Subaru Solterra Premium vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas): 5-year cost to own in Alabama

Q: Is the Subaru Solterra Premium or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years in Alabama?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $39,431 vs $60,186 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $20,755 difference over 5 years.

Q: How much more does the Subaru Solterra Premium cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Subaru Solterra Premium starts at $44,995 — $14,995 more than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) ($30,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $20,755 in favor of the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas).

Q: Which costs less per mile — the Subaru Solterra Premium or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas): $0.66 vs $1.00 per mile all-in ($657 vs $1,003 per month) in Alabama.

By the EVCostIQ research desk · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in Alabama, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $39,431 vs $60,186 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $20,755 difference over 5 years. Alabama's electricity (17.4¢/kWh, 8% below the U.S. average) and $3.46/gal gas are fed straight into both totals. The expired federal $7,500 EV credit is not applied to either total.

Cheaper to own over 5 years · AlabamaToyota RAV4 LE (gas) · $39,431 total · $20,755 less than the Subaru Solterra Premium

Subaru Solterra Premium vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (USD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · Subaru Solterra Premium	Gas · Toyota RAV4 LE
Depreciation (estimated)	$28,347 (47%)	$10,800 (27%)
Charging / fuel	$5,401 (9%)	$6,918 (18%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$648)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (6%)	$5,520 (14%)
Insurance	$13,750 (23%)	$11,000 (28%)
Financing interest	$7,898 (13%)	$5,078 (13%)
Registration & fees	$1,130 (2%)	$115 (0%)
Total cost of ownership	$60,186	$39,431

The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.

When does the Subaru Solterra Premium win?

Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Subaru Solterra Premium is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).

Subaru Solterra Premium vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas), side by side

Electric

Subaru Solterra Premium

5-yr total cost: $60,186
Cost / month: $1,003
Cost / mile: $1.00
MSRP: $44,995
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 35 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)

5-yr total cost: $39,431
Cost / month: $657
Cost / mile: $0.66
MSRP: $30,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 30 mpg

Alabama electricity: 17.4¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Alabama): $3.46/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

← Subaru Solterra Premium vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) (U.S. average)

FAQ

Is the Subaru Solterra Premium or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years in Alabama?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $39,431 vs $60,186 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $20,755 difference over 5 years.

When does the Subaru Solterra Premium become cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

How much more does the Subaru Solterra Premium cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Subaru Solterra Premium starts at $44,995 — $14,995 more than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) ($30,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $20,755 in favor of the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas).

Which costs less per mile — the Subaru Solterra Premium or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas): $0.66 vs $1.00 per mile all-in ($657 vs $1,003 per month) in Alabama.