2025 · Compact SUV
Tesla Model Y vs Toyota RAV4
Long Range RWD vs XLE FWD - specs, true cost of ownership and safety, side by side.
Lower 5-year cost
RAV4
saves ~$4,200
Lower price
RAV4
$12,690 less upfront
More cargo
RAV4
+7.4 cu ft
More power
Model Y
+181 hp
Verdict
The Model Y costs about $12,700 more upfront but spends roughly a third as much on energy per mile. Over 5 years the gap narrows yet the RAV4 still wins on total cost for most drivers; the Model Y wins on performance (384 hp), tech and home-charging convenience. Choose by budget first, charging access second.
Pick the Model Y if
- • owners with home charging
- • tech-first buyers
Pick the RAV4 if
- • families on a tighter budget
- • light trail use with AWD trims
Specs side by side
| Spec | Tesla Model Y | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,990 | $32,300better |
| MPG / MPGe combined | 126better | 30 |
| Horsepower | 384 hpbetter | 203 hp |
| Cargo space | 30.2 cu ft | 37.6 cu ftbetter |
| NHTSA overall rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Cost of ownership - for your driving
Adjust the numbers to your life. They're saved on this device and applied to every comparison on the site.
With your driving, the Toyota RAV4 saves about $4,200 over 5 years.
Tesla Model Y
$39,585 over 5 years
Fuel $3,240 · Insurance $11,750 · Maintenance $2,100 · Depreciation $22,495
Toyota RAV4
$35,385 over 5 years
Fuel $8,000 · Insurance $9,250 · Maintenance $3,600 · Depreciation $14,535
Insurance, maintenance and depreciation are class averages - see how we calculate. Your quotes may differ.
Who each car is for
Tesla Model Y
Good fit
- ✓ Owners with home charging
- ✓ Tech-first buyers
- ✓ Instant acceleration
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Buyers without home/work charging
- ✗ Tight budgets - insurance runs high
Toyota RAV4
Good fit
- ✓ Families on a tighter budget
- ✓ Light trail use with AWD trims
- ✓ Strong resale value
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Buyers sensitive to engine and road noise
- ✗ A plush highway ride
Risks, recalls & what to check
Recall and complaint data is pulled from official NHTSA records for the 2025 model year.
Tesla Model Y
3 recalls · 85 NHTSA complaints filed
- TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated...
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image...
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed.
Before you buy
- • Insurance premiums are notably higher than gas rivals - get a quote before buying
- • Inspect panel alignment and paint on delivery; service appointments can take weeks in some regions
- • Resale values have been volatile due to Tesla's own price cuts
Toyota RAV4
3 recalls · 63 NHTSA complaints filed
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown...
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View...
- SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 RAV 4 vehicles. The front seat brackets for the seat rails may be welded improperly.
Before you buy
- • 2019-2020 model years drew complaints about transmission hesitation at low speed - prefer 2021+ if buying used
- • Cabin noise is noticeably higher than CR-V at highway speed
Questions to ask the dealer
Tesla Model Y
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 Model Y - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- Can you provide a battery health report and confirm exactly when the battery warranty started?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
Toyota RAV4
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 RAV4 - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
More comparisons
Build your own comparison
Pick any two cars from our database.