SUV comparison

Tesla Model Y vs Toyota 4Runner

Which costs less to own over 5 years? Compare purchase price, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation — then customize with your own numbers.

Tesla Model Y vs Toyota 4Runner: Quick Verdict

Based on average driving (12,000 miles/year), the Tesla Model Y saves approximately $2,740 over 5 years compared to the Toyota 4Runner. Lower charging costs and reduced maintenance offset the EV's higher purchase price.

Tesla Model Y

$44,990

purchase price

Toyota 4Runner

$42,805

purchase price

EV saves

$2,740

over 5 years

Customize your mileage, gas price, and electricity rate below to get a personalized comparison.

Your Numbers

Adjust the inputs to match your situation. Results update instantly.

Average American drives ~13,500 miles/year

Charge at home overnight — cheapest option

⚠️ It depends — the difference is smallmedium confidence

Too Close to Call

EV saves you

$2,740

over 5 years

EV saves per month

$169

fuel + maintenance

Operating cost payback

3.5 years

within ownership

Best case (Home charging): EV saves $2,740
Worst case (Public charging only): EV costs $1,634

The difference between the Tesla Model Y and Toyota 4Runner is small — only $2,740 over 5 years.

These vehicles are in different classes. The comparison is still valid but keep the size/class difference in mind.

EV saves you

$2,740

over 5 years (all-in)

EV saves per month

$169

fuel + maintenance

Operating cost payback

3.5 years

achievable within ownership

Vehicles compared

Model Y · 4Runner · RAV4 Hybrid

EV · Gas · Hybrid

Full Cost Breakdown

Tesla Model Y

Electric

Purchase Price$44,990
Monthly Fuel$35
Annual Fuel$421
Total Fuel$2,106
Total Maintenance$3,000
Total Insurance$10,500
Resale Value$24,745
Total Cost of Ownership$35,852

Toyota 4Runner

Gas

Purchase Price$42,805
Monthly Fuel$167
Annual Fuel$2,000
Total Fuel$10,000
Total Maintenance$5,750
Total Insurance$10,000
Resale Value$29,963
Total Cost of Ownership$38,592

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Hybrid

Best
Purchase Price$35,385
Monthly Fuel$88
Annual Fuel$1,050
Total Fuel$5,250
Total Maintenance$5,000
Total Insurance$9,250
Resale Value$24,062
Total Cost of Ownership$30,823

Cost Over 5 Years

Year 1RAV4 Hybrid leads
Model Y
$8,191
4Runner
$8,097
RAV4 Hybrid
$6,527
Year 2RAV4 Hybrid leads
Model Y
$15,811
4Runner
$15,991
RAV4 Hybrid
$12,858
Year 3RAV4 Hybrid leads
Model Y
$22,924
4Runner
$23,697
RAV4 Hybrid
$19,010
Year 4RAV4 Hybrid leads
Model Y
$29,588
4Runner
$31,226
RAV4 Hybrid
$24,994
Year 5RAV4 Hybrid leads
Model Y
$35,852
4Runner
$38,592
RAV4 Hybrid
$30,823
Tesla Model Y (EV)Toyota 4Runner (GAS)Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (HYBRID)

Why This Result

At your inputs, neither option has a decisive cost advantage. Small changes in gas prices, electricity rates, or driving habits could tip the balance either way. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid may offer a good compromise between cost and efficiency.

Fuel vs Charging

Charging the Model Y costs about $421/year vs $2000/year for gas in the 4Runner. That's $1579/year in fuel savings alone.

Maintenance

EVs have fewer moving parts — no oil changes, less brake wear, no transmission fluid. The Model Y saves roughly $2750 in maintenance over the ownership period.

Depreciation & Resale

The 4Runner holds 70% of its value vs 55% for the Model Y. Purchase price and resale value are often the largest factors in total cost of ownership.

Insurance

EV insurance tends to run higher due to specialized repair costs. We've included $2,100/year for the Model Y vs $2,000/year for the 4Runner in the total comparison.

Share Your Result

Let others see how the numbers compare.

EV vs Gas is a close call for me — only $2,740 difference over 5 years. Check yours → isevworthit.com

About the Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric suv with an efficiency of 0.27 kWh per mile. Priced at $44,990, it costs around $600/year to maintain and $2,100/year to insure. It's widely regarded as the Most Popular EV option in its class.

About the Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a gas-powered suv achieving 21 MPG. Priced at $42,805, it costs around $1,150/year to maintain and $2,000/year to insure. Note that these vehicles are in different classes — keep size and use-case differences in mind.

How We Calculate Total Cost

Total cost of ownership includes purchase price, fuel or charging costs over your ownership period, annual maintenance, annual insurance, minus estimated resale value based on depreciation. This gives you the true all-in cost of each vehicle — not just the sticker price.

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