Ford Ranger 60·Ram 1500 63on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Ranger about $19,975 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Ranger is the cheaper one to own — roughly $19,975 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ram 1500 counters with more towing capacity (11,610 vs 7,500 lbs) and more power (420 vs 270 hp).
Go with the Ford Ranger 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 Ranger vs. Ram 1500
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Ranger versus 2026 Ram 1500.
Metric
Ford Ranger
Ram 1500
MotiveGrid Score
60
63
Cost of Ownership
80
67
Powertrain
56
48
Driver Assistance
0
33
Livability
57
37
Safety
68
90
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,387
$65,361
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,867
$22,805
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$15,304
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,520
$12,705
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,775
$3,090
Tires (5-yr)
$2,000
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$4,965
$6,649
Registration (5-yr)
$955
$1,185
Starting Price
$33,000
$44,195
Horsepower
270 hp
420 hp
MPG (combined)
22 mpg
20 mpg
Cargo volume
43 cu ft
0 cu ft
Seating
5
6
Towing capacity
7,500 lbs
11,610 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
4WD
Gas
2026$33,000
MSRP
$33,000
Mo · 5yr
$756
$45,387 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$44,195
MSRP
$44,195
Mo · 5yr
$1,089
$65,361 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
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 →
Ram 1500 scores higher overall.
Ford Ranger
0
/ 100
Ram 1500
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Ranger
80
1500
67
Winner: Ranger
$19,975 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Ranger
56
1500
48
Winner: Ranger
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Ranger
0
1500
33
Winner: 1500
+33 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Ranger
57
1500
37
Winner: Ranger
+20 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford Ranger is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $19,975 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ram 1500 still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Ford Ranger
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Ranger
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Ranger
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ram 1500
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Ranger
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 Ranger
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$756
$45,387 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$756/mo
Ram 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,089
$65,361 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,089/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Ranger comes out about $19,975 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.
