Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD: 5-year cost to own (NZ)
Over 5 years in New Zealand (14,000 km/yr), as of July 1, 2026, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD stays the cheaper car to own — about $52,754 vs $72,318 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $19,564 difference over 5 years.
No EV purchase rebate in NZ (the Clean Car Discount ended Dec 2023), and EVs now pay Road User Charges (~NZ$76/1,000 km). Both are reflected honestly — the RUC is included in the totals above. Source: NZTA.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · NZToyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD · $52,754 total · $19,564 less than the Tesla Model Y RWD
Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Tesla Model Y RWD | Hybrid · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $39,382 (54%) | $22,256 (42%) |
| Charging / fuel | $5,239 (7%) | $9,979 (19%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$629) | — |
| Maintenance | $2,247 (3%) | $3,752 (7%) |
| Insurance | $7,000 (10%) | $6,500 (12%) |
| Financing interest | $12,206 (17%) | $9,402 (18%) |
| Registration & fees | $6,245 (9%) | $865 (2%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $72,318 | $52,754 |
When does the Tesla Model Y RWD win?
Even at high mileage or a long hold, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Tesla Model Y RWD is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost.
Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD, side by side
Electric
Tesla Model Y RWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $72,318
- Cost / month
- $1,205
- Cost / km
- $1.03
- Starting price
- $67,900
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 14.9 kWh/100km
Hybrid
Lower 5-yr cost
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $52,754
- Cost / month
- $879
- Cost / km
- $0.75
- Starting price
- $52,990
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 4.8 L/100km
- NZ electricity
- 34.00c/kWh EA / MBIE
- Petrol (NZ)
- $2.97/L MBIE
FAQ
Is the Tesla Model Y RWD or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD cheaper to own over 5 years in New Zealand?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD stays the cheaper car to own — about $52,754 vs $72,318 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $19,564 difference over 5 years.
When does the Tesla Model Y RWD become cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD?
Even at high mileage or a long hold, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Tesla Model Y RWD is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost.
How much more does the Tesla Model Y RWD cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD?
The Tesla Model Y RWD starts at $67,900 — $14,910 more than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD ($52,990). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $19,564 in favour of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD.
Which costs less per km — the Tesla Model Y RWD or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD: $0.75 vs $1.03 per km all-in ($879 vs $1,205 per month).