Toyota RAV4 77·Volkswagen Tiguan 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $9,653 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,653 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota RAV4 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Toyota RAV4 vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota RAV4 versus 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Metric
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score
77
73
Cost of Ownership
91
75
Powertrain
74
52
Driver Assistance
43
49
Livability
49
42
Safety
72
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$37,791
$47,443
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,251
$15,248
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$8,980
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,735
$9,840
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,340
$3,500
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,700
Financing (5-yr)
$4,800
$4,635
Registration (5-yr)
$935
$910
Starting Price
$31,900
$30,805
Horsepower
219 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
43 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
37.6 cu ft
26.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,750 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Hybrid
2026$31,900
MSRP
$31,900
Mo · 5yr
$630
$37,791 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$30,805
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$791
$47,443 / 5 years
Best for families
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.
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
Volkswagen Tiguan
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
RAV4
91
Tiguan
75
Winner: RAV4
$9,653 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
RAV4
74
Tiguan
52
Winner: RAV4
+22 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
RAV4
43
Tiguan
49
Winner: Tiguan
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
RAV4
49
Tiguan
42
Winner: RAV4
+7 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,653 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Volkswagen Tiguan 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
Volkswagen Tiguan
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
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 RAV4
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$630
$37,791 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$630/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$791
$47,443 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$791/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota RAV4 recoups its $1,095 price premium in 1.1 years ($958/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $9,653 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.
