 →

Toyota Camry scores higher overall.

Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Toyota Camry
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Camry
89
Winner: Camry
$13,189 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Camry
74
Winner: Camry
+22 pts
Good fuel economy
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Camry
43
Winner: Camry
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Camry
57
Winner: Camry
+21 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mustang
93
Camry
99
Winner: Camry
+6 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Camry is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $13,189 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

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

Daily commuter
Toyota Camry
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Camry
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Camry
Better safety rating with marginally more cargo space and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Camry
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Camry
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
Toyota Camry
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,182 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Camry comes out about $13,189 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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