Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. Ford F-150 Lightning

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 64Ford F-150 Lightning 71on the MotiveGrid ScoreChevrolet Silverado 1500 about $385 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $385 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford F-150 Lightning counters with more power (452 vs 310 hp).

Go with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford F-150 Lightning if you prioritize stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. Ford F-150 Lightning

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 versus 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning.
MetricChevrolet Silverado 1500Ford F-150 Lightning
MotiveGrid Score6471
Cost of Ownership6867
Powertrain6457
Driver Assistance1638
Livability7159
Safety6084
5-Year Cost to Own$65,044$65,429
Depreciation (5-yr)$20,828$31,334
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$17,639$5,393
Insurance (5-yr)$12,975$14,410
Maintenance (5-yr)$3,090$1,590
Tires (5-yr)$2,250$2,450
Financing (5-yr)$7,026$8,242
Registration (5-yr)$1,235$2,010
Starting Price$46,700$54,780
Horsepower310 hp452 hp
MPG (combined)19 mpg
Electric range240 mi
Cargo volume62.9 cu ft52.8 cu ft
Seating65
Towing capacity9,500 lbs7,700 lbs
Drivetrain4WDAWD
Gas
2026$46,700
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$46,700
Mo · 5yr
$1,084
$65,044 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$54,780
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$54,780
Mo · 5yr
$1,090
$65,429 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
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 Lightning scores higher overall.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500
0
/ 100
Ford F-150 Lightning
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Silverado 1500
68
F-150 Lightning
67
Winner: Silverado 1500
$385 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
Low tires cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Silverado 1500
64
F-150 Lightning
57
Winner: Silverado 1500
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Silverado 1500
16
F-150 Lightning
38
Winner: F-150 Lightning
+22 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Silverado 1500
71
F-150 Lightning
59
Winner: Silverado 1500
+12 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Silverado 1500
60
F-150 Lightning
84
Winner: F-150 Lightning
+24 pts
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

⚖️

Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $385 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 wins on best for long-term savings; Ford F-150 Lightning wins on best for driver assistance.

Daily commuter
Ford F-150 Lightning
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford F-150 Lightning
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Ford F-150 Lightning
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford F-150 Lightning
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

Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,084
$65,044 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,084/mo
Ford F-150 Lightning
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,090
$65,429 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,090/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford F-150 Lightning recoups its $8,080 price premium in 2.9 years ($2,749/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes out about $385 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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