Honda CR-V 75·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $1,792 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,792 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
Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
75
77
Cost of Ownership
90
91
Powertrain
59
74
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
56
49
Safety
72
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,583
$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,431
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,650
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,960
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,652
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$915
$935
Starting Price
$30,920
$31,900
Horsepower
190 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
39.3 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 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 →
Toyota RAV4 scores higher overall.
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CR-V
90
RAV4
91
Winner: RAV4
$1,792 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CR-V
59
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+15 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CR-V
43
RAV4
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CR-V
56
RAV4
49
Winner: CR-V
+7 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,792 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Honda CR-V 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
Honda CR-V
Marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Honda CR-V
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%
Honda CR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$660
$39,583 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/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 $1,792 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.
