Does the calculator really open with Model 3 and RAV4 selected?

Yes. Open prefilled calculator applies this EV, the RAV4 Hybrid GX, and the default region from the link. Change inputs if needed, or use View 5-year result now for an immediate result at 12,000 km/year.

Why Model 3 RWD specifically?

It matches a common variant in my Australia reference vehicle list. Choose another EV in the calculator if yours differs.

Is this the petrol or hybrid RAV4?

The hybrid. Toyota Australia now sells the RAV4 as a hybrid only — the petrol GX was discontinued — so this comparison uses the RAV4 Hybrid GX at 4.8 L/100 km combined. That makes the ICE side a tougher running-cost rival for the EV than the old petrol RAV4 was.

Does the tool include incentives or rebates?

Only what you model via purchase price or on-road extras. Policy incentives change by jurisdiction and time — verify independently.

Can I prefill this comparison?

Yes — Open prefilled calculator loads the home page with these models and region already selected. View 5-year result now opens the same pair on the result page at default annual km.

Is SUV vs sedan comparison ‘fair’?

It is a cost comparison only. If practicality differs, use the numbers as one input alongside your non-financial requirements.

Where are formulas documented?

See the Methodology page for the TCO equation and limitations.

Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX — 5-Year Cost Comparison (Australia)

Tesla Model 3 (RWD) versus Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX compares a mid-size EV sedan with a high-volume hybrid SUV. Toyota Australia now sells the RAV4 as a hybrid only, so the efficient petrol-electric RAV4 is the realistic ICE-side cross-shop — and at 4.8 L/100 km it is a much tougher running-cost rival than an old petrol SUV. Body style and use cases differ, but many buyers still ask which option costs less over five years under transparent assumptions. At default settings (12,000 km/year, NSW) the lower-priced, frugal hybrid actually lands cheaper on five-year cash cost; the EV needs higher annual km or cheaper charging to close the gap. Use Open prefilled calculator to land on the home page with both vehicles selected — you should see a Preloaded banner naming Model 3, RAV4 Hybrid, and the region before you press Compare TCO.

Useful if you are cross-shopping brands on budget and running cost — not if you need an objective ‘which car fits my lifestyle’ score (cargo, towing, and seating are outside this TCO model).

At a glance

Tesla Model 3 RWD

MSRP: $54,900
Efficiency: 14.4 kWh/100 km
Class: Sedan

Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX

MSRP: $45,990
Efficiency: 4.8 L/100 km
Class: SUV

Purchase price gap: $8,910 higher for EV

3 RWD

$54,900

Hybrid GX

$45,990

MSRP only — run the calculator to see the full TCO picture including energy, insurance, and resale.

Quick trade-off summary

No fixed winner here — outcomes depend on your km, tariffs, and any assumptions you change. Typical tensions:

The SUV often carries different efficiency and price points than the sedan; the calculator reflects each model’s MSRP and L/100 km or kWh/100 km from data.
EV energy cost advantage grows with km when electricity stays reasonable; low km can favour whichever side has the lower total purchase and depreciation story in your inputs.
Class mismatch means you should interpret results as a cost thought experiment — pair vehicles you would realistically choose between.

Who this comparison is for

Commuter: Moderate km; cares about weekly running cost and simplicity of home charging if available.
Family buyer: May lean SUV for practicality; use TCO to see if cash cost over five years matches intuition.
Urban driver: Shorter trips; watch whether purchase price gap swamps fuel savings.
High-km driver: Energy lines dominate; test sensitivity to petrol price and EV charging mix.
Mixed driving: Highway vs city affects real efficiency; overrides help approximate your mix.

Key assumptions behind the comparison

Same five-year horizon and regional energy defaults as other CarCostIQ comparisons.
RAV4 Hybrid GX and Model 3 RWD MSRPs come from my vehicle reference list — update when you have drive-away quotes.
Loan interest, if enabled in future product versions, would need to be applied consistently on both sides.
Residual remains a user-visible lever; SUVs and EVs can depreciate on different curves in the real market.

When the EV is more likely to come out ahead

High annual km and efficient kWh/100 km for the Model 3 side relative to your electricity pricing.
Petrol prices at the high end of what you expect over the ownership window.
Residual assumptions that do not erase the EV’s running-cost edge you see in the breakdown.

When the petrol / hybrid side may still win on cash cost

Low annual km so fuel spend is a small slice of five-year cash cost.
The RAV4 Hybrid's lower purchase price and frugal 4.8 L/100 km keep its five-year cash cost low — at default km it is the cheaper option, and the EV only pulls ahead at higher annual distance or cheaper charging.
If you model a lot of public DC charging, effective EV c/kWh rises and narrows or reverses energy savings.

Cost drivers to watch

Annual km.
Electricity tariff, charging mix, and optional home discount fields.
Petrol c/L for the SUV.
MSRP plus any on-road extras you add.
Residual rates for both vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

Does the calculator really open with Model 3 and RAV4 selected?: Yes. Open prefilled calculator applies this EV, the RAV4 Hybrid GX, and the default region from the link. Change inputs if needed, or use View 5-year result now for an immediate result at 12,000 km/year.
Why Model 3 RWD specifically?: It matches a common variant in my Australia reference vehicle list. Choose another EV in the calculator if yours differs.
Is this the petrol or hybrid RAV4?: The hybrid. Toyota Australia now sells the RAV4 as a hybrid only — the petrol GX was discontinued — so this comparison uses the RAV4 Hybrid GX at 4.8 L/100 km combined. That makes the ICE side a tougher running-cost rival for the EV than the old petrol RAV4 was.
Does the tool include incentives or rebates?: Only what you model via purchase price or on-road extras. Policy incentives change by jurisdiction and time — verify independently.
Can I prefill this comparison?: Yes — Open prefilled calculator loads the home page with these models and region already selected. View 5-year result now opens the same pair on the result page at default annual km.
Is SUV vs sedan comparison ‘fair’?: It is a cost comparison only. If practicality differs, use the numbers as one input alongside your non-financial requirements.
Where are formulas documented?: See the Methodology page for the TCO equation and limitations.

Run this comparison live

The link loads both vehicles and NSW on the home calculator. A short banner appears above the form so you can confirm the right models are there before changing km, tariffs, or charging mix. The same setup carries through to the result page and any share link you copy.

What you should see next

1. A banner above the calculator confirming the selected pair and region.
2. The same vehicles carried into the result page before you copy or share the link.

Open prefilled calculator View 5-year result now Read methodology

Based on current reference pricing and published methodology. Data last reviewed: 2026-05-27. Estimates only — not financial advice.