Mazda CX-50 86·Toyota Prius 98on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius about $7,772 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,772 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Mazda CX-50 counters with more cargo room (31.4 vs 20.3 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Prius for the better long-term value; consider the Mazda CX-50 if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-50 vs. Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus 2026 Toyota Prius.
Metric
Mazda CX-50
Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid Score
86
98
Cost of Ownership
90
92
Powertrain
67
76
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
60
82
Safety
99
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$42,662
$34,890
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,631
$10,792
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$5,908
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,535
$10,165
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,765
$1,315
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,499
$4,296
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$865
Starting Price
$29,900
$28,550
Horsepower
187 hp
194 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
57 mpg
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,662 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$28,550
MSRP
$28,550
Mo · 5yr
$582
$34,890 / 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 Prius scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-50
90
Prius
92
Winner: Prius
$7,772 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-50
67
Prius
76
Winner: Prius
+9 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-50
32
Prius
43
Winner: Prius
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-50
60
Prius
82
Winner: Prius
+22 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,772 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-50 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Prius
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Prius
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
$42,662 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
Toyota Prius
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$582
$34,890 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$582/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Prius comes out about $7,772 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.
