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You can expect to pay at least $2,500 more for a 2018 Toyota RAV4 than you would for a 2016 model—but there aren’t many differences that make it worth the extra cash.
As one of the first-ever crossover models on the market, the Toyota RAV4 has upheld its reputation as one of the best for almost three decades. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid or the safest SUV money can buy, there’s a RAV4 model that can satisfy.
But with so many model options to choose from, how can you pick just one?
Lucky for you, we’re here to help you compare the best RAV4s—starting with the 2018 and 2016 models. We’ll cover price differences, fuel economy, safety features, and everything in between so you can find the model that fits your needs.
2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2016 Toyota RAV4: what’s the difference?
The RAV4 is Toyota’s most popular SUV and the fourth generation (2013–2018) boasted some of the most reliable models of the RAV4’s decades-long lifetime. Smaller than the spacious
Highlander
but bigger than the cheeky C-HR
, the RAV4 is the sweet spot for most Toyota SUV drivers. It doesn’t beat out its competition in every category, but it does give top rivals like the Honda CR-V
and Mazda CX-5
a run for their money. Once you’ve decided on the RAV4, though, it’s time to decide what model year to go for. If you’re considering the 2016 RAV4 and the 2018 RAV4, you’ll want to consider the differences. (Spoiler alert: there aren’t many.)
Let’s take a deeper dive into these two models, shall we?
Pricing
Since both models are several years old by now, you should be able to get a pretty good deal for them on the used car market. Obviously, the newer model is going to be slightly more expensive since those models will have fewer miles. In general, you can expect to pay at least $2,500 more for the 2018 trims than for a 2016 model.
The 2016 RAV4 starts at around $18,000 and tops out at just $22,550. On the other hand, the 2018 RAV4 LE starts with an estimated fair purchase price of $20,700. Moving up through the trims increases the price anywhere from $650 to $4,500 and reaches up to $31,000 for a RAV4 Platinum.
Check out the prices side by side in the table below.
Model | 2018 Fair Purchase Price | 2016 Fair Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|
$20,700 | $18,000 | |
2018 Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid | $25,000 | N/A |
$22,500 | $19,000 | |
Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid | $25,600 | $20,600 |
$25,000 | N/A | |
$25,650 | $21,000 | |
2018 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid | $27,000 | N/A |
$26,500 | $21,000 | |
Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid | $30,400 | $22,550 |
2018 Toyota RAV4 Platinum | $31,000 | N/A |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversGeneral specs
Since these models belong to the same generation, don’t expect much variation in terms of…well, anything. Both RAV4s come with a standard 176-hp four-cylinder engine and the option for a hybrid powertrain—with a slight difference.
For the 2016 RAV4, the hybrid powertrain was only available on the XLE and Limited trims. The 2018 RAV4, on the other hand, made the hybrid powertrain available on the entry-level LE trim as well as the middle-grade SE trim.
Other than that, everything else is identical between the two—same transmission and same drivetrain options. That said, neither model is suited for any major off-roading treks. However, if you’re itching for some lightweight off-roading, the 2018 Adventure trim may be your best bet.
Compare the gear between the two models in the table below.
2018 Toyota RAV4 | 2016 Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (176 horsepower) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (176 horsepower) |
Hybrid engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder w/three electric motors (194 horsepower) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder w/three electric motors (194 horsepower) |
Transmission | Six-speed automatic (standard) or CVT (hybrid) | Six-speed automatic (standard) or CVT (hybrid) |
Drivetrain | Front- or all-wheel drive (AWD standard with hybrid engine) | Front- or all-wheel drive (AWD standard with hybrid engine) |
Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
Fuel economy
It’s no surprise—the 2016 and 2018 RAV4 also have identical EPA-rated fuel economies. Of course, the efficiency you’ll get depends on your driving habits, but here’s what you can expect from each RAV4 powertrain:
- Base engine w/ FWD: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
- Base engine w/ AWD: 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
- Hybrid powertrain: 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined
Naturally, the RAV4 hybrid powertrain earns the best gas mileage—but the difference between that and gas-powered engines isn’t as big as you’d expect. Depending on your driving frequency, those miles could add up at the pump.
MORE: How to save money on gas
Safety ratings
The 2018 and 2016 RAV4 models differ by a tinge when it comes to safety ratings. While they both earned a perfect five-star
NHTSA safety rating
, they both also have two recalls on their record. In addition, the two models earned Good scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and were designated as a Top Safety Pick (2018) and Top Safety Pick+ (2016).These excellent safety ratings can thank the RAV4’s suite of active safety features for that. As a newer model, the 2018 comes with more standard driver assistance features than the 2016 model…which isn’t hard to do since the 2016 model only comes with one standard active safety feature.
Here are the safety features you can expect from each model:
Feature | 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 2016 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
Rearview camera | Standard | Standard |
Forward collision warning | Standard | Available |
Adaptive cruise control | Standard | Available |
Lane departure warning | Standard | Available |
Lane keep assist | Standard | Available |
Pedestrian detection | Standard | Available |
Rear cross traffic alert | Available | Available |
Blindspot monitoring | Available | Available |
Front/rear parking sensors | Available | Available |
360-degree parking camera | Available | Available |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversThe 2018 RAV4 beats the 2016 model by a landslide when it comes to standard safety features, but it’s by no means perfect.
MORE: Toyota RAV4 Adventure towing capacity
Styling and interior changes
The two models may have diverged when it comes to safety features, but they come back together in the interior and tech departments. So together, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two models if you were sitting inside!
Both the 2016 and 2018 RAV4 models come standard with cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, a USB port, six speakers, a CD player, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. Even their available tech and convenience features are the same.
Here are the optional features they offer:
- Heated front seats
- Synthetic leather seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Heated steering wheel
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Satellite radio
- Siri Eyes Free
- 11-speaker JBL stereo
- The Entune app suite
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Push-button start
- Power liftgate
- Moonroof
Adventure edition
One thing the 2016 model lacks is the rugged Adventure trim.
The 2018 RAV4 Adventure brings a more outdoorsy style to the table, increasing the RAV4’s standard 6.1 inches of ground clearance up to 6.5 inches. When you add a Tow Prep package, the 1,500-lb towing capacity is brought up to 3,500 lbs. The Adventure trim also includes an upgraded radiator and engine-oil/transmission-fluid coolers.
Even with this trim, however, we don’t recommend taking these RAV4 models for any serious off-road joy rides no matter what trim you have.
MORE: 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. 2019 RAV4 Hybrid: Which is better?
2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2016 Toyota RAV4: which should you buy?
To review, the 2018 and 2016 RAV4s differ in only a few small areas: standard active safety features and available hybrid trims. Other than that, the two models are essentially the same vehicle.
Considering all of their similarities, we think it’s safe to say that you won’t miss out on anything by opting for the older 2016 RAV4. Purchasing the most expensive 2016 model—a Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid—is still more affordable than nearly every 2018 option generally… and you’ll still get all the same perks.
MORE: How much does a Toyota tune-up cost?
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Reviewed by Christelle Agustin.
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