Chevrolet Silverado 1500 64·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tacoma about $21,245 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the cheaper one to own — roughly $21,245 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 counters with more towing capacity (9,500 vs 3,500 lbs) and more cargo room (62.9 vs 38.1 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Tacoma 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. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
64
69
Cost of Ownership
68
84
Powertrain
64
63
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
71
39
Safety
60
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$65,044
$43,799
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,828
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$17,639
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,975
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$2,330
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$7,026
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$1,235
$945
Starting Price
$46,700
$32,445
Horsepower
310 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
19 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
62.9 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
6
5
Towing capacity
9,500 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
2WD
Gas
2026$46,700
MSRP
$46,700
Mo · 5yr
$1,084
$65,044 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$32,445
MSRP
$32,445
Mo · 5yr
$730
$43,799 / 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 →
Toyota Tacoma scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Silverado 1500
68
Tacoma
84
Winner: Tacoma
$21,245 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Silverado 1500
64
Tacoma
63
Winner: Silverado 1500
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Silverado 1500
16
Tacoma
43
Winner: Tacoma
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Silverado 1500
71
Tacoma
39
Winner: Silverado 1500
+32 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tacoma is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $21,245 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota Tacoma
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tacoma
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Substantially more cargo room with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Tacoma
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Tacoma
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
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,799 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Tacoma comes out about $21,245 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.
