Hyundai Tucson 79·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $8,030 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,030 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 Tucson vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Tucson versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
79
77
Cost of Ownership
79
91
Powertrain
60
74
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
57
49
Safety
97
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,821
$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,211
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$935
Starting Price
$29,300
$31,900
Horsepower
187 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
38.7 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$764
$45,821 / 5 years
Best for families
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 →
Hyundai Tucson scores higher overall.
Hyundai Tucson
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Tucson
79
RAV4
91
Winner: RAV4
$8,030 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Tucson
60
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+14 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Tucson
32
RAV4
43
Winner: RAV4
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Tucson
57
RAV4
49
Winner: Tucson
+8 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,030 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Tucson still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota RAV4
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota RAV4
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Tucson
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Toyota RAV4
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%
Hyundai Tucson
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$764
$45,821 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$764/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 $2,600 price premium in 3.6 years ($724/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $8,030 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.
