Ford F-150 Lightning 71·Toyota Tundra 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota 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.
Metric
Ford F-150 Lightning
Toyota Tundra
MotiveGrid Score
71
69
Cost of Ownership
67
79
Powertrain
57
46
Driver Assistance
38
43
Livability
59
31
Safety
84
97
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
Horsepower
452 hp
389 hp
MPG (combined)
—
20 mpg
Electric range
240 mi
—
Cargo volume
52.8 cu ft
62.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
7,700 lbs
12,000 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
4x2
Electric
2026$54,780
MSRP
$54,780
Mo · 5yr
$1,090
$65,429 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Gas
2026$46,510
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.
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.