Head-to-head · vehicle level

Toyota Camry vs. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Camry 89Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 95on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Camry about $1,042 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Camry is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,042 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid counters with more cargo room (20.3 vs 15.1 cu ft).

Go with the Toyota Camry for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid if you prioritize more cargo space.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Toyota Camry vs. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota Camry versus 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
MetricToyota CamryToyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid Score8995
Cost of Ownership8988
Powertrain7473
Driver Assistance4343
Livability5781
Safety9997
5-Year Cost to Own$38,182$39,224
Depreciation (5-yr)$11,017$12,801
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$7,697$5,396
Insurance (5-yr)$11,290$10,835
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,340$1,970
Tires (5-yr)$1,550$1,550
Financing (5-yr)$4,408$5,082
Registration (5-yr)$880$1,590
Starting Price$29,300$33,775
Horsepower225 hp220 hp
MPG (combined)51 mpg52 mpg
Electric range44 mi
Cargo volume15.1 cu ft20.3 cu ft
Seating55
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Hybrid
2026$29,300
2026 Toyota Camry hybrid sedan in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,182 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Plug-in Hybrid
2026$33,775
2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid sedan in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$33,775
Mo · 5yr
$654
$39,224 / 5 years
Best on balance
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 Plug-in Hybrid scores higher overall.

Toyota Camry
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Camry
89
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
88
Winner: Camry
$1,042 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Camry
74
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
73
Winner: Camry
+1 pts
Good fuel economy
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Camry
43
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Camry
57
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
81
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+24 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
Easy to maneuver and park
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Camry
99
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
97
Winner: Camry
+2 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Camry is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,042 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid still wins if your priority is best on balance.

Daily commuter
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Camry
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
More cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Camry
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
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

Toyota Camry
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,182 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$654
$39,224 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$654/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid recoups its $4,475 price premium in 4.0 years ($1,111/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Camry comes out about $1,042 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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