With rising gas prices and the growing popularity of electric vehicles, many drivers are wondering if switching to a Tesla makes financial sense compared to sticking with a reliable gas-powered SUV like the Subaru Forester.
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The monthly fuel costs reveal a clear winner.
Tesla Monthly Charging Costs
Based on available data, Tesla owners can expect varying monthly charging costs depending on their driving habits and local electricity rates. Using the average charging cost of 4.56 cents per mile and typical monthly driving of 1,100 miles, this calculates to approximately $50 per month for home charging. For comparison, charging exclusively at home could increase your electric bill by $50-$100 monthly, according to GOBankingRates.
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Subaru Forester Monthly Gas Costs
The 2025 Subaru Forester achieves 29 MPG combined (26 city in the city, 33 on highway), according to Edmunds. Using current national gas prices of approximately $3.20 per gallon and typical monthly driving of 1,100 miles, this calculates to about $122 per month in fuel costs for Forester owners.
The Cost Comparison
Based on these calculations, Tesla owners spend roughly $50 monthly on electricity, while Forester drivers pay about $122 for gas. This represents potential monthly savings of approximately $72 when choosing Tesla over the Subaru Forester.
Over a year, Tesla drivers could save around $864 compared to Forester owners, assuming consistent home charging for Tesla and regular gas prices for the Forester.
Additional Considerations
However, the comparison isn’t purely about fuel costs. Charging at Tesla Supercharger stations costs about 25 cents per kWh, meaning a full recharge to 250 miles would cost about $22, which is more expensive than home charging but still competitive with gas prices.
Tesla’s lower operating costs extend beyond fuel savings, including reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional gas engines. Meanwhile, the Forester offers advantages like lower upfront costs, established service networks, and no range anxiety.
For budget-conscious drivers prioritizing monthly fuel expenses, Tesla provides significant savings over the Subaru Forester based on these calculations, making electric vehicle ownership increasingly attractive from a purely operational cost perspective.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Gas for a Subaru Forester
