Honda Civic 82·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $8,862 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,862 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Mazda CX-50 counters with more cargo room (31.4 vs 14.8 cu ft).
Go with the Honda Civic for the better long-term value; consider the Mazda CX-50 if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Civic vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Civic versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Honda Civic
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
82
86
Cost of Ownership
93
90
Powertrain
60
67
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
71
60
Safety
77
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$33,800
$42,662
Depreciation (5-yr)
$7,532
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,352
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,315
$1,765
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$3,716
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$790
$895
Starting Price
$24,695
$29,900
Horsepower
158 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
14.8 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$24,695
MSRP
$24,695
Mo · 5yr
$563
$33,800 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,662 / 5 years
Best for families
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 →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Honda Civic
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Civic
93
CX-50
90
Winner: Civic
$8,862 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Civic
60
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Civic
43
CX-50
32
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Civic
71
CX-50
60
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,862 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-50 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Honda Civic
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Civic
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda Civic
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 Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$563
$33,800 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$563/mo
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,662 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $8,862 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.
