The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is reliable and safe. It’s also relatively costly, and light on performance. Is the compact SUV right for you?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
2018 Toyota RAV4: A Brief Overview
Since its release in North America for the 1996 model year, the Toyota RAV4 has been one of the three best-selling crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) in the U.S. It has remained Toyota’s best-selling SUV since 2006.
However, its crowning achievement was earned in 2017, when it became the best-selling SUV in the country. This is especially impressive when you consider that the RAV4 is actually somewhat of a trailblazer. It is the industry’s first-ever CUV, offering the cargo space and visibility of an SUV, with the handling and fuel economy of a compact car.
There have been five generations of the RAV4 since, with 2018 marking a pivotal year in the vehicle’s history: It got a bit more adventurous in its styling and power.
2018 RAV4’s New ‘Adventure’ Trim Added Rugged Styling
The 2018 RAV4 marked the release of a new Adventure trim, which added unique rugged styling, higher ride height, and other significant features inside and out.
In addition, the RAV4 Hybrid became available on the LE grade, offering the same EPA-estimated 34 miles per gallon in the city.
Even though the 2018 model year was the last of the fifth generation, shoppers still continued buying them like they were going out of style.
2018 RAV4’s Reliability Record Reflected in Minimal Recalls
Toyota is a brand that long has been regarded for its excellent reliability, and the RAV4 is no outlier. Owners of the 2018 RAV4 have had it pretty easy. Of the 427,168 vehicles sold, only 133 complaints were reported to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2018 RAV4 offers several configurations, making a perfect RAV4 for every buyer. Not only does it feature six different trims and AWD, but it also offers a hybrid option for those buyers who are environmentally conscious. The hybrid offers another huge benefit: It’s more powerful than the gas-only version.
Pros from Owners
I love the safety features, such as the backup camera, the beep when someone is coming while you are backing up, etc. I like the extensions on the sun visors. I like the colors available. I also like that it has enough ports to plug in everyone's devices.
Great mileage. Very comfortable seating. Easy to drive. We like the styling of it. Most of the features are very useful. The car has not needed any maintenance other than oil changes. Everything else is just fine. This is our 2nd Rav and we would definitely get another.
Good gas mileage, comfort ride, low maintenance, backup camera, lane warning, automatic slows down upon approaching another auto. I haven't found any bad things yet, I have owned it for a year and a half, goes through snow very well.
Comfortable ride, drives nice, good mileage. Looks nice, plenty of room, all the bells and whistles. Toyota takes care of oil changes. Vehicle is 4 cylinder and it has good acceleration. Nice looking paint job.
This vehicle handles really well. The turn radius, typical of Toyota, is sharper than other brands in the market. It is very quiet regardless of the road or weather conditions. The A/C cools the interior very quickly. Toyota has always made an excellent vehicle and although slightly higher in price than most cars out there it is well worth the price.
Heated seats, cameras all around the car, auto stop when I get too close to another vehicle, Bluetooth, speakers in the front and back of car, lots of trunk space, automatic, does not use up a lot of gas.
Overall the car is very comfortable. The seats are high quality and never get too hot or cold no matter the temperature outside. The air conditioning and heating unit turns on and begins to work quickly. The circulation to the back of the car is also sufficient. Even without designated snow tires, the car drives well in all situations.
The safety features are awesome. We love the alerts on backing up and also when you cross the centerline. Our gas mileage is good. This car practically drives itself. We cannot think of any cons. We really are enjoying this car.
Cons from Owners
I wish there were heat vents in the back seat. It gets cold back there in the winter, and hot in the summer. I wish there was more legroom in back, and more space in back in general. When you drop your phone, it goes right in the middle under the seat, so it is hard to reach. The seat belts are not comfortable.
It is difficult to park for some reason. Everyone who has a newer Rav says the same thing. Also the windshield is highly likely to be damaged by any flying pebble unlike previous cars. I believe the windshield material has been downgraded.
