Honda Civic 82·Hyundai Sonata 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Civic about $9,342 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Civic is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,342 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda Civic is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Civic versus 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
Metric
Honda Civic
Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid Score
82
84
Cost of Ownership
93
83
Powertrain
60
67
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
71
60
Safety
77
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$33,825
$43,167
Depreciation (5-yr)
$7,532
$12,952
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,352
$10,526
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$11,210
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,340
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$3,716
$4,164
Registration (5-yr)
$790
$850
Starting Price
$24,695
$27,675
Horsepower
158 hp
191 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
14.8 cu ft
15.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$24,695
MSRP
$24,695
Mo · 5yr
$564
$33,825 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$27,675
MSRP
$27,675
Mo · 5yr
$719
$43,167 / 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 Sonata scores higher overall.
Honda Civic
0
/ 100
Hyundai Sonata
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Civic
93
Sonata
83
Winner: Civic
$9,342 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Civic
60
Sonata
67
Winner: Sonata
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Civic
43
Sonata
32
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Civic
71
Sonata
60
Winner: Civic
+11 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Civic is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,342 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Sonata still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Honda Civic
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Civic
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Sonata
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Honda Civic
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda Civic
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%
Honda Civic
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$564
$33,825 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$564/mo
Hyundai Sonata
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$719
$43,167 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$719/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Civic comes out about $9,342 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.
