Toyota Grand Highlander 82·Toyota Prius 98on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius about $15,601 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius is the cheaper one to own — roughly $15,601 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Toyota Grand Highlander counters with more power (265 vs 194 hp) and seating for 8.
Go with the Toyota Prius 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
Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander versus 2026 Toyota Prius.
Metric
Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid Score
82
98
Cost of Ownership
84
92
Powertrain
67
76
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
51
82
Safety
95
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$50,516
$34,915
Depreciation (5-yr)
$13,143
$10,792
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$5,908
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,935
$10,165
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,000
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,900
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$6,358
$4,296
Registration (5-yr)
$1,145
$865
Starting Price
$42,260
$28,550
Horsepower
265 hp
194 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
57 mpg
Cargo volume
20.6 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
8
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 5 years
Best on balance
Hybrid
2026$28,550
MSRP
$28,550
Mo · 5yr
$582
$34,915 / 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.
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Highlander
84
Prius
92
Winner: Prius
$15,601 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Highlander
67
Prius
76
Winner: Prius
+9 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Highlander
43
Prius
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Highlander
51
Prius
82
Winner: Prius
+31 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $15,601 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Grand Highlander still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Grand Highlander
Marginally more cargo space with more seats
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
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 Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
Toyota Prius
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$582
$34,915 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$582/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Prius comes out about $15,601 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.