Total Cost of Ownership
When buying a pickup truck, the initial purchase price is just one part of the equation.
A truly savvy buyer will also want to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) over several years.
The TCO includes factors like fuel expenses, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
Understanding these costs can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your investment is financially sustainable over time.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the 2025 Ford F-150, 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500, and 2025 RAM 1500, three of the most popular pickup trucks on the market.
By comparing their long-term costs, we’ll provide a clearer picture of which one offers the best value for your money in the long run.
1. Initial Purchase Price
The first step in calculating the total cost of ownership is considering the purchase price.
While this is only one part of the equation, it’s important to know where each model stands in terms of initial investment.
- 2025 Ford F-150: Starting at approximately $34,000 for the base model, the Ford F-150 offers a range of configurations from work trucks to fully loaded luxury models. The price can easily rise above $50,000 for higher trims, especially if you opt for the Lariat or Platinum versions with additional features.
- 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500: The Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup that starts at around $41,000 for the base WT trim. However, prices climb quickly as you add premium features, with high-end trims reaching upwards of $70,000 or more, particularly if you opt for the High Country version with luxury amenities.
- 2025 RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 starts at $33,000 for the Tradesman base trim, making it one of the more affordable options in the full-size pickup category. Like the F-150, the price can rise significantly with more premium trims like the Limited or Rebel, which can push the total cost above $60,000.
2. Fuel Costs
Fuel economy plays a crucial role in long-term ownership costs. With gas prices fluctuating, the cost of fueling your truck can significantly impact your budget.
- 2025 Ford F-150: The Ford F-150 is available with multiple engine options, including a hybrid. The hybrid powertrain offers up to 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway, which is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce fuel costs. The standard gas engines provide a fuel efficiency of 20-22 mpg combined.
- 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500: The Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty truck, and its fuel efficiency is lower compared to light-duty models. The 6.6L V8 gas engine gets around 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway, which is typical for its class. The diesel version (6.6L Duramax) offers 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway, which is a bit better but still lower than smaller trucks.
- 2025 RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 offers good fuel efficiency for a full-size truck, with the 3.6L V6 engine delivering about 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway. Opting for the EcoDiesel V6 will improve fuel economy further, reaching 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway.
3. Insurance Costs
Insurance is another essential factor in calculating TCO.
Pickup trucks, especially those with higher trims or heavy-duty models, tend to have higher insurance premiums due to their size and the cost of repair/replacement.
- 2025 Ford F-150: As a full-size truck, the F-150’s insurance rates can range between $1,500 and $2,000 per year, depending on the model and trim. Higher trims like the King Ranch or Platinum may push this cost even higher.
- 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500: Due to its larger size and heavier payload capacity, the Silverado 2500’s insurance premiums are higher than the F-150’s, ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 per year. The diesel engine option can also increase your rates.
- 2025 RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 is comparable to the Ford F-150 in terms of insurance, typically costing between $1,500 and $2,200 annually.
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance and repair costs are crucial to the TCO. Trucks tend to require more frequent service than sedans or SUVs, especially as they age.
- 2025 Ford F-150: The F-150’s maintenance is reasonably affordable for a full-size truck. On average, owners spend around $500 to $700 per year on maintenance. The hybrid version may require slightly higher maintenance costs due to its advanced powertrain.
- 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500: As a heavy-duty truck, the Silverado 2500 typically incurs higher maintenance costs, with an annual average between $700 and $900. Diesel models can have higher repair bills due to the complexity of the engine.
- 2025 RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 generally has slightly lower maintenance costs than the Silverado 2500, with annual expenses averaging between $600 and $800. The EcoDiesel variant can lead to slightly higher costs, though.
5. Depreciation
Depreciation is the amount your truck loses in value over time.
Trucks tend to hold their value better than most vehicles, but the rate of depreciation varies between models.
- 2025 Ford F-150: The Ford F-150 holds its value well, with an average depreciation rate of 40-45% over the first five years. This makes it one of the better choices for retaining resale value.
- 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500: Heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado 2500 typically depreciate at a rate of 45-50% over the first five years. However, it still retains strong resale value due to its rugged reputation and durability.
- 2025 RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 experiences a depreciation rate similar to the F-150, around 40-45% over five years. Its value is bolstered by the brand’s reputation for comfort and towing capabilities.
6. Conclusion: Which Truck Offers the Best Total Cost of Ownership?
- Ford F-150: If you’re looking for a balance between purchase price, fuel economy, and overall long-term costs, the 2025 Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 2500 vs RAM 1500 total cost of ownership comparison suggests that the F-150 stands out as the best value. The availability of a hybrid option and its strong resale value makes it a top contender for the most cost-effective full-size truck.
- Chevy Silverado 2500: For those who need a heavy-duty truck for serious towing or payload capacities, the Silverado 2500 might be worth the higher initial cost and higher operating expenses. While its fuel economy and insurance premiums are higher, its durability and strong resale value make it a great choice for long-term ownership.
- RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 offers a sweet spot in terms of affordability, fuel economy, and maintenance costs. It’s a great option for those who want a full-size truck with a comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency without the hefty costs associated with a heavy-duty model.
Ultimately, the best truck for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and intended usage.
If you want to minimize costs in the long run, the Ford F-150 likely offers the best balance of affordability and efficiency.
However, if you need the capabilities of a heavy-duty truck or prefer the luxury of the RAM 1500, those options may be worth the extra investment.
Understanding these long-term ownership factors can help you make the best decision for your truck purchase, ensuring you get the most value for your money over the years.
Sources
Edmunds – 2025 Ford F-150 Cost to Own: Edmunds offers a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 Ford F-150’s True Cost to Own, including depreciation, taxes, financing, fuel costs, maintenance, and repairs. Edmunds
Edmunds – 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Cost to Own: This page provides detailed ownership costs for the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, covering similar aspects as the Ford F-150. Edmunds
CarEdge – 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Ownership Costs: CarEdge offers insights into the average cost of owning a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD over five years, including maintenance and repair expenses. CarEdge
Ford – True Cost of Ownership: Ford’s official page educates consumers on the various expenses associated with owning a vehicle, such as maintenance, insurance, fuel, and taxes. Ford Motor Company
CarEdge – 2025 Ford F-150 Ownership Costs: CarEdge provides an analysis of the average cost of owning a Ford F-150 over five years, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and loan interest. CarEdge