Ford Explorer vs Toyota RAV4
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Toyota RAV4 is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota RAV4: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Toyota RAV4
by $12,820 — Ford Explorer: $51,082 · Toyota RAV4: $38,262
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Lower depreciation
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Ford Explorer | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $25,532 | $16,272 |
| Fuel | $8,500 | $6,800 |
| Insurance | $11,550 | $10,290 |
| Maintenance | $5,500 | $4,900 |
| 5-year total | $51,082 | $38,262 |
| Cost per mile | $0.85 | $0.64 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Ford Explorer | Toyota RAV4 | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $48,248 | $35,995 | RAV4 |
| 12,000 mi· now | $51,082 | $38,262 | RAV4 |
| 15,000 mi | $53,207 | $39,962 | RAV4 |
| 20,000 mi | $56,748 | $42,795 | RAV4 |
| 30,000 mi | $63,832 | $48,462 | RAV4 |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Ford Explorer or the Toyota RAV4 cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Explorer depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Explorer: 1.10×, RAV4: 0.98×).
Does the price gap between the Explorer and RAV4 matter long term?＋
The Explorer costs about $10k more upfront, and since depreciation is a percentage of price, the costlier car usually loses more dollars too. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.