Ford Mustang Mach-E 78·Hyundai IONIQ 5 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai 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.
Metric
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Hyundai IONIQ 5
MotiveGrid Score
78
78
Cost of Ownership
73
79
Powertrain
66
58
Driver Assistance
49
49
Livability
40
40
Safety
99
100
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
Horsepower
264 hp
168 hp
Electric range
260 mi
245 mi
Cargo volume
29.7 cu ft
27 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
0 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Electric
2026$37,795
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Electric
2026$35,000
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.
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.