Mazda CX-50 86·Toyota 4Runner 67on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $8,167 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,167 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Toyota 4Runner counters with more cargo room (48.4 vs 31.4 cu ft) and more power (278 vs 187 hp).
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota 4Runner if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-50 vs. Toyota 4Runner
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus 2026 Toyota 4Runner.
Metric
Mazda CX-50
Toyota 4Runner
MotiveGrid Score
86
67
Cost of Ownership
90
81
Powertrain
67
64
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
60
39
Safety
99
68
5-Year Cost to Own
$42,687
$50,854
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,631
$11,191
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$17,319
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,535
$10,395
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,330
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,499
$6,330
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$1,140
Starting Price
$29,900
$42,070
Horsepower
187 hp
278 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
48.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
2WD
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$42,070
MSRP
$42,070
Mo · 5yr
$848
$50,854 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
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 →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
Toyota 4Runner
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-50
90
4Runner
81
Winner: CX-50
$8,167 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-50
67
4Runner
64
Winner: CX-50
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-50
32
4Runner
43
Winner: 4Runner
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-50
60
4Runner
39
Winner: CX-50
+21 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,167 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota 4Runner still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Mazda CX-50
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Toyota 4Runner
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
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%
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
Toyota 4Runner
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$848
$50,854 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$848/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $8,167 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.
