Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Rivian R2

Ford Mustang Mach-E 78Rivian R2 72on the MotiveGrid ScoreFord Mustang Mach-E about $6,318 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,318 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Rivian R2 counters with more range (345 vs 260 miles) and more power (350 vs 264 hp).

Go with the Ford Mustang Mach-E for the better long-term value; consider the Rivian R2 if you prioritize more driving range and stronger acceleration.

Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Rivian R2

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E versus 2026 Rivian R2.
MetricFord Mustang Mach-ERivian R2
MotiveGrid Score7872
Cost of Ownership7364
Powertrain6671
Driver Assistance4957
Livability4040
Safety9980
5-Year Cost to Own$48,898$55,216
Depreciation (5-yr)$22,299$25,942
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$4,412$3,373
Insurance (5-yr)$11,340$13,645
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,440$1,175
Tires (5-yr)$2,050$1,900
Financing (5-yr)$5,687$7,296
Registration (5-yr)$1,670$1,885
Starting Price$37,795$48,490
Horsepower264 hp350 hp
Electric range260 mi345 mi
Cargo volume29.7 cu ft28.7 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity3,500 lbs
DrivetrainRWDRWD
Electric
2026$37,795
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E in Grabber Blue front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$815
$48,898 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$48,490
2026 Rivian R2 electric SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$48,490
Mo · 5yr
$920
$55,216 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
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 scores higher overall.

Ford Mustang Mach-E
0
/ 100
Rivian R2
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang Mach-E
73
R2
64
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
$6,318 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang Mach-E
66
R2
71
Winner: R2
+5 pts
Long electric range
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang Mach-E
49
R2
57
Winner: R2
+8 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang Mach-E
40
R2
40
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mustang Mach-E
99
R2
80
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+19 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
IIHS Top Safety Pick
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Ford Mustang Mach-E is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,318 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Rivian R2 still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.

Daily commuter
Rivian R2
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Rivian R2
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
$815
$48,898 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$815/mo
Rivian R2
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$920
$55,216 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$920/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Rivian R2 would need 41.0 years to recoup its $10,695 price premium ($261/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Ford Mustang Mach-E comes out about $6,318 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 →

Charge times, connector, and home-charging cost: Ford Mustang Mach-E charging · Rivian R2 charging

What each one costs at the counter

Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:

Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

Helpful guides