Hyundai Elantra 83·Toyota Camry 89on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Elantra about $1,710 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,710 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota Camry counters with better mileage (51 vs 35 mpg combined) and more power (225 vs 147 hp).
Go with the Hyundai Elantra for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Camry if you prioritize better gas mileage and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Elantra vs. Toyota Camry
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Elantra versus 2026 Toyota Camry.
Metric
Hyundai Elantra
Toyota Camry
MotiveGrid Score
83
89
Cost of Ownership
90
89
Powertrain
73
74
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
70
57
Safety
79
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$36,472
$38,182
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,367
$11,017
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$7,697
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,370
$11,290
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,415
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$3,404
$4,408
Registration (5-yr)
$745
$880
Starting Price
$22,625
$29,300
Horsepower
147 hp
225 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
51 mpg
Cargo volume
14.2 cu ft
15.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$22,625
MSRP
$22,625
Mo · 5yr
$608
$36,472 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Hybrid
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,182 / 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 Camry scores higher overall.
Hyundai Elantra
0
/ 100
Toyota Camry
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Elantra
90
Camry
89
Winner: Elantra
$1,710 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Elantra
73
Camry
74
Winner: Camry
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Elantra
32
Camry
43
Winner: Camry
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Elantra
70
Camry
57
Winner: Elantra
+13 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Elantra is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,710 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Camry still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota Camry
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Elantra
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Camry
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Toyota Camry
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Elantra
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%
Hyundai Elantra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$608
$36,472 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$608/mo
Toyota Camry
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,182 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Camry would need 16.7 years to recoup its $6,675 price premium ($400/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Elantra comes out about $1,710 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.
