Toyota RAV4 vs. Tesla Model Y
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota RAV4 and the Tesla Model Y.
When we compare the Toyota RAV4's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Toyota RAV4's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the Tesla Model Y.
Pricing: A used 2025 Toyota RAV4 ranges from $29,901 to $41,971 while a used 2026 Tesla Model Y is priced between $42,990 to $57,950.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota RAV4 loses 30.3 percent of its value and the Tesla Model Y loses 60.8 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 retains 30.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota RAV4’s base engine makes 203 horsepower, and the Tesla Model Y base engine makes 295 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota RAV4 and the Tesla Model Y have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31697 - 42082
Starting MSRP:
29550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
44990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
54633
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
44990 - 64380
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35046
Price Range:
29901 - 41971
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49191
Price Range:
42990 - 57950
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191 - 49191
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9099
Depreciation %:
0.30791758
Resale Value $:
20451
Residual Value %:
0.69208242
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27705
Depreciation %:
0.6158051
Resale Value $:
17285
Residual Value %:
0.3841949
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.61589711
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.6158051 - 0.69977334
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.312
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6101922460091163
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 56Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 65Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 65Ranking
13 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 40Ranking
15 out of / 65Ranking
17 out of / 44Ranking
20 out of / 65Ranking
21 out of / 44Ranking
27 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 65Ranking
30 out of / 59Ranking
33 out of / 65Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Pros and Cons
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
LE, Limited, XLE, XLE Premium
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Launch Series, Long Range, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
357 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
81 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.2 inches
Cargo Space:
33.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4184 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
63.9 inches
Length:
188.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
White
Black and White
