Honda CR-V 75·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda CR-V about $4,191 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,191 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy.
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. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Honda CR-V
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
75
69
Cost of Ownership
90
84
Powertrain
59
63
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
56
39
Safety
72
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,583
$43,774
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,431
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,650
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,960
$2,305
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$4,652
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$915
$945
Starting Price
$30,920
$32,445
Horsepower
190 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
39.3 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
2WD
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$32,445
MSRP
$32,445
Mo · 5yr
$730
$43,774 / 5 years
Best on balance
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 →
Honda CR-V scores higher overall.
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CR-V
90
Tacoma
84
Winner: CR-V
$4,191 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CR-V
59
Tacoma
63
Winner: Tacoma
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CR-V
43
Tacoma
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CR-V
56
Tacoma
39
Winner: CR-V
+17 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda CR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,191 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Tacoma still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Honda CR-V
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda CR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Honda CR-V
Marginally more cargo space
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
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,774 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda CR-V comes out about $4,191 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.
