Ford F-150 Lightning 71·Tesla Cybertruck 74on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford F-150 Lightning about $10,084 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning is the cheaper one to own — roughly $10,084 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Tesla Cybertruck counters with more range (325 vs 240 miles) and more cargo room (120.7 vs 52.8 cu ft).
Go with the Ford F-150 Lightning for the better long-term value; consider the Tesla Cybertruck if you prioritize more driving range and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Tesla Cybertruck
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning versus 2026 Tesla Cybertruck.
Metric
Ford F-150 Lightning
Tesla Cybertruck
MotiveGrid Score
71
74
Cost of Ownership
67
51
Powertrain
57
60
Driver Assistance
38
30
Livability
59
67
Safety
84
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$65,429
$75,513
Depreciation (5-yr)
$31,334
$33,315
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$5,393
$4,658
Insurance (5-yr)
$14,410
$20,525
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,590
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,450
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$8,242
$10,531
Registration (5-yr)
$2,010
$2,320
Starting Price
$54,780
$69,990
Horsepower
452 hp
593 hp
Electric range
240 mi
325 mi
Cargo volume
52.8 cu ft
120.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
7,700 lbs
7,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Electric
2026$54,780
MSRP
$54,780
Mo · 5yr
$1,090
$65,429 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$69,990
MSRP
$69,990
Mo · 5yr
$1,259
$75,513 / 5 years
Best for families
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 →
Tesla Cybertruck scores higher overall.
Ford F-150 Lightning
0
/ 100
Tesla Cybertruck
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
F-150 Lightning
67
Cybertruck
51
Winner: F-150 Lightning
$10,084 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
F-150 Lightning
57
Cybertruck
60
Winner: Cybertruck
+3 pts
Long electric range▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
F-150 Lightning
38
Cybertruck
30
Winner: F-150 Lightning
+8 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
F-150 Lightning
59
Cybertruck
67
Winner: Cybertruck
+8 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford F-150 Lightning is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $10,084 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Tesla Cybertruck still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Tesla Cybertruck
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford F-150 Lightning
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Cybertruck
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford F-150 Lightning
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Tesla Cybertruck
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%
Charging mix
Ford F-150 Lightning
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,090
$65,429 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,090/mo
Tesla Cybertruck
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,259
$75,513 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,259/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Tesla Cybertruck would need 185.3 years to recoup its $15,210 price premium ($82/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford F-150 Lightning comes out about $10,084 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.