Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Toyota Tundra

Ford F-150 Lightning 71Toyota Tundra 69on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Tundra about $8,672 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Tundra is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,672 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford F-150 Lightning counters with more power (452 vs 389 hp).

Go with the Toyota Tundra for the better long-term value; consider the Ford F-150 Lightning if you prioritize stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Toyota Tundra

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning versus 2026 Toyota Tundra.
MetricFord F-150 LightningToyota Tundra
MotiveGrid Score7169
Cost of Ownership6779
Powertrain5746
Driver Assistance3843
Livability5931
Safety8497
5-Year Cost to Own$65,429$56,757
Depreciation (5-yr)$31,334$12,837
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$5,393$19,243
Insurance (5-yr)$14,410$11,870
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,590$2,330
Tires (5-yr)$2,450$2,250
Financing (5-yr)$8,242$6,998
Registration (5-yr)$2,010$1,230
Starting Price$54,780$46,510
Horsepower452 hp389 hp
MPG (combined)20 mpg
Electric range240 mi
Cargo volume52.8 cu ft62.3 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity7,700 lbs12,000 lbs
DrivetrainAWD4x2
Electric
2026$54,780
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$54,780
Mo · 5yr
$1,090
$65,429 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Gas
2026$46,510
2026 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck front three-quarter view
MSRP
$46,510
Mo · 5yr
$946
$56,757 / 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 Lightning scores higher overall.

Ford F-150 Lightning
0
/ 100
Toyota Tundra
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
F-150 Lightning
67
Tundra
79
Winner: Tundra
$8,672 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
Low tires cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
F-150 Lightning
57
Tundra
46
Winner: F-150 Lightning
+11 pts
Strong power output
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
F-150 Lightning
38
Tundra
43
Winner: Tundra
+5 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
F-150 Lightning
59
Tundra
31
Winner: F-150 Lightning
+28 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
F-150 Lightning
84
Tundra
97
Winner: Tundra
+13 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Tundra is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,672 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Ford F-150 Lightning still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.

Daily commuter
Ford F-150 Lightning
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tundra
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Tundra
Stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Tundra
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford F-150 Lightning
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
Toyota Tundra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$946
$56,757 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$946/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford F-150 Lightning recoups its $8,270 price premium in 2.8 years ($2,918/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Tundra comes out about $8,672 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

Helpful guides