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2016 Toyota RAV4

OEM Exterior Primary
Interior Profile
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Rear Interior Volume
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 LE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,350
2016 LE 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $25,750
2016 XLE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $26,270
2016 XLE 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $27,670
2016 SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $29,265
2016 SE 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $30,665
2016 Limited 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $31,510
2016 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $32,910

Overview

A longtime staple of the compact crossover class, the RAV4 continues to rack up sales with its sheer practicality and sterling reliability record. Like other successful Toyota models, the RAV4 delivers exactly what the majority of buyers want in its segment.

What's New for 2016

All models receive updated front-end styling this year. A new Safety Sense package offers a host of high-tech safety features. The sporty SE trim level debuts.

Toyota RAV4

Choosing Your Toyota RAV4

RAV4 once again shines on the inside with legitimate room for five passengers and 38.4 cubic feet of cargo. With the rear seat folded, you're looking at 73.3 cubic feet of virtually flat load space, a figure that's unsurpassed in this class.

All models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 176 horsepower, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. As expected, the RAV4 is a front-driver with all-wheel drive optional. You can expect about 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, or 25 mpg with all-wheel drive. (The new hybrid model is reviewed separately.)

The RAV4 now comes in four trim levels:

Toyota RAV4

LE

Comes well equipped for family life with a rearview camera, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a split-folding and reclining rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a six-speaker sound system with Toyota's Entune touchscreen interface. The LE rolls in 17-inch steel wheels. The available Entune Audio Plus package adds a smartphone navigation app, traffic and weather data, and satellite and HD radio.

Toyota RAV4

XLE

Gets the LE's audio upgrades as standard, plus a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, foglamps, heated mirrors, and a height-adjustable tailgate. You also get more supportive seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XLE is eligible for the Entune Premium Audio package, which adds an integrated navigation system, a full suite of smartphone apps, and a larger touchscreen. Those upgrades are included when you step up to the Convenience package, which also gets you keyless ignition and access, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and the sophisticated new Safety Sense package. Safety Sense features include forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high-beam control.

Toyota RAV4

SE

Builds on the XLE with a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat with memory, and exterior LED lighting and styling tweaks. Safety Sense remains optional as part of the Advanced Technology package, which also includes a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control. An 11-speaker JBL sound system is a standalone option.

Toyota RAV4

Limited

Comes standard with all of the SE's options (except the JBL system), plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror and chrome wheels and exterior trim.

CarsDirect Tip

All-wheel drive adds only $1,400 to the price of any RAV4, so it's a smart choice even if you don't live in the snowbelt. The most compelling reason for upgrading to the SE or Limited is the sportier suspension, which makes the RAV4 much more satisfying to drive in our view. We should point out that genuine leather upholstery isn't available at any price, which could be a deal killer for some.

Get your price on a Toyota RAV4 »

Read our review on the Toyota RAV4 »

Toyota RAV4
author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 receives an update for the new model year featuring a restyled front fascia with LED headlights, transformed interior styling elements, active safety features added to the list of options, a new SE trim with reworked suspension for better handling, and the RAV4 Hybrid trim.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 now has a total of six different trim levels when the Hybrid trims are grouped into the mix. Starting with the base LE trim, the Toyota RAV4 starts at a price of $24,350. Moving to the XLE pricing starts at $26,270. The XLE Hybrid trim is slotted as the next level starting at $28,370. The SE trim starts at $29,265, Limited at $31,510, and the Limited Hybrid starts at $33,610. Each trim has the availability of an all-wheel-drive system.

Through smart equipment packaging, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 trim levels have a limited amount of available options. Though, opting for our favorite trim, the Toyota RAV4 Limited, there are several desirable creature comforts and amenities that come standard, such as: 8-way power driver’s seat with memory settings; dual-zone automatic climate control; power rear liftgate with height adjustment and jam protection; 18-inch alloy wheels; moonroof; navigation; an array of safety assists; and push-button start.

Many of the bundled features that come as standard equipment on the top Limited trim may be added as options or option packages on lower trims, such as the XLE and XLE Hybrid.

Performance Pros

Toyota RAV4

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 carries over its only engine (except for hybrid trims): a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels, or all four through an optional all-wheel drive system.

  • Respectable and consistent fuel economy in the front-wheel-drive RAV4 getting 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
  • Availability of an all-wheel drive system on all trim levels, which permits light off-roading duties.
  • Decent handling traits in the SE trim with its exclusive sport-tuned suspension.

Performance Cons

  • Uninspiring acceleration and pulling power with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds.
  • Transmission hunts for gears when going up steep grades.
  • Somewhat jumpy ride quality with 18-inch wheels on SE and Limited trims.

Interior Pros

  • Modern and mostly refined look to dashboard through clever use of plastics.
  • Entune 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is straightforward and user-friendly for most operations.
  • Spacious cargo capacity for its class.

Interior Cons

  • No availability of leather upholstery.
  • Audio and climate control knobs feel flimsy.
  • Scarce amount of storage compartments.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Toyota RAV4

The generous cargo capacity combined with a power rear liftgate and a low, flat loading floor when the rear seats are folded make the Toyota RAV4 exceptionally versatile and convenient when it comes to hauling items, big and small.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The overall performance of the Toyota RAV4 falls short of much of its competition with uninspiring handling traits, sluggish acceleration, and only average fuel economy results.

The Bottom Line

Toyota RAV4

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 excels at offering a versatile compact crossover package that shines brightly for its likely reliability, large cargo capacity, and reasonable base pricing with the availability of several amenities and active safety features.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 176 HP / 172 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
23 / 30 / 26 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 176 HP / 172 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
23 / 30 / 26 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
15.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$61
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
73.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
102 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
181.1 "
Exterior Width
72.6 "
Exterior Height
65.5 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
38.9 "
Front Legroom
42.6 "
Rear Legroom
37.2 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,455 Lbs.
Wheel Base
105 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Steel / 18.0 " Silver Bbs Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Stripe
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Body-colored W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth / Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan / Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 25,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
24 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Toyota RAV4 for Sale

6 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Toyota
LE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
Color: White
Price

$14,999

Mileage

110,741 mi

Map location icon

Royal Auto Dealer (38 mi)

Phone: (626) 262-9494
Toyota
Limited
Price

$16,499

Mileage

114,412 mi

Map location icon

Royal Auto Dealer (38 mi)

Phone: (626) 262-9494
Toyota
LE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
Price

$17,995

Mileage

84,821 mi

Map location icon

Ford of Upland (45 mi)

Toyota
XLE
Color: White
Price

$18,095

Mileage

95,431 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Torrance (6 mi)

Phone: (310) 793-1666
See All Used Car Listings

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