Honda Accord 77·Hyundai Elantra 83on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Elantra about $3,344 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,344 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Honda Accord counters with more power (192 vs 147 hp).
Go with the Hyundai Elantra for the better long-term value; consider the Honda Accord if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Elantra
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Accord versus 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
Metric
Honda Accord
Hyundai Elantra
MotiveGrid Score
77
83
Cost of Ownership
87
90
Powertrain
60
73
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
56
70
Safety
80
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,816
$36,472
Depreciation (5-yr)
$10,733
$9,367
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,526
$9,621
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,080
$10,370
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$1,415
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,272
$3,404
Registration (5-yr)
$865
$745
Starting Price
$28,395
$22,625
Horsepower
192 hp
147 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
35 mpg
Cargo volume
16.7 cu ft
14.2 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$28,395
MSRP
$28,395
Mo · 5yr
$664
$39,816 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$22,625
MSRP
$22,625
Mo · 5yr
$608
$36,472 / 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 →
Hyundai Elantra scores higher overall.
Honda Accord
0
/ 100
Hyundai Elantra
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Accord
87
Elantra
90
Winner: Elantra
$3,344 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Accord
60
Elantra
73
Winner: Elantra
+13 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Accord
43
Elantra
32
Winner: Accord
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Accord
56
Elantra
70
Winner: Elantra
+14 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Elantra is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,344 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Honda Accord still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Elantra
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Elantra
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Honda Accord
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Accord
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Elantra
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%
Honda Accord
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$664
$39,816 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$664/mo
Hyundai Elantra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$608
$36,472 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$608/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Elantra comes out about $3,344 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.