Ford F-150 69·Ram 1500 63on the MotiveGrid Score·Ram 1500 about $2,103 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ram 1500 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,103 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford F-150 counters with more cargo room (52.8 vs 0 cu ft) and a 5-star federal safety rating.
Go with the Ram 1500 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford F-150 if you prioritize more cargo space and top federal crash-test marks.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford F-150 versus 2026 Ram 1500.
Metric
Ford F-150
Ram 1500
MotiveGrid Score
69
63
Cost of Ownership
64
67
Powertrain
52
48
Driver Assistance
16
33
Livability
67
37
Safety
91
90
5-Year Cost to Own
$67,464
$65,361
Depreciation (5-yr)
$23,970
$22,805
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,838
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$13,005
$12,705
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$3,090
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$7,072
$6,649
Registration (5-yr)
$1,240
$1,185
Starting Price
$47,000
$44,195
Horsepower
325 hp
420 hp
MPG (combined)
20 mpg
20 mpg
Cargo volume
52.8 cu ft
0 cu ft
Seating
6
6
Towing capacity
13,000 lbs
11,610 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
4WD
Gas
2026$47,000
MSRP
$47,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,124
$67,464 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$44,195
MSRP
$44,195
Mo · 5yr
$1,089
$65,361 / 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 →
Ford F-150 scores higher overall.
Ford F-150
0
/ 100
Ram 1500
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
F-150
64
1500
67
Winner: 1500
$2,103 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
F-150
52
1500
48
Winner: F-150
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
F-150
16
1500
33
Winner: 1500
+17 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
F-150
67
1500
37
Winner: F-150
+30 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ram 1500 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,103 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford F-150 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Ram 1500
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ram 1500
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford F-150
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%
Ford F-150
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,124
$67,464 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,124/mo
Ram 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,089
$65,361 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,089/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ram 1500 comes out about $2,103 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.
