Lexus RX 63·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tacoma about $17,498 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the cheaper one to own — roughly $17,498 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Lexus RX counters with better mileage (36 vs 23 mpg combined).
Go with the Toyota Tacoma for the better long-term value; consider the Lexus RX if you prioritize better gas mileage.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Lexus RX vs. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Lexus RX versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Lexus RX
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
63
69
Cost of Ownership
60
84
Powertrain
73
63
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
42
39
Safety
72
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$61,272
$43,774
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,522
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$18,595
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,010
$2,305
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$8,008
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$1,365
$945
Starting Price
$53,225
$32,445
Horsepower
246 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
29.6 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
2WD
Hybrid
2026$53,225
MSRP
$53,225
Mo · 5yr
$1,021
$61,272 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
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.
Lexus RX
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
RX
60
Tacoma
84
Winner: Tacoma
$17,498 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
RX
73
Tacoma
63
Winner: RX
+10 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
RX
32
Tacoma
43
Winner: Tacoma
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
RX
42
Tacoma
39
Winner: RX
+3 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tacoma is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $17,498 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Lexus RX still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Lexus RX
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tacoma
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Tacoma
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Tacoma
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Lexus RX
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%
Lexus RX
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,021
$61,272 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,021/mo
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,774 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Lexus RX would need 16.4 years to recoup its $20,780 price premium ($1,270/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Tacoma comes out about $17,498 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.
