Toyota Prius 98·Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 95on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Prius about $4,309 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Prius is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,309 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
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
Toyota Prius vs. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota Prius versus 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Metric
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid Score
98
95
Cost of Ownership
92
88
Powertrain
76
73
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
82
81
Safety
97
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$34,915
$39,224
Depreciation (5-yr)
$10,792
$12,801
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$5,908
$5,396
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,165
$10,835
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,340
$1,970
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,296
$5,082
Registration (5-yr)
$865
$1,590
Starting Price
$28,550
$33,775
Horsepower
194 hp
220 hp
MPG (combined)
57 mpg
52 mpg
Electric range
—
44 mi
Cargo volume
20.3 cu ft
20.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Hybrid
2026$28,550
MSRP
$28,550
Mo · 5yr
$582
$34,915 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Plug-in Hybrid
2026$33,775
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 scores higher overall.
Toyota Prius
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Prius
92
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
88
Winner: Prius
$4,309 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Prius
76
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
73
Winner: Prius
+3 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Prius
43
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Prius
82
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
81
Winner: Prius
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Prius is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,309 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 Prius
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius
Balanced value for families
Highway driver
Toyota Prius
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%
Charging mix
Toyota Prius
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$582
$34,915 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$582/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 $5,225 price premium in 6.9 years ($753/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Prius comes out about $4,309 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.
