Ford Mustang 63·Toyota Camry 89on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota 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.
Metric
Ford Mustang
Toyota Camry
MotiveGrid Score
63
89
Cost of Ownership
73
89
Powertrain
52
74
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
36
57
Safety
93
99
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
Horsepower
315 hp
225 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
51 mpg
Cargo volume
13.5 cu ft
15.1 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
Hybrid
2026$29,300
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.
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.