Ford Mustang 63·Tesla Model 3 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Tesla Model 3 about $2,482 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,482 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 271 hp).
Go with the Tesla Model 3 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Mustang vs. Tesla Model 3
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Tesla Model 3.
Metric
Ford Mustang
Tesla Model 3
MotiveGrid Score
63
79
Cost of Ownership
73
76
Powertrain
52
71
Driver Assistance
16
30
Livability
36
57
Safety
93
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$51,371
$48,889
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,656
$23,045
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,950
$3,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,975
$12,590
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,125
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,875
Financing (5-yr)
$4,815
$5,565
Registration (5-yr)
$935
$1,655
Starting Price
$32,000
$36,990
Horsepower
315 hp
271 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
—
Electric range
—
321 mi
Cargo volume
13.5 cu ft
16.6 cu ft
Seating
4
5
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Gas
2026$32,000
MSRP
$32,000
Mo · 5yr
$856
$51,371 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$36,990
MSRP
$36,990
Mo · 5yr
$815
$48,889 / 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 →
Tesla Model 3 scores higher overall.
Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Tesla Model 3
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Model 3
76
Winner: Model 3
$2,482 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Model 3
71
Winner: Model 3
+19 pts
Long electric range▲
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Model 3
30
Winner: Model 3
+14 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Model 3
57
Winner: Model 3
+21 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Tesla Model 3 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,482 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Tesla Model 3
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Tesla Model 3
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Model 3
Slightly more cargo room with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Tesla Model 3
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Tesla Model 3
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%
Charging mix
Ford Mustang
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$856
$51,371 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$856/mo
Tesla Model 3
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$815
$48,889 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$815/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Tesla Model 3 recoups its $4,990 price premium in 2.2 years ($2,256/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Tesla Model 3 comes out about $2,482 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.
