Ford F-150 69·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tacoma about $23,665 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the cheaper one to own — roughly $23,665 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford F-150 counters with more towing capacity (13,000 vs 3,500 lbs) and more cargo room (52.8 vs 38.1 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Tacoma for the better long-term value; consider the Ford F-150 if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford F-150 versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Ford F-150
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
69
69
Cost of Ownership
64
84
Powertrain
52
63
Driver Assistance
16
43
Livability
67
39
Safety
91
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$67,464
$43,799
Depreciation (5-yr)
$23,970
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,838
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$13,005
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$2,330
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$7,072
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$1,240
$945
Starting Price
$47,000
$32,445
Horsepower
325 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
20 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
52.8 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
6
5
Towing capacity
13,000 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
2WD
Gas
2026$47,000
MSRP
$47,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,124
$67,464 / 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 →
Ford F-150
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
F-150
64
Tacoma
84
Winner: Tacoma
$23,665 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
F-150
52
Tacoma
63
Winner: Tacoma
+11 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
F-150
16
Tacoma
43
Winner: Tacoma
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
F-150
67
Tacoma
39
Winner: F-150
+28 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tacoma is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $23,665 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford F-150 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
Ford F-150
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room and 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%
Ford F-150
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,124
$67,464 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,124/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 $23,665 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.
