The Toyota RAV4 is one of America’s best-selling vehicles, so “what does it really cost to own?” is a common question. Running cost is only the start.
RAV4 running cost (EPA data)
| Version | Combined MPG | EPA fuel/yr | 5-year fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 (gas) | 30 | $2,100 | ~$10,500 |
| RAV4 Hybrid | 38 | $1,650 | ~$8,250 |
Source: EPA/DOE FuelEconomy.gov. The hybrid saves about $2,250 over five years in fuel — see the full RAV4 Hybrid vs RAV4 comparison.
The four costs that make up “cost to own”
- Fuel/energy — the EPA figures above.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine for a Toyota; SUVs run a bit more than compact cars.
- Insurance — depends heavily on your location and profile.
- Depreciation — usually the biggest line. The RAV4’s strong resale value works in its favour here.
Only the fuel line is hard EPA data; the other three vary by trim, location and driver. That’s exactly what the cost-to-own calculator is for — pick the RAV4, then replace the default maintenance, insurance and depreciation with your own quotes.
Bottom line
The RAV4’s fuel cost is moderate for an SUV, and the hybrid meaningfully lowers it. But the deciding factor over five years is usually depreciation, where the RAV4 does well. For a side-by-side with rivals, see the Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V and browse all SUVs by running cost. Full assumptions are on the methodology page.