I haven't found any, tight squeeze in our garage. Shows dirt very easy. Tires are very expensive to replace. My color is very hard to match up when there is a scratch on it. I didn't realize how many Rav4 's were on the road.
Seem to be a few blind spots and do not like the car braking for me no beeping at me when it is leaving my lane. Does not have enough power to pull my boat and or/jet skis. I would like the visor on passenger side to have a light.
I cannot think of anything I do not like about this vehicle. My wife drives it most of the time and she has not mentioned anything that bothered her or she disliked. Mechanically and aesthetic I see no fault or shortcomings.
Seats are not too reclinable, does not automatically stop when I am too close to another car, the middle console is confusing, headlights are foggy, rear view mirror is not big enough, back window isn't big enough.
The miles per gallon is slightly less than the average for models of cars this year. A major downside is that the air conditioning and heating units cannot be changed between the driver and passenger side. The steering wheel, although high quality, does not feel as nice as other models.
As I told you before there are no cons. To meet the text criteria which is ridiculous I guess I can say we wish we had bought a platinum so when you place your foot under the tailgate it automatically opens and closes. In reality we are very happy with our limited. Oh we do wish we had a CD or cassette player.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Trims
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a robust selection of trims that include six for the gas models and four for the hybrid vehicles. Note that all RAV4s are powered by the same 2.5L I4 engine, except the hybrid adds an electric motor to the mix, as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
2018 Toyota RAV4 LE/LE Hybrid
With an original price of $24,660, the base-level LE trim is affordable for any buyer. Ironically, LE stands for Luxury Edition, and this trim has limited standard equipment, including:
- Automatic headlights, power mirrors, locks, and windows, 17-inch steel wheels, backup camera, cloth seating, TSS-P, automatic limited-slip differential, noise-reducing front windshield, and 6.1-inch infotainment system
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid had a starting price of $27,385, and added some extra features to the gas-only base LE:
- 17-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, EV mode, and dual-zone automatic climate control
2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE/XLE Hybrid
With a starting price of $25,750, the Executive Luxury Edition (XLE) trim added a leather-trimmed steering wheel, alloy wheels, and more:
- 17-inch alloy wheels, power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and leather-trimmed steering wheel
The hybrid version of the XLE trim started at $29,280. It brought with it similar features to the XLE gas-only version. Plus, it added:
- Push-button start, roof rails, dynamic backup camera, and navigation app
2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure
The Adventure trim started at $27,950. Although it was branded the “Adventure” trim, it was not very adventurous, and most of the upgrades were simply cosmetic. These included:
- Black stripe and accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, rocker panel guards, fender flares, heavy-duty floor mats, and doorsill protectors
2018 Toyota RAV4 SE/SE Hybrid
Toyota claims that SE stands for Sport Edition. Oddly enough, not only does the “Sport Edition” have the same performance specs as the other RAVs, but it’s also heavier than the LE, making it theoretically slower than the base model. However, the 2018 RAV4 SE does add some creature comforts for its starting price of $29,040:
- 18-inch sport alloy wheels, front heated seats, power driver seat, LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, backup camera with guidelines, navigation app, and paddle shifters.
