Toyota Grand Highlander 82·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota 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.
Metric
Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
82
77
Cost of Ownership
84
91
Powertrain
67
74
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
51
49
Safety
95
72
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
Horsepower
265 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
20.6 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
8
5
Towing capacity
—
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 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 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.
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.