Honda Accord 77·Toyota Corolla 92on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Corolla about $5,210 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,210 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Honda Accord counters with more cargo room (16.7 vs 13.1 cu ft) and more power (192 vs 139 hp).
Go with the Toyota Corolla for the better long-term value; consider the Honda Accord if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Accord vs. Toyota Corolla
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Accord versus 2026 Toyota Corolla.
Metric
Honda Accord
Toyota Corolla
MotiveGrid Score
77
92
Cost of Ownership
87
92
Powertrain
60
73
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
56
70
Safety
80
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,816
$34,606
Depreciation (5-yr)
$10,733
$7,909
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,526
$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,080
$9,310
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,272
$3,479
Registration (5-yr)
$865
$755
Starting Price
$28,395
$23,125
Horsepower
192 hp
139 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
33 mpg
Cargo volume
16.7 cu ft
13.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$28,395
MSRP
$28,395
Mo · 5yr
$664
$39,816 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Gas
2026$23,125
MSRP
$23,125
Mo · 5yr
$577
$34,606 / 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 Corolla scores higher overall.
Honda Accord
0
/ 100
Toyota Corolla
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Accord
87
Corolla
92
Winner: Corolla
$5,210 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Accord
60
Corolla
73
Winner: Corolla
+13 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Accord
43
Corolla
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Accord
56
Corolla
70
Winner: Corolla
+14 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Corolla is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,210 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Honda Accord still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Toyota Corolla
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Corolla
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Corolla
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Honda Accord
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Corolla
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
Toyota Corolla
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$577
$34,606 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$577/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Corolla comes out about $5,210 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.
