Jeep Wrangler 41·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tacoma about $6,739 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,739 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Wrangler counters with more power (285 vs 228 hp).
Go with the Toyota Tacoma for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Wrangler if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Wrangler versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Jeep Wrangler
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
41
69
Cost of Ownership
82
84
Powertrain
33
63
Driver Assistance
0
43
Livability
56
39
Safety
35
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$50,512
$43,774
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,545
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,677
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,275
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,180
$2,305
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$5,640
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$1,045
$945
Starting Price
$37,485
$32,445
Horsepower
285 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
20 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
31.7 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
2WD
Gas
2026$37,485
MSRP
$37,485
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,512 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$32,445
MSRP
$32,445
Mo · 5yr
$730
$43,774 / 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 Tacoma scores higher overall.
Jeep Wrangler
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Wrangler
82
Tacoma
84
Winner: Tacoma
$6,739 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Wrangler
33
Tacoma
63
Winner: Tacoma
+30 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Wrangler
0
Tacoma
43
Winner: Tacoma
+43 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Wrangler
56
Tacoma
39
Winner: Wrangler
+17 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tacoma is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,739 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Wrangler still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Jeep Wrangler
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tacoma
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Tacoma
Much stronger safety with more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Tacoma
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Jeep Wrangler
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%
Jeep Wrangler
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,512 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,774 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Tacoma comes out about $6,739 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.