Hyundai IONIQ 5 78·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $3,054 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,054 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Mazda CX-50 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
78
86
Cost of Ownership
79
90
Powertrain
58
67
Driver Assistance
49
32
Livability
40
60
Safety
100
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,716
$42,662
Depreciation (5-yr)
$21,455
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,585
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,795
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$955
$1,765
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,266
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$895
Starting Price
$35,000
$29,900
Horsepower
168 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
—
27 mpg
Electric range
245 mi
—
Cargo volume
27 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Electric
2026$35,000
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,662 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
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.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
IONIQ 5
79
CX-50
90
Winner: CX-50
$3,054 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
IONIQ 5
58
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+9 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
IONIQ 5
49
CX-50
32
Winner: IONIQ 5
+17 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
IONIQ 5
40
CX-50
60
Winner: CX-50
+20 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,054 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
More cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
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
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$762
$45,716 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$762/mo
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,662 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Hyundai IONIQ 5 recoups its $5,100 price premium in 2.7 years ($1,882/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $3,054 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.
