Hyundai IONIQ 5 78·Tesla Model Y 76on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai IONIQ 5 about $7,048 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,048 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Tesla Model Y counters with more range (321 vs 245 miles) and the ability to tow (up to 3,500 lbs).
Go with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 for the better long-term value; consider the Tesla Model Y if you prioritize more driving range and the ability to tow.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. Tesla Model Y
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 versus 2026 Tesla Model Y.
Metric
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Tesla Model Y
MotiveGrid Score
78
76
Cost of Ownership
79
67
Powertrain
58
71
Driver Assistance
49
30
Livability
40
46
Safety
100
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,716
$52,764
Depreciation (5-yr)
$21,455
$25,034
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,585
$2,863
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,795
$14,260
Maintenance (5-yr)
$955
$1,125
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,266
$6,017
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$1,715
Starting Price
$35,000
$39,990
Horsepower
168 hp
295 hp
Electric range
245 mi
321 mi
Cargo volume
27 cu ft
76 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Electric
2026$35,000
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$39,990
MSRP
$39,990
Mo · 5yr
$879
$52,764 / 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 Model Y
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
IONIQ 5
79
Model Y
67
Winner: IONIQ 5
$7,048 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
IONIQ 5
58
Model Y
71
Winner: Model Y
+13 pts
Long electric range▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
IONIQ 5
49
Model Y
30
Winner: IONIQ 5
+19 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
IONIQ 5
40
Model Y
46
Winner: Model Y
+6 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,048 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Tesla Model Y still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Tesla Model Y
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Model Y
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 Model Y
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$879
$52,764 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$879/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Tesla Model Y would need 45.2 years to recoup its $4,990 price premium ($110/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 IONIQ 5 comes out about $7,048 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.
