Mazda CX-50 86·Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $7,829 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,829 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Toyota Grand Highlander counters with more power (265 vs 187 hp) and seating for 8.
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Grand Highlander if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-50 vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Metric
Mazda CX-50
Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
86
82
Cost of Ownership
90
84
Powertrain
67
67
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
60
51
Safety
99
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$42,687
$50,516
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,631
$13,143
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,535
$11,935
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,000
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,900
Financing (5-yr)
$4,499
$6,358
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$1,145
Starting Price
$29,900
$42,260
Horsepower
187 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
20.6 cu ft
Seating
5
8
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 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 Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-50
90
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: CX-50
$7,829 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-50
67
Grand Highlander
67
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-50
32
Grand Highlander
43
Winner: Grand Highlander
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-50
60
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: CX-50
+9 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,829 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Grand Highlander 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
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
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 Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $7,829 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.
