Toyota bZ XLE (electric) vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE: 5-year cost to own in District of Columbia

Q: Is the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE cheaper to own over 5 years in District of Columbia?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,942 vs $48,765 for the Toyota bZ XLE (electric), a $9,823 difference over 5 years.

Q: How much more does the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE?

The Toyota bZ XLE (electric) starts at $34,900 — $3,000 more than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE ($31,900). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $9,823 in favor of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE.

Q: Which costs less per mile — the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE: $0.65 vs $0.81 per mile all-in ($649 vs $813 per month) in District of Columbia.

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 District of Columbia, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,942 vs $48,765 for the Toyota bZ XLE (electric), a $9,823 difference over 5 years. District of Columbia's electricity (25.4¢/kWh, 35% above the U.S. average) and $4.17/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 · District of ColumbiaToyota RAV4 Hybrid LE · $38,942 total · $9,823 less than the Toyota bZ XLE (electric)

Toyota bZ XLE (electric) vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (USD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · Toyota bZ XLE	Hybrid · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE
Depreciation (estimated)	$19,195 (39%)	$11,165 (29%)
Charging / fuel	$5,811 (12%)	$5,812 (15%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$697)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (8%)	$4,680 (12%)
Insurance	$13,750 (28%)	$11,500 (30%)
Financing interest	$5,999 (12%)	$5,435 (14%)
Registration & fees	$350 (1%)	$350 (1%)
Total cost of ownership	$48,765	$38,942

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 Toyota bZ XLE (electric) win?

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

Toyota bZ XLE (electric) vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE, side by side

Electric

Toyota bZ XLE (electric)

5-yr total cost: $48,765
Cost / month: $813
Cost / mile: $0.81
MSRP: $34,900
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 25.8 kWh/100mi

Hybrid Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE

5-yr total cost: $38,942
Cost / month: $649
Cost / mile: $0.65
MSRP: $31,900
Powertrain: Hybrid
Efficiency: 43 mpg

District of Columbia electricity: 25.4¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (District of Columbia): $4.17/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

← Toyota bZ XLE (electric) vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE (U.S. average)

FAQ

Is the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE cheaper to own over 5 years in District of Columbia?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,942 vs $48,765 for the Toyota bZ XLE (electric), a $9,823 difference over 5 years.

When does the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) become cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE?

How much more does the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) cost to buy than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE?

The Toyota bZ XLE (electric) starts at $34,900 — $3,000 more than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE ($31,900). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $9,823 in favor of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE.

Which costs less per mile — the Toyota bZ XLE (electric) or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE: $0.65 vs $0.81 per mile all-in ($649 vs $813 per month) in District of Columbia.