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

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

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $41,379 vs $57,036 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $15,657 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 $15,657 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): $0.69 vs $0.95 per mile all-in ($690 vs $951 per month) in Montana.

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 Montana, the Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $41,379 vs $57,036 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $15,657 difference over 5 years. Montana's electricity (13.9¢/kWh, 26% below the U.S. average) and $3.95/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 · MontanaToyota RAV4 LE (gas) · $41,379 total · $15,657 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 (47%)	$10,800 (26%)
Charging / fuel	$3,450 (6%)	$7,896 (19%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$414)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (6%)	$5,520 (13%)
Insurance	$13,750 (24%)	$11,000 (27%)
Financing interest	$7,897 (14%)	$5,078 (12%)
Registration & fees	$1,735 (3%)	$1,085 (3%)
Total cost of ownership	$57,036	$41,379

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: $57,036
Cost / month: $951
Cost / mile: $0.95
MSRP: $44,990
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 28 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota RAV4 LE (gas)

5-yr total cost: $41,379
Cost / month: $690
Cost / mile: $0.69
MSRP: $30,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 30 mpg

Montana electricity: 13.9¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Montana): $3.95/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 Montana?

The Toyota RAV4 LE (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $41,379 vs $57,036 for the Tesla Model Y RWD, a $15,657 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 $15,657 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): $0.69 vs $0.95 per mile all-in ($690 vs $951 per month) in Montana.