The SE Hybrid started at $32,435, and added a few things to the gas-only SE, including:
- Power liftgate, blind-spot indicators, and rear cross-traffic alert
2018 Toyota RAV4 SE Limited
The Limited trim offers plenty of technology for its price of $31,155, such as:
- 18-inch premium alloy wheels, blind-spot indicators, rear cross-traffic alerts, chrome accents, premium audio system with navigation, memory front seats, push-button start, and power liftgate
Toyota decided to make the Limited the highest trim for the hybrid version; it had a starting price of $34,280. Similar to its other hybrid counterparts, it added a few features to the gas-only Limited trim:
- Front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and garage door opener
2018 Toyota RAV4 Platinum
The top-of-the-line Platinum trim started at $35,000, and is for buyers who do not compromise when it comes to creature comforts. Here are just a few of the extras:
- Foot-activated power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, bird’s eye view parking camera, heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, premium JBL audio system with navigation, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and garage door opener
2018 Toyota RAV4 Convenience and Tech Packages
In addition to the trims listed above, Toyota also offered several packages for certain trims:
- Advanced Technology Package (SE, Limited, SE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid): Front and rear parking sensors, bird’s eye view parking camera, and premium JBL audio system
- Hybrid Convenience Package (XLE Hybrid): Power liftgate, blind-spot indicators, rear cross-traffic alert, premium audio system with navigation, and front and rear parking sensors
- Extra Value “Plus” Package (XLE and Adventure): Smart key system, blind-spot indicators, rear cross-traffic alert, roof rails, dynamic backup camera, and navigation app
- Extra Value “Power” Package (SE): Smart key system, power liftgate, blind-spot indicators, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming, rearview mirror, and garage door opener
- Extra Value “Power Plus” Package (XLE and Adventure): Power liftgate, blind-spot indicators, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, navigation app, smart key system, and roof rails
- Extra Value “Power Premium” Package (XLE and Adventure): Power liftgate, blind-spot indicators, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, premium audio with navigation, smart key system, and roof rails
- Cold Area Package (Adventure): Heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wiper de-icer
2018 Toyota RAV4 Price Ranges
The RAV4 is reported to have the fourth-best resale value of all SUVs. In the first five years of ownership, the RAV4 is expected to lose 44.6% of its value.
The RAV4 is bested by Toyota’s very own 4Runner, as well as Jeep’s Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. This list shows the dealer fair market range, according to Kelley Blue Book, for each configuration of the RAV4:
- LE: $21,237 – $24,054
- LE AWD: $21,956 – $24,773
- XLE: $21,956 – $24,851
- XLE AWD: $22,675 – $25,570
- Adventure: $23,030 – $25,728
- Adventure AWD: $23,749 – $26,447
- SE: $23,586 – $26,657
- SE AWD: $24,305 – $27,376
- Limited: $25,791 – $29,090
- Limited AWD: $26,510 – $29,809
- Platinum: $26,978 – $30,401
- Platinum AWD: $27,697 – $31,120
- LE Hybrid: $24,004 – $27,023
- XLE Hybrid: $24,709 – $27,800
- SE Hybrid: $26,157 – $29,400
- Limited Hybrid: $27,715 – $31,118
2018 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain Options
As mentioned earlier, both hybrid and non-hybrid variants feature the same 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The main mechanical differences are that the hybrid adds an electric motor alongside the engine to assist, and uses a CVT instead of a six-speed automatic.
2AR-FE 2.5L I4 Engine
The 2AR-FE engine was first found in a RAV4 in 2008, and Toyota liked the engine enough to keep it in the RAV4 for 10 years. The 2.5L I4 engine came from the previous-generation RAV4, and stuck around as the standard engine for the 2018 model year.
It was the only engine offered in the entire 2018 lineup, and it put out 176 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque.
This RAV4 powertrain option comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
2AR-FXE 2.5L I4 Hybrid Engine
The 2AR-FXE engine is a variant of the 2AR-FE; the only difference is the FXE can be used in a hybrid. Interestingly, unlike the dual VVT FE engine, which has variable intake and exhaust valves, the FXE only has variable intake valves. This leads to an increase in efficiency at the cost of torque and power output.
However, the electric motor compensates for this lack of power to ensure the engine is still powerful enough for the road. The 2AR-FXE engine offers 194 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque.
The only transmission offered on the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid is a CVT. For transmissions with regular gears, the gas-only RAV4 offers a six-speed automatic.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency has always been a cornerstone of the RAV4, which offers similar fuel efficiency to a compact car.
That being said, the gas-only version of the RAV4 was not the most fuel-efficient vehicle. With a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg and a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, it has a range of 398 miles.
