Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 (gas): running cost
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the cheaper of the two to run, at $1,650/year in fuel versus $2,100 for the Toyota RAV4 (gas) (EPA estimate). That's about $450 a year, or $2,250 over five years, on fuel alone. Per mile it's 9¢ vs 11¢. Full side-by-side below.
Source: EPA / DOE FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data. Data as of June 2026.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 (gas) side by side
| Metric | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Toyota RAV4 (gas) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2025 |
| Efficiency | 38 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,650 | $2,100 |
| Cost to drive 1,000 mi | $89 | $113 |
| Cost per mile | 9¢ | 11¢ |
| 5-year fuel (EPA) | $8,250 | $10,500 |
| Tailpipe CO2 | 231 g/mi | 296 g/mi |
| Est. 5-year cost to own | $36,670 | $39,700 |
What the numbers mean
The fuel/energy figures above are EPA data and are directly comparable. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's lower running cost adds up to roughly $2,250 over five years — money that can offset a higher purchase price. Whether that makes it the better buy depends on what each costs up front, how many miles you drive, and your local fuel and electricity prices. Model your own scenario with the EV-vs-gas calculator or the cost-to-own calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Toyota RAV4 (gas) cheaper to run?
On EPA estimated annual fuel cost, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is cheaper to run at $1,650/yr versus $2,100 for the Toyota RAV4 (gas) — a saving of about $450 a year, or $2,250 over five years on fuel alone.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 (gas): which has lower running cost per mile?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid costs about 9¢ per mile to fuel/charge at June 2026 prices, versus 11¢ for the Toyota RAV4 (gas). Cost per mile is driven by efficiency and the price of gasoline vs electricity.
Does the cheaper-to-run model also cost less to own?
OwnRate's 5-year cost-to-own estimate is $36,670 for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and $39,700 for the Toyota RAV4 (gas). Note these include illustrative depreciation, insurance and maintenance assumptions, not just fuel — so the cheapest to fuel isn't always the cheapest to own. See the methodology.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 (gas): which is better for the environment?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid emits less tailpipe CO2 (231 vs 296 g/mi). Lower fuel use generally means lower emissions.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20