Ford Mustang Mach-E 78·Rivian R2 72on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Mustang Mach-E about $2,846 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,846 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Rivian R2 counters with 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 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.
Metric
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Rivian R2
MotiveGrid Score
78
72
Cost of Ownership
73
69
Powertrain
66
68
Driver Assistance
49
57
Livability
40
40
Safety
99
80
5-Year Cost to Own
$49,048
$51,894
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,299
$24,070
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,412
$2,746
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,340
$13,645
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,590
$950
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,900
Financing (5-yr)
$5,687
$6,769
Registration (5-yr)
$1,670
$1,815
Starting Price
$37,795
$44,990
Horsepower
264 hp
350 hp
Electric range
260 mi
275 mi
Cargo volume
29.7 cu ft
28.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Electric
2026$37,795
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$44,990
MSRP
$44,990
Mo · 5yr
$865
$51,894 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
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
69
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
$2,846 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang Mach-E
66
R2
68
Winner: R2
+2 pts
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.
Ford Mustang Mach-E is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,846 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Rivian R2 still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
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
$817
$49,048 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$817/mo
Rivian R2
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$865
$51,894 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$865/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Rivian R2 would need 15.6 years to recoup its $7,195 price premium ($461/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 $2,846 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.