Chevrolet Silverado 1500 64·Ram 1500 63on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Silverado 1500 about $317 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $317 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ram 1500 counters with more towing capacity (11,610 vs 9,500 lbs) and more power (420 vs 310 hp).
Go with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for the better long-term value; consider the Ram 1500 if you prioritize more towing capacity and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. Ram 1500
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 versus 2026 Ram 1500.
Metric
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ram 1500
MotiveGrid Score
64
63
Cost of Ownership
68
67
Powertrain
64
48
Driver Assistance
16
33
Livability
71
37
Safety
60
90
5-Year Cost to Own
$65,044
$65,361
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,828
$22,805
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$17,639
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,975
$12,705
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$3,090
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$7,026
$6,649
Registration (5-yr)
$1,235
$1,185
Starting Price
$46,700
$44,195
Horsepower
310 hp
420 hp
MPG (combined)
19 mpg
20 mpg
Cargo volume
62.9 cu ft
0 cu ft
Seating
6
6
Towing capacity
9,500 lbs
11,610 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$44,195
MSRP
$44,195
Mo · 5yr
$1,089
$65,361 / 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 →
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
0
/ 100
Ram 1500
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Silverado 1500
68
1500
67
Winner: Silverado 1500
$317 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Silverado 1500
64
1500
48
Winner: Silverado 1500
+16 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Silverado 1500
16
1500
33
Winner: 1500
+17 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Silverado 1500
71
1500
37
Winner: Silverado 1500
+34 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $317 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; Ram 1500 wins on best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Ram 1500
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ram 1500
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ram 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
Ram 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,089
$65,361 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,089/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes out about $317 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.
