Honda HR-V 78·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda HR-V about $4,530 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda HR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,530 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Mazda CX-50 counters with more cargo room (31.4 vs 24.4 cu ft).
Go with the Honda HR-V for the better long-term value; consider the Mazda CX-50 if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda HR-V vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda HR-V versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Honda HR-V
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
78
86
Cost of Ownership
91
90
Powertrain
62
67
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
54
60
Safety
79
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,157
$42,687
Depreciation (5-yr)
$8,533
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,135
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$1,500
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$3,987
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$825
$895
Starting Price
$26,500
$29,900
Horsepower
158 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
24.4 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$26,500
MSRP
$26,500
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,157 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 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 HR-V
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
HR-V
91
CX-50
90
Winner: HR-V
$4,530 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
HR-V
62
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
HR-V
43
CX-50
32
Winner: HR-V
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
HR-V
54
CX-50
60
Winner: CX-50
+6 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda HR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,530 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 HR-V
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda HR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Much stronger safety with more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda HR-V
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda HR-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 HR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,157 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Mazda CX-50 would need 85.2 years to recoup its $3,400 price premium ($40/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda HR-V comes out about $4,530 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.
