Chevrolet Silverado 1500 64·Ford F-150 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Silverado 1500 about $2,420 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,420 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford F-150 counters with more towing capacity (13,000 vs 9,500 lbs).
Go with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford F-150 if you prioritize more towing capacity.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. Ford F-150
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 versus 2026 Ford F-150.
Metric
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ford F-150
MotiveGrid Score
64
69
Cost of Ownership
68
64
Powertrain
64
52
Driver Assistance
16
16
Livability
71
67
Safety
60
91
5-Year Cost to Own
$65,044
$67,464
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,828
$23,970
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$17,639
$16,838
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,975
$13,005
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$3,090
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$7,026
$7,072
Registration (5-yr)
$1,235
$1,240
Starting Price
$46,700
$47,000
Horsepower
310 hp
325 hp
MPG (combined)
19 mpg
20 mpg
Cargo volume
62.9 cu ft
52.8 cu ft
Seating
6
6
Towing capacity
9,500 lbs
13,000 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
4WD
Gas
2026$46,700
MSRP
$46,700
Mo · 5yr
$1,084
$65,044 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$47,000
MSRP
$47,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,124
$67,464 / 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 →
Ford F-150 scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
0
/ 100
Ford F-150
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Silverado 1500
68
F-150
64
Winner: Silverado 1500
$2,420 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Silverado 1500
64
F-150
52
Winner: Silverado 1500
+12 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Silverado 1500
16
F-150
16
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Silverado 1500
71
F-150
67
Winner: Silverado 1500
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,420 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford F-150 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Ford F-150
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford F-150
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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%
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,084
$65,044 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,084/mo
Ford F-150
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,124
$67,464 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,124/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes out about $2,420 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.
