Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 5-year cost to own (Australia)
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 $71,357 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $19,580 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 · $19,580 less than the Tesla Model Y RWD
Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Tesla Model Y RWD | Hybrid · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $34,751 (49%) | $19,316 (37%) |
| Charging / fuel | $4,241 (6%) | $4,499 (9%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$509) | — |
| Maintenance | $4,752 (7%) | $5,502 (11%) |
| Insurance | $12,725 (18%) | $10,000 (19%) |
| Financing interest | $10,513 (15%) | $8,085 (16%) |
| Registration & fees | $4,375 (6%) | $4,375 (8%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $71,357 | $51,777 |
When does the Tesla Model Y RWD win?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid wins decisively here — $19,580 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 RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid verdict
The single biggest mover is depreciation: $34,751 on the Tesla Model Y RWD against $19,316 on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a $15,435 gap in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's favor — the largest slice of the $19,580 verdict. On the Tesla Model Y RWD, depreciation alone is 49% of its $71,357 total; on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid it is 37% of $51,777.
- Insurance: Tesla Model Y RWD $12,725, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $10,000 — $2,725 more in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's favor.
- Financing interest: Tesla Model Y RWD $10,513, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $8,085 — $2,428 more in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's favor.
- Maintenance: Tesla Model Y RWD $4,752, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $5,502 — $750 the other way, to the Tesla Model Y RWD.
The Tesla Model Y RWD gets $750 back on maintenance, but against a $19,580 verdict that is loose change. The Tesla Model Y RWD starts $12,910 behind the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at the dealer, and ownership widens it — the 5-year gap grows to $19,580. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is ahead by $6,370 after the first year and more than doubles that lead — $19,580 by year 5.
Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, side by side
Tesla Model Y RWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $71,357
- Cost / month
- $1,189
- Cost / km
- $1.19
- Starting price
- $58,900
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 14.5 kWh/100km
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- 5-yr total cost
- $51,777
- Cost / month
- $863
- Cost / km
- $0.86
- Starting price
- $45,990
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 4.6 L/100km
- Australia electricity
- 33.00c/kWh AER
- Petrol (Australia)
- $1.63/L AIP