Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,183 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
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota RAV4
| Metric | Subaru Crosstrek | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 75 | 78 |
| Cost of Ownership | 91 | 92 |
| Powertrain | 63 | 74 |
| Driver Assistance | 32 | 43 |
| Livability | 61 | 49 |
| Safety | 72 | 72 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $38,949 | $37,766 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $9,502 | $9,251 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $11,610 | $8,980 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $9,195 | $10,735 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $2,095 | $1,315 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $1,650 | $1,750 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $4,062 | $4,800 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $835 | $935 |
| Starting Price | $26,995 | $31,900 |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 219 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 29 mpg | 43 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 20 cu ft | 37.6 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,750 lbs |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
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.
Which vehicle is right for you
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,183 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Crosstrek still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Subaru Crosstrek ranks #2 of 3 in Easiest Compact SUV to Park and #2 of 5 in Best Compact SUV for Tall Drivers.
- Toyota RAV4 ranks #2 of 3 in Best Compact SUV and #2 of 10 in Best Compact SUVs.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in Ohiowhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Georgiawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in North Carolinawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Michiganwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Arizonawhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →