Tesla Cybertruck 74·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tacoma about $31,600 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the cheaper one to own — roughly $31,600 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Tesla Cybertruck counters with more towing capacity (7,500 vs 3,500 lbs) and notably more cargo room.
Go with the Toyota Tacoma for the better long-term value; consider the Tesla Cybertruck if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Tesla Cybertruck vs. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Tesla Cybertruck versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Tesla Cybertruck
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
74
69
Cost of Ownership
51
84
Powertrain
60
63
Driver Assistance
30
43
Livability
67
39
Safety
100
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$75,373
$43,774
Depreciation (5-yr)
$33,315
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,658
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$20,525
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,775
$2,305
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$10,531
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$2,320
$945
Starting Price
$69,990
$32,445
Horsepower
593 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
—
23 mpg
Electric range
325 mi
—
Cargo volume
120.7 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
7,500 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
2WD
Electric
2026$69,990
MSRP
$69,990
Mo · 5yr
$1,256
$75,373 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$32,445
MSRP
$32,445
Mo · 5yr
$730
$43,774 / 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 →
Tesla Cybertruck scores higher overall.
Tesla Cybertruck
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Cybertruck
51
Tacoma
84
Winner: Tacoma
$31,600 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Cybertruck
60
Tacoma
63
Winner: Tacoma
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Cybertruck
30
Tacoma
43
Winner: Tacoma
+13 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Cybertruck
67
Tacoma
39
Winner: Cybertruck
+28 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tacoma is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $31,600 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Tesla Cybertruck still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Tesla Cybertruck
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tacoma
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Cybertruck
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Tacoma
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Tacoma
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
Tesla Cybertruck
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,256
$75,373 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,256/mo
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,774 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Tesla Cybertruck recoups its $37,545 price premium in 15.0 years ($2,510/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Tacoma comes out about $31,600 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.