Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Mustang vs. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Ford Mustang 63Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 95on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid about $12,147 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the cheaper one to own — roughly $12,147 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang counters with more power (315 vs 220 hp).

Go with the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang if you prioritize stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Ford Mustang vs. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Mustang versus 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
MetricFord MustangToyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid Score6395
Cost of Ownership7388
Powertrain5273
Driver Assistance1643
Livability3681
Safety9397
5-Year Cost to Own$51,371$39,224
Depreciation (5-yr)$18,656$12,801
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$12,950$5,396
Insurance (5-yr)$9,975$10,835
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$1,970
Tires (5-yr)$1,550$1,550
Financing (5-yr)$4,815$5,082
Registration (5-yr)$935$1,590
Starting Price$32,000$33,775
Horsepower315 hp220 hp
MPG (combined)26 mpg52 mpg
Electric range44 mi
Cargo volume13.5 cu ft20.3 cu ft
Seating45
DrivetrainRWDFWD
Gas
2026$32,000
2026 Ford Mustang Fastback in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$32,000
Mo · 5yr
$856
$51,371 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
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 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 Plug-in Hybrid scores higher overall.

Ford Mustang
0
/ 100
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Mustang
73
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
88
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
$12,147 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Mustang
52
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
73
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+21 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Mustang
16
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
43
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Mustang
36
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
81
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+45 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
Easy to maneuver and park
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mustang
93
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
97
Winner: Prius Plug-in Hybrid
+4 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $12,147 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Ford Mustang still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.

Daily commuter
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Better safety rating with more cargo room and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
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

Ford Mustang
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$856
$51,371 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$856/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 $1,775 price premium in 0.7 years ($2,392/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes out about $12,147 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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