2016 Toyota RAV4 — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is an SUV powered by a 2.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 38 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Toyota RAV4 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Toyota RAV4: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 30 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 28 urban / 35 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 23 city / 29 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 217 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2016 Toyota RAV4, all with the 2.5L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 32 mpg (US), or 30 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (34/30) | 170 | $2,100 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/28) | 222 | $2,700 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/29) | 217 | $2,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Toyota RAV4
Running Costs: 2016 Toyota RAV4
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Toyota RAV4 at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota RAV4 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1), Tires (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 23V734000, reported 1 November 2023. Risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Tires — campaign 16V236000, reported 22 April 2016. Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Service brakes — campaign 16V198000, reported 7 April 2016. Risk: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 256 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota RAV4. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (59), Service brakes (48), Unspecified (38). Complaints include 37 reported crashes, 12 reported fires, 27 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 266 complaints across the 17 Toyota RAV4 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Toyota RAV4
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 59 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 48 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Lighting (28 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Tyres (1 recall campaign) — Check tyre age and wear and ask about any tyre recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Toyota RAV4 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 30 mpg figure is 3 mpg better than that average. Its 217 g/km CO₂ figure is 36 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Toyota RAV4's 30 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average.
Of the 17 Toyota RAV4 model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 12th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined, against a high of 52 mpg). See every Toyota RAV4 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Toyota RAV4
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have?
It's fitted with a 2.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Toyota RAV4?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 38 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota RAV4 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1), Tires (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Toyota RAV4?
Among the 256 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (59 complaints), Service brakes (48 complaints), Unspecified (38 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Toyota RAV4's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.