Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $19,450 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $19,450 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more towing capacity (6,200 vs 1,750 lbs) and more power (324 vs 219 hp).
Go with the Toyota RAV4 for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more towing capacity and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
73
77
Cost of Ownership
69
91
Powertrain
54
74
Driver Assistance
38
43
Livability
47
49
Safety
99
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$935
Starting Price
$37,995
$31,900
Horsepower
324 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 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 →
Toyota RAV4 scores higher overall.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
RAV4
91
Winner: RAV4
$19,450 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+20 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
RAV4
43
Winner: RAV4
+5 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
RAV4
49
Winner: RAV4
+2 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 $19,450 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 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
Jeep Grand Cherokee
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%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
Toyota RAV4
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$630
$37,791 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$630/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $19,450 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.