Toyota Corolla 92·Toyota Prius 98on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Corolla about $309 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is the cheaper one to own — roughly $309 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota Prius counters with better mileage (57 vs 33 mpg combined) and more cargo room (20.3 vs 13.1 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Corolla for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Prius if you prioritize better gas mileage and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Toyota Corolla vs. Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota Corolla versus 2026 Toyota Prius.
Metric
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid Score
92
98
Cost of Ownership
92
92
Powertrain
73
76
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
70
82
Safety
94
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$34,606
$34,915
Depreciation (5-yr)
$7,909
$10,792
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,263
$5,908
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,310
$10,165
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,340
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$3,479
$4,296
Registration (5-yr)
$755
$865
Starting Price
$23,125
$28,550
Horsepower
139 hp
194 hp
MPG (combined)
33 mpg
57 mpg
Cargo volume
13.1 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$23,125
MSRP
$23,125
Mo · 5yr
$577
$34,606 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Hybrid
2026$28,550
MSRP
$28,550
Mo · 5yr
$582
$34,915 / 5 years
Best for families
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.
Toyota Corolla
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Corolla
92
Prius
92
Evenly matched
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Corolla
73
Prius
76
Winner: Prius
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Corolla
43
Prius
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Corolla
70
Prius
82
Winner: Prius
+12 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $309 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Toyota Corolla wins on best for long-term savings; Toyota Prius wins on best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Corolla
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius
Better safety rating with more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Corolla
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%
Toyota Corolla
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$577
$34,606 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$577/mo
Toyota Prius
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$582
$34,915 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$582/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Prius recoups its $5,425 price premium in 6.2 years ($871/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Corolla comes out about $309 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.
