Hyundai Sonata 84·Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 95on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid about $3,943 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,943 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy.
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Sonata versus 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Metric
Hyundai Sonata
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid Score
84
95
Cost of Ownership
83
88
Powertrain
67
73
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
60
81
Safety
99
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,167
$39,224
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,952
$12,801
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,526
$5,396
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,210
$10,835
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,970
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,164
$5,082
Registration (5-yr)
$850
$1,590
Starting Price
$27,675
$33,775
Horsepower
191 hp
220 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
52 mpg
Electric range
—
44 mi
Cargo volume
15.6 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$27,675
MSRP
$27,675
Mo · 5yr
$719
$43,167 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Plug-in Hybrid
2026$33,775
MSRP
$33,775
Mo · 5yr
$654
$39,224 / 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 →
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid scores higher overall.
Hyundai Sonata
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sonata
83
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
88
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
$3,943 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sonata
67
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
73
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+6 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sonata
32
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
43
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sonata
60
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
81
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+21 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,943 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Sonata still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
More cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
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 Sonata
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$719
$43,167 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$719/mo
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$654
$39,224 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$654/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid recoups its $6,100 price premium in 3.4 years ($1,792/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes out about $3,943 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.
