Is it worth paying more for better mpg?
Payback years of a higher price for better mpg.
Fuel savings cover, 6 years
$1,772
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD saves $295 a year on fuel.
- It costs $1,650 more to buy.
- Break-even gas price: $2.98.
- Net after 6 years: $122 ahead. A resale gap of $122 cancels it.
12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20. Electricity 17 cents a kWh. 6 years. Plug-in hybrids: 50% of miles on electricity.
| Car | Price | Rating | Fuel a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD | $32,595 | 30 mpg | $1,280 |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD | $34,245 | 39 mpg | $985 |
| End of | Fuel saved | Net of the price gap |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $295 | -$1,355 |
| Year 2 | $591 | -$1,059 |
| Year 3 | $886 | -$764 |
| Year 4 | $1,182 | -$468 |
| Year 5 | $1,477 | -$173 |
| Year 6 | $1,772 | $122 |
What this cannot tell you
Your own mpg will differ.
Price is MSRP plus destination. Dealer prices differ.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
Price and payments: more tools
- What is the monthly payment?Payment by trim, rate and term.
- How much car can I afford?Car price from your income and budget.
- 0% financing or the cash rebate?Which deal costs less over the loan.
- What does rolling negative equity cost?Cost of rolling an old loan into a new one.
- How much value does a car lose?Used values and resale by year.
- What changed each year?Price, power and mpg for each model year.
- Should I repair or replace my car?Repair bill vs the cost of a newer car.