Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $12,065 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
| Metric | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 83 | 78 |
| Cost of Ownership | 85 | 92 |
| Powertrain | 67 | 74 |
| Driver Assistance | 43 | 43 |
| Livability | 51 | 49 |
| Safety | 95 | 72 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $49,831 | $37,766 |
| 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) | $1,315 | $1,315 |
| 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 |
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.
Which vehicle is right for you
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $12,065 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Grand Highlander still wins if your priority is best for families.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Toyota Grand Highlander ranks #1 of 3 in Best 3-Row SUV and #1 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Own.
- 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 Indianawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Marylandwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Wisconsinwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Coloradowhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Minnesotawhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

