Toyota RAV4: Should You Buy Used or New?
We compare average used listing prices, mileage, and feature comparison of each used year model
The RAV4 is a crossover SUV that’s great for families, long trips, and even some offroading. With lots of colors to choose from and a Hybrid option available, there’s a RAV4 out there for everyone. But is a new or used model the best fit for you?
What did used RAV4s cost when they were new?
To make your car search as easy as it can be, we laid out what RAV4s cost now (their current listing values) and how much they cost when new, showing how much their price has dropped from their original listing and how much money you can save buying them now vs. then.
Toyota RAV4s: What they cost now vs. what they cost when new
New Model Overview
If you’re looking to get a new 2020 RAV4 right off the market, it’ll cost you a starting MSRP of $31,157. New additions to this model include a TRD Off-Road trim, the addition of Android Auto to their infotainment system, and various other feature upgrades throughout the vehicle. To see how the 2020 compares to older models, try out Copilot Compare.
PICK THE RIGHT USED YEAR MODEL
Every vehicle has a “sweet spot” where it’s cost-to-reliability ratio is best. See how much you can save buying nearly new vs. new with CoPilot Compare, the easiest way to compare different year models of the same vehicle.
2014 RAV4: Used vs. New
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 had an average MSRP of $26,518 when new and now has an average price of $15,362, making for a savings of 41%, or over $11,000, to buy used. Though this model introduced features like a lane departure warning signal, people have had complaints about its lack of effective safety measures overall.
Is buying a used 2014 RAV4 a good deal?
It’s an okay deal. The 2014 is missing a good amount of the newer features, but what it lacks in features it makes up for in savings: you can save over 41% on the original price if you buy used! Click here to search all the used 2015 RAV4s in your area.
Newer features the 2014 RAV4 lacks:
- Smartphone integration (or Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto)
- Hands-free Liftgate
- Wireless Charging
- Wifi Hotspot
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated Rear Seats
- Cooled Seats
- Panoramic Roof
CPOs ARE BETTER THAN BUYING NEW
If you’re looking for new cars, a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car might help you buy a like-new car at a significant discount vs. MSRP. Here’s why CPOs are better than buying new.
2015 RAV4: Used vs. New
As for the 2015 model, its MSRP of $27,000 and current average price of $16,384 also provides for a large amount of savings. That’s 38% off of the total price at just over $10,000. No major changes were made to the 2015 model.
Is buying a used 2015 RAV4 a good deal?
The 2015 model is also an okay deal. You save a lot of money here (around $10,600), but not much more than with the 2016 models which saw the release of the Hybrid edition. However, according to our research, less mileage is racked up on 2015s than 2016s on average.
Newer features the 2015 RAV4 lacks:
- Smartphone integration (or Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto)
- Hands-free Liftgate
- Wireless Charging
- Wifi Hotspot
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated Rear Seats
- Cooled Seats
- Panoramic Roof
2016 and 2017 Hybrid RAV4: Used vs. New
The RAV4 got an exciting upgrade in 2016 when Toyota released their first Hybrid edition, complete with both gas and electric capabilities. The 2016 and 2017 Hybrid had similar MSRPs of $28,458 and $31,671, respectively. With a major savings of over $10,000 each, you’d save 34% on the regular and 31% on the Hybrid if bought used.
Is buying a used 2016 RAV4 a good deal?
Buying a 2016 RAV4 is a good deal. The models have smartphone integration, which is more than can be said for the earlier models. In addition, you still save over $10,000 on either 2016 model you go for.
Newer features the 2016 RAV4s lack:
- Hands-free Liftgate
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Wireless Charging
- Wifi Hotspot
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated Rear Seats
- Cooled Seats
- Panoramic Roof
2017 and 2018 Hybrid RAV4: Used vs. New
The 2017 models, both Hybrid and regular, incorporated the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which improved many safety functions not present in previous models. Some of these include assistive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The average MSRP for the 2017 RAV4 was $28,005, so with an average used price of $21,258, that makes for $6,747 in savings (23%). A used Hybrid of the same year comes out to a slightly better deal, with an average original MSRP of $31,956 and an average current price of $24,078, meaning a savings of $7,878 (also 23%).
Is buying a used 2017 RAV4 a good deal?
The 2017 RAV4 is a great deal. The 2017 models got a major upgrade with improved safety features and decreased average mileage compared to years prior. Best of all, you’ll still save $6,000-$7,000 on average buying used. Search all the 2017 RAV4s near you and get automatic price alerts whenever prices drop.
Newer features the 2017 RAV4s lack:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Wireless Charging
- Wifi Hotspot
- Heated Rear Seats
- Cooled Seats
- Panoramic Roof
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Wondering what to look out for when buying a used car? With such a large purchase, it pays to be a cautious shopper. Check out this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car.
2018 RAV4: Used vs. New
The 2018 RAV4 holds onto previously added Toyota Safety Sense features and makes some interior (e.g., Adventure trim level) and exterior (e.g., increased ride height) changes. It’s priced pretty similarly to the 2017 model – with an original MSRP of $29,318 and a current average price of $22,604, buying used could save you around $6,714, or over 21% on this car.
Is buying a used 2018 RAV4 a good deal?
It is a good deal. Relatively close to the 2017 model in terms of price and mileage, the 2018 RAV4 also got some aesthetic improvements that make for a more modern looking and feeling ride.
Newer features the 2018 RAV4 lacks:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Wireless Charging
- Wifi Hotspot
- Heated Rear Seats
- Cooled Seats
- Panoramic Roof
2019 RAV4: Used vs. New
Last but not least, the 2019 RAV4 saw changes like increased horsepower and improved miles per gallon. Toyota also added things such as Apple CarPlay and driver drowsiness monitoring. It had an average MSRP of $32,790 and now has an average price of $27,280, about $5,510 lower. This model definitely has the least value when bought used, at only 7% off, but with not too many major upgrades in the 2020, it could be a good deal if you’re really looking for the latest edition RAV4.
Is buying a used 2019 RAV4 a good deal?
The 2019 model is the closest thing to a nearly-new car that you’ll get. With almost all of the features that the 2020 model offers, you can get a 2019 for over $5,000 off its original MSRP and for $4,000 cheaper than the 2020. It’s a great deal, especially if the newest model caught your eye.
Newer features the 2019 RAV4 lacks:
- Android Auto
DOWNLOAD THE APP
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Which used year model of Toyota Rav4 is the best value?
There are clearly many great options available for someone wanting to buy used. Our recommendation? The 2018 RAV4 or the 2017 Hybrid RAV4. If you’re looking for a non-electric vehicle, the 2018 is almost identical in price to the standard 2017 model but includes some feature upgrades and still comes with a hefty savings of 21% ($6,714) when bought used. If you’re looking for a Hybrid option, however, the 2017 Hybrid amends all of the safety issues of the 2016 model while maintaining most of the styling choices seen in the 2018 model, all while providing you with a 23% savings ($7,818). Finally, if you really want the newest model, but don’t want to shell out over $30,000, the 2019 is almost identical in terms of features and gives a nice savings of $5,510. If you want a more comprehensive view of RAV4 prices, try CoPilot.
