Ram 1500 63·Toyota Tundra 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tundra about $8,604 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tundra is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,604 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ram 1500 counters with seating for 6.
Go with the Toyota Tundra for the better long-term value; consider the Ram 1500 if you prioritize more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ram 1500 versus 2026 Toyota Tundra.
Metric
Ram 1500
Toyota Tundra
MotiveGrid Score
63
69
Cost of Ownership
67
79
Powertrain
48
46
Driver Assistance
33
43
Livability
37
31
Safety
90
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$65,361
$56,757
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,805
$12,837
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,677
$19,243
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,705
$11,870
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$2,330
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$6,649
$6,998
Registration (5-yr)
$1,185
$1,230
Starting Price
$44,195
$46,510
Horsepower
420 hp
389 hp
MPG (combined)
20 mpg
20 mpg
Cargo volume
0 cu ft
62.3 cu ft
Seating
6
5
Towing capacity
11,610 lbs
12,000 lbs
Drivetrain
4WD
4x2
Gas
2026$44,195
MSRP
$44,195
Mo · 5yr
$1,089
$65,361 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
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 →
Toyota Tundra scores higher overall.
Ram 1500
0
/ 100
Toyota Tundra
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
1500
67
Tundra
79
Winner: Tundra
$8,604 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
1500
48
Tundra
46
Winner: 1500
+2 pts
Strong power output▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
1500
33
Tundra
43
Winner: Tundra
+10 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
1500
37
Tundra
31
Winner: 1500
+6 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tundra is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,604 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ram 1500 still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Ram 1500
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tundra
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Tundra
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Tundra
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ram 1500
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%
Ram 1500
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,089
$65,361 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,089/mo
Toyota Tundra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$946
$56,757 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$946/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Tundra comes out about $8,604 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.