According to a 2018 report from U.S. News, it would have been beaten out by every vehicle in its class if it hadn’t edged out the Volkswagen Tiguan and tied with the Kia Sportage. The only two vehicles the RAV4 beat out in the SUV segment were the Jeep Wrangler and Tiguan.
For the highest fuel economy, look for the RAV4 Hybrid, which offers drivers a 474-mile range from a 14.8-gallon fuel tank. The RAV4 Hybrid was also the third most fuel-efficient vehicle of 2018, behind the Kia Niro and Nissan Rogue hybrids, offering a combined 32 mpg city/highway.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Performance
While the fuel economy of the RAV4 is certainly nothing to write home about, its performance is much better. In fact, the RAV4 was very competitive when it came to base model horsepower. The base model RAV4 and all other gas-only versions pack a 176 horsepower engine with 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The real star of the show is the hybrid version, which adds 18 horsepower for a total of 194 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque.
However, the RAV4 left something to be desired: a premium engine option. Most of its competitors offered several engine choices to allow the buyer to choose between fuel efficiency or performance.
For example, the 2018 Honda CR-V offers a more powerful base engine. The CR-V came equipped with a 2.4L I4 that produced 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Better yet, the CR-V doesn’t only beat the RAV4 when it comes to performance; it’s also more fuel efficient.
The CR-V also offers a 1.5L I4 turbo engine, which increased performance and fuel efficiency even further. Therefore, while the RAV4 doesn’t stand out from its competitors in terms of performance, it does sit right in the middle of the pack.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Dimensions and Capacities
The RAV4 certainly has grown over its 22 years. One of the roomiest models in its segment, RAV4 remains easy to maneuver and park. There’s ample room for five adults, including 39.8 inches of first-row headroom and 42.6 inches of legroom. There are 37.2 inches of rear legroom, and behind the rear seat, 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (35.6 cu. ft. for RAV4 Hybrid). With the 60/40 split rear seats folded, that space expands to 73.4 cu. ft. (70.6 cu. ft. for RAV4 Hybrid).
One note about the RAV4: Special attention was given to reducing cabin noise, including adding sound insulation materials in the rear cargo area, floor pan, and side and rear doors.
Here are a few other noteworthy dimensions and capacities:
Exterior
- Overall length: 181.1 inches
- Overall width: 72.6 inches
- Overall height: 65.9 (gas)/67.1 inches (hybrid)
Capacities/Weight
- Fuel tank: 15.9 (gas)/14.8 gallons (hybrid)
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,525 (gas)/4,960 lbs. (hybrid)
- Max towing capacity (various trims): 1,500-3,500 lbs.
- Ground clearance (various trims): 6.1-7.4 inches
2018 RAV4 Technology Features
The RAV4 comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which is a network of traction, cornering, and braking technologies designed to assist the driver, especially in challenging conditions and during emergency maneuvers. The Star Safety System includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology.
Additionally, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with TSS-P technology, which includes several features to avoid crashes. The TSS-P combines the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. The comprehensive features create in-the-moment safety designed to support a driver’s awareness and decision-making on the road.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings
As the RAV4 is a family-oriented car, it is predictably safe. It even earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick when equipped with LED headlights. The IIHS test is comprised of four key categories: crashworthiness, crash avoidance, child seat anchors, and other safety features. It received marks of “Good” for every crashworthiness test, except for the small overlap front on the passenger side.
For the other safety features category, the RAV4 received a higher score for its optional blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, and standard daytime running lights.
For crash avoidance and mitigation, TSS-P scored well, earning a mark of “Superior” for front crash protection.
The RAV4 was mediocre when it came to the headlights. All trims equipped with the halogen projector headlights received a mark of “Marginal” from the IIHS; the LED reflectors on select trims received a mark of “Acceptable.”
