Chevrolet Silverado 1500 64·Ford F-150 Lightning 71on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet 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.
Metric
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ford F-150 Lightning
MotiveGrid Score
64
71
Cost of Ownership
68
67
Powertrain
64
57
Driver Assistance
16
38
Livability
71
59
Safety
60
84
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
Horsepower
310 hp
452 hp
MPG (combined)
19 mpg
—
Electric range
—
240 mi
Cargo volume
62.9 cu ft
52.8 cu ft
Seating
6
5
Towing capacity
9,500 lbs
7,700 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
AWD
Gas
2026$46,700
MSRP
$46,700
Mo · 5yr
$1,084
$65,044 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$54,780
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.
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.