What you need to know
The Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling non-pickup truck in America in 2017, and for the 2018 model year Toyota has added yet another trim level to the line to enable you to choose a vehicle that most closely matches your needs. The five-passenger crossover caters to a very broad clientele with rugged all-wheel-drive versions, commute-friendly front-drive choices and the availability of a technically fascinating hybrid with electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive.
Driving Today Expert Rating
Poor | Good | Better | BEST
New for 2018
With the addition of the new dual-use Adventure grade for 2018, the RAV4 is offered in six trim levels with LE at the bottom and Platinum on top, and Toyota has surprised some in the industry by making Toyota Safety Sense P standard across the entire line. That means Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control are all standard RAV4 features. Also, standard is Toyota’s superior reliability and resale value
Driving it
All but hybrid Toyota RAV4s are powered by rock-solid, efficient 176-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing. (Don’t worry; it works.) Channeled through the standard six-speed automatic transmission, power is more than adequate for heavy loads and even moderate towing. Driver-selectable operating modes let you tailor the driving experience to your tastes. Eco mode delivers max fuel economy. Sport mode delivers sharpened shift timing, throttle response, and steering feel, and on models with Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, it also alters torque distribution to suit conditions. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 offers good visibility; predictable steering response, and it’s easy to park thanks in part to the standard rear-view camera system.
Key competitors:
Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Renegade
Price range:
Base: $25,500
Fully Equipped: $32,000
Typically Equipped: $27,000
Best feature:
Class-leading quality, reliability and dependability
Lacks:
We like the Toyota Entune infotainment interface, but Toyota resolutely refuses to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Typical buyer: (estimated)
Male/Female – 51/49 percent Married/Single – 60/40 percent
Median age – 38 Median Household Income – $78,000
Safety
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Overall 5-star Frontal 4-star Side 5-star Rollover 4-star
Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Crash Imminent Braking, Dynamic Brake Support
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
Fuel Economy (EPA miles per gallon city/highway/combined)
Lowest: 22 / 28 / 24 Highest: 34 / 30 / 32
Predicted Reliability
Poor | Good | Better | BEST
Predicted Cost-to-Own (versus key competitive vehicles)
Poor | Good | Better | BEST
