DecodedCars2016 Toyota RAV4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Hybrid, Le AWD 4dr SUV, Le FWD 4dr SUV, Xle FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 150–176 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 181.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,428–3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2016 small SUV (23 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 176 hp, versus about 240 hp for similar 2016 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,891 lb (Hybrid).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 39% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 26 to 32
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 RAV4 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Woodstock, Ontario · Obu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 67.3 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,891 lb | 58/42 |
| Le AWD 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,549 lb | 58/42 |
| Le FWD 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,428 lb | 58/42 |
| Xle FWD 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 67.3 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,461 lb | 58/42 |
| Xle/Se/Limited AWD 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 67.3 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,583 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +39% | $2,100 | 274 |
| RAV4 LE/XLE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +6% | $2,600 | 338 |
| RAV4 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 349 |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | +9% | $2,700 | 357 |
| RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +4% | $2,800 | 362 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Nov 1, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V734000 · 1,853,568 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
- Risk
- A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 22, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V236000 · 94 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Apr 7, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V198000 · 16,656 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Not every 2016 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 58 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 48 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Exterior Lighting — 28 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RAV4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RAV4 | 43 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
| 2025 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2024 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 177 |
| 2023 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 171 |
| 2022 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 154 |
| 2021 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 411 |
| 2020 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 650 |
| 2019 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 905 |
| 2018 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 348 |
| 2017 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 321 |
| 2015 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 304 |
| 2014 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →