Hyundai IONIQ 5 78·Tesla Cybertruck 74on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai IONIQ 5 about $29,657 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $29,657 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Tesla Cybertruck counters with more range (325 vs 245 miles) and the ability to tow (up to 7,500 lbs).
Go with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 for the better long-term value; consider the Tesla Cybertruck if you prioritize more driving range and the ability to tow.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. Tesla Cybertruck
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 versus 2026 Tesla Cybertruck.
Metric
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Tesla Cybertruck
MotiveGrid Score
78
74
Cost of Ownership
79
51
Powertrain
58
60
Driver Assistance
49
30
Livability
40
67
Safety
100
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,716
$75,373
Depreciation (5-yr)
$21,455
$33,315
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,585
$4,658
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,795
$20,525
Maintenance (5-yr)
$955
$1,775
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$5,266
$10,531
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$2,320
Starting Price
$35,000
$69,990
Horsepower
168 hp
593 hp
Electric range
245 mi
325 mi
Cargo volume
27 cu ft
120.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
7,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Electric
2026$35,000
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$69,990
MSRP
$69,990
Mo · 5yr
$1,256
$75,373 / 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 →
Hyundai IONIQ 5 scores higher overall.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
Tesla Cybertruck
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
IONIQ 5
79
Cybertruck
51
Winner: IONIQ 5
$29,657 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
IONIQ 5
58
Cybertruck
60
Winner: Cybertruck
+2 pts
Long electric range▲
Strong power output▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
IONIQ 5
49
Cybertruck
30
Winner: IONIQ 5
+19 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
IONIQ 5
40
Cybertruck
67
Winner: Cybertruck
+27 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $29,657 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Tesla Cybertruck still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Cybertruck
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
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
Tesla Cybertruck
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,256
$75,373 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,256/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes out about $29,657 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.
