2025 Compact SUV comparison
Tesla Model Y vs Toyota RAV4
Specs, price, safety and 5-year ownership cost - compared side by side.
EPA & NHTSA data · Updated August 2026
2025 Tesla Model Y
Long Range RWD
$44,990
Starting MSRP
126
Combined MPG
30.2 cu ft
Cargo
2025 Toyota RAV4
XLE FWD
$32,300
Starting MSRP
30
Combined MPG
37.6 cu ft
Cargo
Quick verdict
Toyota RAV4 is the better value. Tesla Model Y is the quicker choice.
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
Quick decision
Based on current assumptionsLower 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
Model Y vs RAV4 specs side by side
| Specification | Tesla Model Y | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $44,990 | $32,300 Better |
| Combined MPG / MPGe | 126 Better | 30 |
| Horsepower | 384 hp Better | 203 hp |
| Cargo space | 30.2 cu ft | 37.6 cu ft Better |
| NHTSA overall rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Car cost of ownership comparison - 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
$0.53 per mile over 5 years
Toyota RAV4
$35,385Lower by $4,200
$0.47 per mile over 5 years
Insurance, maintenance and depreciation are class averages - see how we calculate. Your quotes may differ.
Which Compact SUV fits you better?
Tesla Model Y
Best for owners with home charging
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
Best for families on a tighter budget
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
Safety, recalls and reliability risks
Recall and complaint data is pulled from official NHTSA records for the 2025 model year. Last refreshed August 2026; complaint counts are risk signals, not a defect rate.
Tesla Model Y
★★★★★ 5.0
3 recalls · 85 NHTSA complaints
- 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
★★★★★ 5.0
3 recalls · 63 NHTSA complaints
- 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
Dealer questions for this car comparison
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?
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