Honda Accord 77·Toyota Prius 98on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius about $4,901 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,901 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy.
The Toyota Prius is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Accord vs. Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Accord versus 2026 Toyota Prius.
Metric
Honda Accord
Toyota Prius
MotiveGrid Score
77
98
Cost of Ownership
87
92
Powertrain
60
76
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
56
82
Safety
80
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,816
$34,915
Depreciation (5-yr)
$10,733
$10,792
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,526
$5,908
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,080
$10,165
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,272
$4,296
Registration (5-yr)
$865
$865
Starting Price
$28,395
$28,550
Horsepower
192 hp
194 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
57 mpg
Cargo volume
16.7 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$28,395
MSRP
$28,395
Mo · 5yr
$664
$39,816 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
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.
Honda Accord
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Accord
87
Prius
92
Winner: Prius
$4,901 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Accord
60
Prius
76
Winner: Prius
+16 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Accord
43
Prius
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Accord
56
Prius
82
Winner: Prius
+26 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,901 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Honda Accord still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Toyota Prius
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius
Much stronger safety with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Accord
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%
Honda Accord
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$664
$39,816 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$664/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 $4,901 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.
