Chevrolet Silverado 1500 64·Ford Ranger 60on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Ranger about $19,657 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Ranger is the cheaper one to own — roughly $19,657 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 counters with more towing capacity (9,500 vs 7,500 lbs) and more cargo room (62.9 vs 43 cu ft).
Go with the Ford Ranger for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. Ford Ranger
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 versus 2026 Ford Ranger.
Metric
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ford Ranger
MotiveGrid Score
64
60
Cost of Ownership
68
80
Powertrain
64
56
Driver Assistance
16
0
Livability
71
57
Safety
60
68
5-Year Cost to Own
$65,044
$45,387
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,828
$9,867
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$17,639
$15,304
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,975
$9,520
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$2,775
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$7,026
$4,965
Registration (5-yr)
$1,235
$955
Starting Price
$46,700
$33,000
Horsepower
310 hp
270 hp
MPG (combined)
19 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
62.9 cu ft
43 cu ft
Seating
6
5
Towing capacity
9,500 lbs
7,500 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
RWD
Gas
2026$46,700
MSRP
$46,700
Mo · 5yr
$1,084
$65,044 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$33,000
MSRP
$33,000
Mo · 5yr
$756
$45,387 / 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 →
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
0
/ 100
Ford Ranger
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Silverado 1500
68
Ranger
80
Winner: Ranger
$19,657 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Silverado 1500
64
Ranger
56
Winner: Silverado 1500
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Silverado 1500
16
Ranger
0
Winner: Silverado 1500
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Silverado 1500
71
Ranger
57
Winner: Silverado 1500
+14 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford Ranger is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $19,657 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Ford Ranger
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Ranger
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Substantially more cargo room with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Ranger
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 Ranger
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$756
$45,387 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$756/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Ranger comes out about $19,657 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.
