Ford Escape 73·Hyundai Tucson 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Tucson about $2,018 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,018 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Hyundai Tucson is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Hyundai Tucson
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Metric
Ford Escape
Hyundai Tucson
MotiveGrid Score
73
79
Cost of Ownership
75
79
Powertrain
64
60
Driver Assistance
16
32
Livability
55
57
Safety
93
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$45,821
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$14,211
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$12,027
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$10,630
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,408
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$880
Starting Price
$30,350
$29,300
Horsepower
180 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
38.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$764
$45,821 / 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 →
Hyundai Tucson scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Hyundai Tucson
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
Tucson
79
Winner: Tucson
$2,018 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
Tucson
60
Winner: Escape
+4 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
Tucson
32
Winner: Tucson
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
Tucson
57
Winner: Tucson
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Tucson is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,018 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Ford Escape
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Tucson
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Tucson
Better safety rating with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Hyundai Tucson
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Escape
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%
Ford Escape
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$797
$47,839 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$797/mo
Hyundai Tucson
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$764
$45,821 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$764/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford Escape would need 23.1 years to recoup its $1,050 price premium ($45/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 Tucson comes out about $2,018 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.
