Subaru Forester 79·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $3,671 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,671 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 May 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Forester versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
79
77
Cost of Ownership
88
91
Powertrain
66
74
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
65
49
Safety
79
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$41,462
$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,038
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,546
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,175
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,513
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$935
Starting Price
$29,995
$31,900
Horsepower
180 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
29 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
28.9 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 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 →
Subaru Forester scores higher overall.
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Forester
88
RAV4
91
Winner: RAV4
$3,671 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Forester
66
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+8 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Forester
32
RAV4
43
Winner: RAV4
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Forester
65
RAV4
49
Winner: Forester
+16 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,671 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Forester still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
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
Toyota RAV4
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Forester
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%
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/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 $1,905 price premium in 2.8 years ($680/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $3,671 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.
