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

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

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $40,909 vs $58,580 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $17,671 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 $17,671 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): $0.68 vs $0.98 per mile all-in ($682 vs $976 per month) in Idaho.

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 Idaho, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $40,909 vs $58,580 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $17,671 difference over 5 years. Idaho's electricity (12.7¢/kWh, 33% below the U.S. average) and $4.11/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 · IdahoToyota RAV4 LE (gas) · $40,909 total · $17,671 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 (48%)	$10,800 (26%)
Charging / fuel	$3,940 (7%)	$8,226 (20%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$473)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (6%)	$5,520 (13%)
Insurance	$13,750 (23%)	$11,000 (27%)
Financing interest	$7,898 (13%)	$5,078 (12%)
Registration & fees	$985 (2%)	$285 (1%)
Total cost of ownership	$58,580	$40,909

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: $58,580
Cost / month: $976
Cost / mile: $0.98
MSRP: $44,995
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 35 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)

5-yr total cost: $40,909
Cost / month: $682
Cost / mile: $0.68
MSRP: $30,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 30 mpg

Idaho electricity: 12.7¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Idaho): $4.11/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 Idaho?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $40,909 vs $58,580 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $17,671 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 $17,671 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): $0.68 vs $0.98 per mile all-in ($682 vs $976 per month) in Idaho.