Toyota bZ 84·Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid about $1,490 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,490 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Toyota bZ vs. Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota bZ versus 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
Metric
Toyota bZ
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
MotiveGrid Score
84
78
Cost of Ownership
81
86
Powertrain
83
61
Driver Assistance
49
43
Livability
39
44
Safety
94
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$44,961
$43,471
Depreciation (5-yr)
$21,737
$13,588
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$2,520
$6,805
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,945
$10,995
Maintenance (5-yr)
$900
$1,970
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,469
$6,573
Registration (5-yr)
$1,640
$1,790
Starting Price
$36,350
$43,690
Horsepower
168 hp
324 hp
MPG (combined)
—
41 mpg
Electric range
236 mi
52 mi
Cargo volume
27.7 cu ft
33.5 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
2,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Electric
2026$36,350
MSRP
$36,350
Mo · 5yr
$749
$44,961 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Plug-in Hybrid
2026$43,690
MSRP
$43,690
Mo · 5yr
$725
$43,471 / 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 bZ scores higher overall.
Toyota bZ
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
bZ
81
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
86
Winner: RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
$1,490 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
bZ
83
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
61
Winner: bZ
+22 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
bZ
49
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
43
Winner: bZ
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
bZ
39
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
44
Winner: RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
+5 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,490 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota bZ still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Toyota bZ
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
More cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota bZ
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota bZ
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
Toyota bZ
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$749
$44,961 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$749/mo
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$725
$43,471 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$725/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid comes out about $1,490 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.