Hyundai IONIQ 5 78·Toyota RAV4 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $7,951 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,951 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota RAV4 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
78
78
Cost of Ownership
79
92
Powertrain
58
74
Driver Assistance
49
43
Livability
40
49
Safety
100
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,716
$37,766
Depreciation (5-yr)
$21,455
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,585
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,795
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$955
$1,315
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,266
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$935
Starting Price
$35,000
$31,900
Horsepower
168 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
—
43 mpg
Electric range
245 mi
—
Cargo volume
27 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Electric
2026$35,000
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$31,900
MSRP
$31,900
Mo · 5yr
$629
$37,766 / 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 →
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
IONIQ 5
79
RAV4
92
Winner: RAV4
$7,951 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
IONIQ 5
58
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+16 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
IONIQ 5
49
RAV4
43
Winner: IONIQ 5
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
IONIQ 5
40
RAV4
49
Winner: RAV4
+9 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,951 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota RAV4
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota RAV4
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%
Charging mix
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$762
$45,716 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$762/mo
Toyota RAV4
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$629
$37,766 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$629/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Hyundai IONIQ 5 recoups its $3,100 price premium in 2.7 years ($1,151/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $7,951 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.
