Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Ford Mustang Mach-E 78Hyundai IONIQ 5 78on the MotiveGrid ScoreHyundai IONIQ 5 about $3,332 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,332 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang Mach-E counters with more power (264 vs 168 hp).

Go with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E if you prioritize stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E versus 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5.
MetricFord Mustang Mach-EHyundai IONIQ 5
MotiveGrid Score7878
Cost of Ownership7379
Powertrain6658
Driver Assistance4949
Livability4040
Safety99100
5-Year Cost to Own$49,048$45,716
Depreciation (5-yr)$22,299$21,455
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$4,412$3,585
Insurance (5-yr)$11,340$10,795
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,590$955
Tires (5-yr)$2,050$2,050
Financing (5-yr)$5,687$5,266
Registration (5-yr)$1,670$1,610
Starting Price$37,795$35,000
Horsepower264 hp168 hp
Electric range260 mi245 mi
Cargo volume29.7 cu ft27 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity0 lbs
DrivetrainRWDRWD
Electric
2026$37,795
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E in Grabber Blue front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Electric
2026$35,000
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 in Cyber Gray three-quarter front view
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 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 →

Ford Mustang Mach-E
0
/ 100
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang Mach-E
73
IONIQ 5
79
Winner: IONIQ 5
$3,332 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang Mach-E
66
IONIQ 5
58
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang Mach-E
49
IONIQ 5
49
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang Mach-E
40
IONIQ 5
40
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mustang Mach-E
99
IONIQ 5
100
Winner: IONIQ 5
+1 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,332 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Ford Mustang Mach-E still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.

Daily commuter
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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%

Charging mix

Ford Mustang Mach-E
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$817
$49,048 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$817/mo
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$762
$45,716 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$762/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes out about $3,332 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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