Head-to-head · vehicle level

Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota RAV4

Toyota Grand Highlander 82Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota RAV4 about $12,725 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $12,725 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Toyota Grand Highlander counters with more power (265 vs 219 hp) and seating for 8.

Go with the Toyota RAV4 for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Grand Highlander if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.

Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates

Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota RAV4

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
MetricToyota Grand HighlanderToyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score8277
Cost of Ownership8491
Powertrain6774
Driver Assistance4343
Livability5149
Safety9572
5-Year Cost to Own$50,516$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)$13,143$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$14,034$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)$11,935$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,000$1,340
Tires (5-yr)$1,900$1,750
Financing (5-yr)$6,358$4,800
Registration (5-yr)$1,145$935
Starting Price$42,260$31,900
Horsepower265 hp219 hp
MPG (combined)24 mpg43 mpg
Cargo volume20.6 cu ft37.6 cu ft
Seating85
Towing capacity1,750 lbs
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Gas
2026$42,260
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$31,900
2026 Toyota RAV4 hybrid SUV in silver front three-quarter view
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 Grand Highlander scores higher overall.

Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Highlander
84
RAV4
91
Winner: RAV4
$12,725 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Highlander
67
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+7 pts
Good fuel economy
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Highlander
43
RAV4
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Highlander
51
RAV4
49
Winner: Grand Highlander
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Grand Highlander
95
RAV4
72
Winner: Grand Highlander
+23 pts
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $12,725 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Toyota Grand Highlander 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
Toyota Grand Highlander
Much stronger safety with more seats
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
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%
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/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 $12,725 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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