Honda CR-V 75·Hyundai Tucson 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda CR-V about $6,238 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,238 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda CR-V is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda CR-V vs. Hyundai Tucson
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V versus 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Metric
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
MotiveGrid Score
75
79
Cost of Ownership
90
79
Powertrain
59
60
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
56
57
Safety
72
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,583
$45,821
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,431
$14,211
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$12,027
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,650
$10,630
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,960
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,652
$4,408
Registration (5-yr)
$915
$880
Starting Price
$30,920
$29,300
Horsepower
190 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
39.3 cu ft
38.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$764
$45,821 / 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 →
Hyundai Tucson scores higher overall.
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
Hyundai Tucson
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CR-V
90
Tucson
79
Winner: CR-V
$6,238 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CR-V
59
Tucson
60
Winner: Tucson
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CR-V
43
Tucson
32
Winner: CR-V
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CR-V
56
Tucson
57
Winner: Tucson
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda CR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,238 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Tucson still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Honda CR-V
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda CR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Tucson
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Honda CR-V
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda CR-V
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 CR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$660
$39,583 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/mo
Hyundai Tucson
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$764
$45,821 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$764/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Honda CR-V recoups its $1,620 price premium in 10.7 years ($151/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda CR-V comes out about $6,238 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.
