2018 Toyota RAV4 MPG
24–32 mpg combined across 5 EPA-rated versions. Best: RAV4 Hybrid AWD (AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 34 city / 30 hwy / 32 combined; lowest: RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD (2.5L 4-cyl, A6) at 24.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD (Hybrid) | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 34 | 30 | 32 | $2,100 |
| RAV4 LE/XLE | 2.5L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| RAV4 | 2.5L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | A6 | AWD | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
| RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | A6 | AWD | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
How it compares
- 2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD: class average 23.1 mpg over 141 versions; best RAV4 +8.9 (#2).
- 2017: 32 mpg best (no change).
- 2019: 40 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,100–$2,800 a year ($700 difference).
- Available as AWD, FWD.
- 2026 model: 43 mpg best (+11).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 17.4% risk |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 16.9% risk |
347 owner complaints: Electrical System 130, Unknown Or Other 74, Service Brakes 33, Engine 32. Crashes 33, fires 32, injuries 19.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 130 | 37% |
| Unknown Or Other | 74 | 21% |
| Service Brakes | 33 | 10% |
| Engine | 32 | 9% |
| Power Train | 28 | 8% |
| Exterior Lighting | 23 | 7% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 21 | 6% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 19 | 5% |
Recent owner reports: Electrical System
“Before o had taken my RAV4 into Toyota for the recall a AAA tech. had replaced the battery after jump starting it. There was nothing wrong with the sensors or anything else but after the battery was replaced all the electric sensors that are for lane change warnings and cruise control etc. stopped working. I took vehicle into Toyota of Santa Maria and was told that I needed to pay for the sensors that had failed.”
“While I am driving my Toyota RAV4, the car will suddenly shut off and I can restart it and keep driving as the month is going on. The incidents are happening more often and now the dashboard is going black. I’ve had a couple of warning signs on the dashboard. I brought the car to Toyota and Pep Boys. Both of them checked the electrical systems and everything looks good according to their testing.”
“The contact owned a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a defect with the key fob and the door locks for the passenger doors. When starting the vehicle, the brake locking mechanism could not detect the key, and a message was displayed indicating that the key was not found. The contact stated that he had to open and close the door for the vehicle to engage and recognize the key.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2023 | Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery | 23V734000 |
| Jun 28, 2019 | Equipment › other › labels | 19V503000 |
| Dec 20, 2017 | Equipment › other › labels | 17V831000 |