Honda HR-V 78·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $366 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $366 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy.
The Toyota RAV4 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda HR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda HR-V versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Honda HR-V
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
78
77
Cost of Ownership
91
91
Powertrain
62
74
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
54
49
Safety
79
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,157
$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)
$8,533
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,135
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,500
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$3,987
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$825
$935
Starting Price
$26,500
$31,900
Horsepower
158 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
24.4 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$26,500
MSRP
$26,500
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,157 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Hybrid
2026$31,900
MSRP
$31,900
Mo · 5yr
$630
$37,791 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Honda HR-V scores higher overall.
Honda HR-V
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
HR-V
91
RAV4
91
Evenly matched
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
HR-V
62
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+12 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
HR-V
43
RAV4
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
HR-V
54
RAV4
49
Winner: HR-V
+5 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $366 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Honda HR-V wins on best for lower upfront price; Toyota RAV4 wins on best for long-term savings.
Daily commuter
Toyota RAV4
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota RAV4
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota RAV4
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda HR-V
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda HR-V
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Honda HR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,157 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
Toyota RAV4
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$630
$37,791 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$630/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota RAV4 recoups its $5,400 price premium in 7.0 years ($771/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $366 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
