Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang vs. Toyota Corolla

Ford Mustang 63Toyota Corolla 92on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Corolla about $16,765 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Corolla is the cheaper one to own — roughly $16,765 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 139 hp).

Go with the Toyota Corolla 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 Corolla

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Toyota Corolla.
MetricFord MustangToyota Corolla
MotiveGrid Score6392
Cost of Ownership7392
Powertrain5273
Driver Assistance1643
Livability3670
Safety9394
5-Year Cost to Own$51,371$34,606
Depreciation (5-yr)$18,656$7,909
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$12,950$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)$9,975$9,310
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$1,340
Tires (5-yr)$1,550$1,550
Financing (5-yr)$4,815$3,479
Registration (5-yr)$935$755
Starting Price$32,000$23,125
Horsepower315 hp139 hp
MPG (combined)26 mpg33 mpg
Cargo volume13.5 cu ft13.1 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
Gas
2026$23,125
2026 Toyota Corolla sedan in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$23,125
Mo · 5yr
$577
$34,606 / 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 Corolla scores higher overall.

Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Toyota Corolla
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Corolla
92
Winner: Corolla
$16,765 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Corolla
73
Winner: Corolla
+21 pts
Good fuel economy
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Corolla
43
Winner: Corolla
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Corolla
70
Winner: Corolla
+34 pts
Easy to maneuver and park
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mustang
93
Corolla
94
Winner: Corolla
+1 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Corolla is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $16,765 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

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

Daily commuter
Toyota Corolla
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Corolla
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Corolla
A 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Corolla
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Corolla
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 Corolla
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$577
$34,606 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$577/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Corolla comes out about $16,765 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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