Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 5-year cost to own (Australia)

By Ivan H., EVCostIQ · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

Over 5 years in Australia (12,000 km/yr), as of July 9, 2026, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid stays the cheaper car to own — about $51,777 vs $84,877 for the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, a $33,100 difference over 5 years.

Novated lease (FBT exemption): for a salary-packaged EV the federal FBT exemption can cut the cost substantially — it depends on your income and tax, so it is not in the totals above. Source: ATO.

Cheaper to own over 5 years · AustraliaToyota RAV4 Hybrid · $51,777 total · $33,100 less than the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD

Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (AUD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · Tesla Model Y Long	Hybrid · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Depreciation (estimated)	$44,781 (53%)	$19,316 (37%)
Charging / fuel	$4,534 (5%)	$4,499 (9%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$544)	—
Maintenance	$4,752 (6%)	$5,502 (11%)
Insurance	$12,725 (15%)	$10,000 (19%)
Financing interest	$13,710 (16%)	$8,085 (16%)
Registration & fees	$4,375 (5%)	$4,375 (8%)
Total cost of ownership	$84,877	$51,777

When does the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD win?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid wins decisively here — $33,100 cheaper over 5 years; at typical assumptions this isn't a close call.

No realistic annual distance flips this verdict — the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid stays the cheaper car at every distance we model.

What decides the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid verdict

The single biggest mover is depreciation: $44,781 on the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD against $19,316 on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a $25,465 gap in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's favor — the largest slice of the $33,100 verdict. On the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, depreciation alone is 53% of its $84,877 total; on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid it is 37% of $51,777.

Financing interest: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD $13,710, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $8,085 — $5,625 more in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's favor.
Insurance: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD $12,725, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $10,000 — $2,725 more in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's favor.
Maintenance: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD $4,752, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $5,502 — $750 the other way, to the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD gets $750 back on maintenance, but against a $33,100 verdict that is loose change. The Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD starts $29,910 behind the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at the dealer, and ownership widens it — the 5-year gap grows to $33,100. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is ahead by $11,573 after the first year and more than doubles that lead — $33,100 by year 5.

Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, side by side

Electric