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

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

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $41,054 vs $62,126 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $21,072 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 $21,072 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 $1.03 per mile all-in ($684 vs $1,035 per month) in Michigan.

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 Michigan, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $41,054 vs $62,126 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $21,072 difference over 5 years. Michigan's electricity (21.4¢/kWh, 14% above the U.S. average) and $4.08/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 · MichiganToyota RAV4 LE (gas) · $41,054 total · $21,072 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 (46%)	$10,800 (26%)
Charging / fuel	$6,636 (11%)	$8,156 (20%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$796)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (6%)	$5,520 (13%)
Insurance	$13,750 (22%)	$11,000 (27%)
Financing interest	$7,898 (13%)	$5,078 (12%)
Registration & fees	$1,835 (3%)	$500 (1%)
Total cost of ownership	$62,126	$41,054

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: $62,126
Cost / month: $1,035
Cost / mile: $1.03
MSRP: $44,995
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 35 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)

5-yr total cost: $41,054
Cost / month: $684
Cost / mile: $0.68
MSRP: $30,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 30 mpg

Michigan electricity: 21.4¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Michigan): $4.08/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 Michigan?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $41,054 vs $62,126 for the Subaru Solterra Premium, a $21,072 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 $21,072 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 $1.03 per mile all-in ($684 vs $1,035 per month) in Michigan.