Ford Mustang Mach-E 78·Toyota bZ 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota bZ about $4,087 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota bZ is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,087 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time. The Ford Mustang Mach-E counters with more range (260 vs 236 miles) and more power (264 vs 168 hp).
Go with the Toyota bZ for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E if you prioritize more driving range and stronger acceleration.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E versus 2026 Toyota bZ.
Metric
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid Score
78
84
Cost of Ownership
73
81
Powertrain
66
83
Driver Assistance
49
49
Livability
40
39
Safety
99
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$49,048
$44,961
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,299
$21,737
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,412
$2,520
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,340
$10,945
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,590
$900
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,687
$5,469
Registration (5-yr)
$1,670
$1,640
Starting Price
$37,795
$36,350
Horsepower
264 hp
168 hp
Electric range
260 mi
236 mi
Cargo volume
29.7 cu ft
27.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Electric
2026$37,795
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Electric
2026$36,350
MSRP
$36,350
Mo · 5yr
$749
$44,961 / 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 bZ scores higher overall.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
0
/ 100
Toyota bZ
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang Mach-E
73
bZ
81
Winner: bZ
$4,087 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang Mach-E
66
bZ
83
Winner: bZ
+17 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang Mach-E
49
bZ
49
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang Mach-E
40
bZ
39
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota bZ is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,087 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
Toyota bZ
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota bZ
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota bZ
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
Toyota bZ
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$749
$44,961 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$749/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota bZ comes out about $4,087 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.