Ford Maverick 70·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Maverick about $5,774 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,774 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Toyota Tacoma counters with more towing capacity (3,500 vs 2,000 lbs) and more cargo room (38.1 vs 33.3 cu ft).
Go with the Ford Maverick for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Tacoma if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Maverick versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Ford Maverick
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
70
69
Cost of Ownership
91
84
Powertrain
60
63
Driver Assistance
0
43
Livability
70
39
Safety
72
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,025
$43,799
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,371
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$8,865
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,020
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,675
$2,330
Tires (5-yr)
$2,000
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$4,235
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$860
$945
Starting Price
$28,145
$32,445
Horsepower
191 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
38 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
33.3 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
2WD
Hybrid
2026$28,145
MSRP
$28,145
Mo · 5yr
$634
$38,025 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$32,445
MSRP
$32,445
Mo · 5yr
$730
$43,799 / 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
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Maverick
91
Tacoma
84
Winner: Maverick
$5,774 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Maverick
60
Tacoma
63
Winner: Tacoma
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Maverick
0
Tacoma
43
Winner: Tacoma
+43 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Maverick
70
Tacoma
39
Winner: Maverick
+31 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 $5,774 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Tacoma 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
Toyota Tacoma
More cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Tacoma
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
$634
$38,025 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$634/mo
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,799 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Maverick comes out about $5,774 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.