2018 Toyota RAV4 Exterior Color Options
The RAV4 comes in eight exterior color choices:
2018 Toyota RAV4 Interior Color Options
The 2018 RAV4 is available in several interior colors schemes, depending on the trim level:
LE/LE Hybrid
- Black Cloth
XLE/XLE Hybrid
- Black Cloth with Sport Bolsters
- Ash Cloth with Sport Bolsters
- Nutmeg Cloth with Sport Bolsters
Adventure
- Black Cloth with Sport Bolsters
- Ash Cloth with Sport Bolsters
SE/SE Hybrid
- SofTex Black with Cinnamon
- SofTex Black
Limited/Limited Hybrid
- SofTex Cinnamon with Black Accents
- SofTex Black
- SofTex Ash with Black Accents
- SofTex Nutmeg with Black Accents
Platinum
- SofTex Cinnamon with Black Accents
- SofTex Black
- SofTex Ash with Black Accents
2018 Toyota RAV4 Reviews: Then & Now
When the 2018 Toyota RAV4 first hit the market, most auto critics seemed to agree that it’s a great vehicle, albeit with a few issues.
In its 2018 review, Car and Driver noted that when traveling in the 2018 Toyota RAV4 AWD to Chicago from its Ann Arbor, Michigan, base, “The quiet, relaxed ride and diligent powertrain remained out of sight and out of mind.”
Downsides for the Car and Driver crew included, “its braking performance, stopping from 70 mph in 175 feet, and cornering grip were average at best. Its fuel economy was also disappointing … significantly underperforming compared to the EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined.”
Around the same time, PC Mag reviewed a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE and noted, “It has all the positive attributes of its traditional twin, along with several advantages… Plus, it doesn’t come at a big price difference: The RAV4 SE Hybrid we tested costs only $1,325 more than the equivalent non-hybrid.”
With all of this in mind, how well does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 hold up after spending a couple of years on the roadways across America?
Current Reviews Show 2018 RAV4 Holds Up Well
A popular YouTuber, “SchwayZ,” provides a one-year update of his 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE daily driver. He mentions five things that he loves about the 2018 RAV4: storage, blind-spot mirror, maneuverability, sport mode, and safety features. He also discusses his five dislikes: elbow pad, key design, gas tank size, gas mileage, and plastic interior.
Here at Vehicle History, 2018 Toyota RAV4 owners’ reviews were very kind to the RAV4, which garnered 1,285 reviews and averaged a 4.6 out of a possible five stars.
“My RAV4 has been great so far for the nine months I’ve had it,” wrote Anna S. in 2020. “It’s been super-reliable. I really like the safety features that come standard with the model I have. It has saved me a few times in stop-and-go traffic or when other drivers don’t use turn signals.”
In 2021, Jane G. shared a review of her 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE. “The cons about the RAV4 include that the gas tank is the same size as the Corolla,” she said. “The car is a four-cylinder, but it is a bigger car. It is economic and comfortable. However, the chairs are manual, [but] it would have been better if they were electric, since the car has a sunroof, automatic trunk door, and touchscreen radio.”
Toyota’s name is synonymous with reliability, and the 2018 RAV4 is no anomaly. Even more impressive is the fact that the RAV4 is not only reliable, it’s also relatively cheap to maintain. Toyota beats out several other brands in repair costs, usually only tying with Honda. However, because the CUV segment is so competitive, the RAV4 has some stiff competition.
Believe it or not, the RAV4 is ranked the lowest by J.D. Power for reliability amongst the big five. From least reliable to most reliable, the rankings are: Toyota RAV4, then the Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape. However, all were within four points of each other, and J.D. Power says that every vehicle has “Great” reliability. Therefore, any vehicle from the CUV class will have few problems.
