Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas): 5-year cost to own in Arizona

Q: Is the Tesla Model Y RWD or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years in Arizona?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $40,514 vs $55,733 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $15,219 difference over 5 years.

Q: How much more does the Tesla Model Y RWD cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Tesla Model Y RWD starts at $44,990 — $14,990 more than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) ($30,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $15,219 in favor of the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas).

Q: Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model Y RWD or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas): $0.68 vs $0.93 per mile all-in ($675 vs $929 per month) in Arizona.

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 Arizona, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $40,514 vs $55,733 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $15,219 difference over 5 years. Arizona's electricity (15.5¢/kWh, 18% below the U.S. average) and $4.04/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 · ArizonaToyota RAV4 LE (gas) · $40,514 total · $15,219 less than the Tesla Model Y RWD

Tesla Model Y RWD 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 · Tesla Model Y RWD	Gas · Toyota RAV4 LE
Depreciation (estimated)	$26,544 (48%)	$10,800 (27%)
Charging / fuel	$3,842 (7%)	$8,076 (20%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$461)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (7%)	$5,520 (14%)
Insurance	$13,750 (25%)	$11,000 (27%)
Financing interest	$7,897 (14%)	$5,078 (13%)
Registration & fees	$40 (0%)	$40 (0%)
Total cost of ownership	$55,733	$40,514

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 Tesla Model Y RWD 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 Tesla Model Y RWD is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).

Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas), side by side

Electric

Tesla Model Y RWD

5-yr total cost: $55,733
Cost / month: $929
Cost / mile: $0.93
MSRP: $44,990
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 28 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)

5-yr total cost: $40,514
Cost / month: $675
Cost / mile: $0.68
MSRP: $30,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 30 mpg

Arizona electricity: 15.5¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Arizona): $4.04/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

← Tesla Model Y RWD vs Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) (U.S. average)

FAQ

Is the Tesla Model Y RWD or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years in Arizona?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $40,514 vs $55,733 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $15,219 difference over 5 years.

When does the Tesla Model Y RWD become cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

How much more does the Tesla Model Y RWD cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Tesla Model Y RWD starts at $44,990 — $14,990 more than the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) ($30,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $15,219 in favor of the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas).

Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model Y RWD or the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas): $0.68 vs $0.93 per mile all-in ($675 vs $929 per month) in Arizona.