This is how much it'd cost to own a Tesla Model Y, a Ford F-150 and a Toyota Corolla over 10 years and the differences are staggering

Buying a car is one thing, but keeping it on the road for a decade can cost a surprising amount of money, and there’s a lot of difference between something like a Tesla Model Y, a Ford F-150 and a Toyota Corolla for example.

From electric SUVs to gas-guzzling pickup trucks, every vehicle comes with its own set of expenses.

Research from Consumer Reports, CarEdge, and Edmunds reveals just how much those costs can vary.

And the differences between these three popular vehicles could make you think twice before choosing your next ride.

Tesla Model Y owners could save on maintenance

Electric cars don’t need oil changes or as many routine engine repairs, which can help keep servicing bills down over the years.

According to Consumer Reports’ maintenance cost research, Tesla vehicles averaged around $4,035 in maintenance and repairs over 10 years in its 2024 analysis.

We did a breakdown of home charging costs and found that one Tesla owner in Los Angeles spent just $36.14 charging her car at home over a month, showing how much EV drivers could save on fuel.

That’s good news for anyone considering making the switch to electric, but there’s a catch: buying an EV doesn’t automatically mean you’ll spend less overall.

Edmunds’ five-year ownership estimate for the 2026 Tesla Model Y puts the total at approximately $59,902, including expenses such as insurance, depreciation, electricity and repairs.

The Model Y can save drivers money on certain maintenance jobs, but insurance, tire replacements and depreciation can still make a sizeable dent in their budget.

The Ford F-150 can rack up some hefty bills

Pickup trucks are built for tough jobs, but keeping one on the road can be expensive.

CarEdge’s maintenance estimates put the Ford F-150’s 10-year maintenance and repair costs at around $11,241.

Fuel is another major expense, especially for drivers who spend plenty of time behind the wheel.

Edmunds’ cost-to-own estimate for the 2026 Ford F-150 puts five-year fuel costs at approximately $14,176 for an XLT model with four-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine.

That’s a lot of money just to keep the truck moving, before factoring in insurance and other ownership expenses.

Of course, the F-150 offers something the other two vehicles can’t match.

Its towing capability and generous cargo space make it a useful workhorse, meaning the extra costs could be worth it for drivers who need those features.

The Toyota Corolla could be the budget-friendly winner

For drivers who simply want to get from A to B without spending a fortune, the Toyota Corolla could be a sensible choice.

CarEdge’s 10-year maintenance estimates put the Corolla’s maintenance and repair costs at around $4,434. That’s $6,807 less than the F-150’s estimated bill over the same period.

The difference becomes even more interesting when looking at overall ownership costs.

According to Edmunds’ five-year Toyota Corolla estimate, owning a 2026 Corolla LE costs approximately $32,662 over five years, including fuel, insurance, depreciation and maintenance.

That’s considerably less than the five-year estimates for both the Model Y and the F-150.

These figures use different calculation methods and cover different periods, so they aren’t a perfect apples-to-apples comparison.

However, they show why looking beyond a car’s sticker price is important.

The cheapest car to maintain isn’t necessarily the cheapest to own, and your annual mileage, insurance costs and driving habits can all change the final bill.