When it comes to maintenance, the CUV class is affordable yet again. The RAV4 comes in right at the middle of the pack, bested by the Rogue and CR-V, and beating out the Equinox and Escape. The average annual repair cost for the 2018 RAV4 is $424. Repair Pal went a step further, and listed the RAV4 as the third most reliable vehicle in the CUV class. It received this high praise because the frequency and severity of the RAV’s repairs are less than the competition. The average repair is between $382 and $467. Some common repairs and maintenance that the 2018 RAV4 requires are:
- Oil change: $117 – $129
- Heater core replacement: $1,040 – $1,197
- Radiator hose replacement: $174 – $204
- Purge valve replacement: $134 – $143
- TPMS replacement: $794 – $812
- Seat heater replacement: $1,528 – $1,552
2018 RAV4 Known Issues & Recalls
Though the 2018 RAV4 is notably reliable, it still had a few issues. This makes sense, because it was the last year for the fourth generation. Toyota had plenty of time to refine their recipe, but one issue they never resolved was the small overlap front passenger-side test. This tests crashworthiness when the vehicle crashes into something head-on, but more so on the passenger side. It received “Poor” marks with the IIHS for every fourth-generation model tested.
However, there is hope, as the 2019 and newer model years fixed the issue and received top marks in all crash tests.
As of this writing, the NHTSA has reported 133 complaints for the 2018 RAV4. Interestingly, the NHTSA started an investigation in February 2021. They’re investigating fires in the 12V battery area. They received 11 complaints about this; most of the fires occurred during normal conditions.
So far, they have found that previous collisions and improper battery installation have been factors in this occurrence. This investigation is still open. Otherwise, the RAV4 was recalled twice for improper labeling. This affected less than 2,000 vehicles, and all vehicles should have been recalled by now, as these were published in 2017 and 2019.
As to those 133 complaints? Well, most were scattered and isolated events. In fact, the only reoccurring issue we found was that the radio would shut off and reset randomly or constantly. Luckily, this is a relatively cheap fix compared to the problems of previous generations.
Therefore, when it comes to the reliability of this RAV4, it offers the same reputation for reliability as the original first generation.
2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. the Competition
To many, Toyota’s RAV4 is synonymous with an affordable and capable sport utility vehicle. Still, it’s important to make sure that you’re buying the very best vehicle for you. With this in mind, we will examine the 2018 RAV4 against the competitors in its class.
2018 Honda CR-V
The RAV4’s main competitor is the 2018 Honda CR-V. Both are similarly priced and have similar performance specs. The CR-V was Honda’s first in-house-designed utility vehicle, and it was marketed as a luxury vehicle in Japan.
Originally, the CR-V only came in one trim, the base model LX. Today, there have been five generations of CR-Vs, and they still are going strong. The RAV4 has a clear victory in customization, with over six different trims and hybrid platforms in the lineup.
They have similar safety ratings, dimensions, pricing, and warranties. However, the CR-V has slightly better reliability and maintenance, although the RAV4 is no slouch in either category. The CR-V has a cargo space advantage when compared to the RAV4. Another definite win for the CR-V is its increased performance and fuel economy. To make it simple, neither will let you down, but buy a RAV4 for the standard safety features, a more intuitive infotainment system, and if you hate CVTs (just don’t get the hybrid). Buy a CR-V for better performance, fuel economy, and cargo space.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape was first released in 2001. Thanks to the hybrid lineup, the RAV4 takes a marginal victory in customization. The RAV4 picks up another win when it comes to safety, because of its standard TSS-P, whereas Ford holds that for the more expensive Escapes. The RAV4 also outshines the Escape in safety as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Maintenance and reliability are much cheaper for the RAV4, about $175 less a year.
The one thing they do have in common is a similar warranty. The Escape has a huge advantage when it comes to price, on average costing about $5,000 less. In fact, the only argument aside from price for the Escape is its marginally better fuel economy. Remember, the RAV4 bests the Escape when it comes to base model performance. However, the Escape also offers upgraded engine options to buyers who want a little more pep. This is a one-sided battle, with the RAV4 winning.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Chevy Equinox
The Equinox was first released in 2005 and also puts up an excellent fight when it comes to the CUV class. Again, thanks to the hybrid lineup, the RAV4 takes a marginal victory in customization. Though it’s worth noting that the Chevy has a lot more customization ability when it comes to gas-only options.
