Ford Maverick 70·Ram 1500 64on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Maverick about $27,266 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the cheaper one to own — roughly $27,266 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ram 1500 counters with more towing capacity (11,610 vs 2,000 lbs) and more power (420 vs 191 hp).
Go with the Ford Maverick for the better long-term value; consider the Ram 1500 if you prioritize more towing capacity and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Maverick vs. Ram 1500
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Maverick versus 2026 Ram 1500.
Metric
Ford Maverick
Ram 1500
MotiveGrid Score
70
64
Cost of Ownership
92
68
Powertrain
60
48
Driver Assistance
0
33
Livability
70
37
Safety
72
90
5-Year Cost to Own
$37,945
$65,211
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,371
$22,805
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$8,865
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,020
$12,705
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,595
$2,940
Tires (5-yr)
$2,000
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$4,235
$6,649
Registration (5-yr)
$860
$1,185
Starting Price
$28,145
$44,195
Horsepower
191 hp
420 hp
MPG (combined)
38 mpg
20 mpg
Cargo volume
33.3 cu ft
0 cu ft
Seating
5
6
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
11,610 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
Hybrid
2026$28,145
MSRP
$28,145
Mo · 5yr
$632
$37,945 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$44,195
MSRP
$44,195
Mo · 5yr
$1,087
$65,211 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
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 Maverick scores higher overall.
Ford Maverick
0
/ 100
Ram 1500
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Maverick
92
1500
68
Winner: Maverick
$27,266 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Maverick
60
1500
48
Winner: Maverick
+12 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Maverick
0
1500
33
Winner: 1500
+33 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Maverick
70
1500
37
Winner: Maverick
+33 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford Maverick is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $27,266 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ram 1500 still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Ford Maverick
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Maverick
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Maverick
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ram 1500
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Maverick
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 Maverick
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$632
$37,945 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$632/mo
Ram 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,087
$65,211 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,087/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Maverick comes out about $27,266 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.
