Honda HR-V 78·Toyota bZ 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda HR-V about $7,065 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda HR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,065 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota bZ counters with more cargo room (27.7 vs 24.4 cu ft).
Go with the Honda HR-V for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota bZ if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda HR-V vs. Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda HR-V versus 2026 Toyota bZ.
Metric
Honda HR-V
Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid Score
78
84
Cost of Ownership
91
81
Powertrain
62
83
Driver Assistance
43
49
Livability
54
39
Safety
79
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$37,922
$44,986
Depreciation (5-yr)
$8,533
$21,737
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$2,520
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,135
$10,945
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$925
Tires (5-yr)
$1,500
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$3,987
$5,469
Registration (5-yr)
$825
$1,640
Starting Price
$26,500
$36,350
Horsepower
158 hp
168 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
—
Electric range
—
236 mi
Cargo volume
24.4 cu ft
27.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$26,500
MSRP
$26,500
Mo · 5yr
$632
$37,922 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$36,350
MSRP
$36,350
Mo · 5yr
$750
$44,986 / 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 →
Toyota bZ scores higher overall.
Honda HR-V
0
/ 100
Toyota bZ
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
HR-V
91
bZ
81
Winner: HR-V
$7,065 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
HR-V
62
bZ
83
Winner: bZ
+21 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
HR-V
43
bZ
49
Winner: bZ
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
HR-V
54
bZ
39
Winner: HR-V
+15 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda HR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,065 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota bZ still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota bZ
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda HR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota bZ
Much stronger safety with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota bZ
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota bZ
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%
Charging mix
Honda HR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$632
$37,922 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$632/mo
Toyota bZ
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$750
$44,986 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$750/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota bZ recoups its $9,850 price premium in 4.7 years ($2,099/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda HR-V comes out about $7,065 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.