The RAV4 picks up another huge win when it comes to safety because of its standard TSS-P, whereas Chevy made it optional. The RAV4 also outshines the Equinox in safety with its IIHS Top Safety Pick, easier LATCH system, and better headlights. Maintenance and reliability are much cheaper for the RAV4, about $100 less a year. It also bests the Equinox in cargo space.
They do, however, have similar warranties. The Equinox has a huge advantage when it comes to price, on average costing about $4,000 less than a similar RAV4. The Equinox bests the RAV4 with excellent fuel economy and upgraded engine options. Still, the RAV4 emerges victorious. However, if you can get a good deal on the Equinox, don’t let this stop you.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue was the next best-selling vehicle in 2017 after the RAV4. Needless to say, it’s a worthwhile competitor. The Rogue showed up even later to the CUV party, and was first released for the 2008 model year. Again, thanks to the hybrid lineup and plethora of trims, the RAV4 takes a solid victory in customization.
Here again, the RAV4 picks up another huge win when it comes to safety because of its standard TSS-P; a safety suite is not a standard feature on the Rogue. The RAV4 also outshines the Rogue in safety with an easier LATCH system and better headlights. The RAV4 bests the Rogue when it comes to cargo space.
The only things the Rogue and RAV4 have in common are their outside dimensions and their warranties. The Rogue has a slight advantage when it comes to price, on average costing about $2,000 less than a similar RAV4. The Rogue bests the RAV4 in excellent fuel economy. Still, the RAV4 comes out on top. Having said that, if you can get a good deal on the Rogue, don’t let this stop you.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 RAV4 Value & Depreciation
Our friends over at Edmunds calculated the true cost to own a 2018 RAV4 using one of the most popular configurations: the LE AWD. They calculated that if you drove 15,000 miles per year for five years, the RAV4 LE AWD would depreciate $10,026. The bulk of the depreciation came in year one, losing $3,407. It drops down to lose $1,410 in depreciation for year five.
2018 RAV4 Warranty
The warranty for the RAV4 is similar to its closest three competitors. It starts on the day that the vehicle is purchased. It is important to note that improper or lack of maintenance voids the warranty, so keep that in mind. This is also important to remember if you plan on turning the RAV4 into a race car, as the warranty will be voided. Here are the deadlines and mileage limits for each warranty the RAV4 comes with:
- Basic Warranty: Three-year/36,000 miles
- Powertrain Limited Warranty: Five-year/60,000 miles
- Hybrid System Limited Warranty: Eight-year/100,000 miles
- Restraint Systems Limited Warranty: Five-year/60,000 miles
- Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty: Five-year/unlimited miles
- Federal Emissions Warranty: Three-year/36,000 miles
Conclusion: Is the 2018 RAV4 Right for You?
There’s no getting around it: The Toyota RAV4 is not a head-turner by any means. However, Toyota didn’t intend the RAV4 to be an attention-getter. Toyota chose to design it to be an excellent, affordable, and safe family car, and it does that quite well. Though we miss that rugged appeal the original RAV4 once had, we can appreciate the new one for what it is.
Customization is a huge part of the recipe for success. Not only was the RAV4 offered as a hybrid, but it also offered six gas-only trims and AWD for each one of them. Pricing also added to the success of the RAV4.
As a family-oriented vehicle, the RAV4 is very roomy, and spacious enough to haul a family and the cargo that comes along with them. More importantly, the RAV4 is exceptionally safe.
The 2018 RAV4 is an excellent used vehicle with great reliability, safety, and pricing. If you’re in the market for a CUV, the RAV4 is a superb choice.
Photos: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Chevy, and Ford
