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

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

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $43,678 vs $61,470 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $17,792 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 $17,792 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): $0.73 vs $1.02 per mile all-in ($728 vs $1,025 per month) in California.

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 California, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $43,678 vs $61,470 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $17,792 difference over 5 years. California's electricity (35.3¢/kWh, 87% above the U.S. average) and $5.46/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 · CaliforniaToyota RAV4 LE (gas) · $43,678 total · $17,792 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 (43%)	$10,800 (25%)
Charging / fuel	$8,748 (14%)	$10,910 (25%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$1,050)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (6%)	$5,520 (13%)
Insurance	$13,750 (22%)	$11,000 (25%)
Financing interest	$7,897 (13%)	$5,078 (12%)
Registration & fees	$870 (1%)	$370 (1%)
Total cost of ownership	$61,470	$43,678

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: $61,470
Cost / month: $1,025
Cost / mile: $1.02
MSRP: $44,990
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 28 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)

5-yr total cost: $43,678
Cost / month: $728
Cost / mile: $0.73
MSRP: $30,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 30 mpg

California electricity: 35.3¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (California): $5.46/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 California?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $43,678 vs $61,470 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $17,792 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 $17,792 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): $0.73 vs $1.02 per mile all-in ($728 vs $1,025 per month) in California.