Car prices are getting out of hand, with the averagenew vehiclenearing $50,000—and the new tariffs aren’t making things any easier. Luckily, the used car market still offers some solid options without draining your wallet.
Whether you’re working with $10,000 or $80,000, the used market has something for nearly every budget. It’s full ofreliable cars, trucks, and SUVsthat offer great value—if you know where to look.
If your budget sits around $20,000, you’re in a great position. In that range, you can find some excellent choices, including one of the best usedToyotasavailable today.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Toyota website and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
A 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited Will Run You About $19,453 on Average
If you’re looking for a vehicle that checks all the right boxes—versatility, value, practicality, and reliability—it’s hard to beat theToyota RAV4. It’s one of those rare crossovers that actually lives up to the hype.
Behind the wheel, you get a clear, elevated view of the road, plus enough room to haul gear, groceries, or the whole family without breaking a sweat. It’s the kind of all-in-one vehicle that fits just about any lifestyle.
The catch? A brand-new RAV4 starts close to $30K, and if you want all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at something closer to $40,000. That’s a steep price for practicality—unless you’re shopping used.
That’s where the 2018 Toyota RAV4 comes in. It might not have the flashy styling or newest tech, but it still delivers everything you really need in a daily driver.
It’s reliable, roomy, and—best of all—it won’t blow your $20K budget. According toEdmunds, even the top-tier Platinum trim averages $18,027.
Stick with a lower trim, and you could save even more. Smart, practical, and budget-friendly—what’s not to like?
$27,464
$15,976
$16,542
$16,259
$28,554
$17,446
$16,918
$17,182
$30,054
$18,372
$17,148
$17,760
$31,485
$19,358
$17,522
$18,440
$33,959
$20,345
$18,561
$19,453
$37,804
$21,785
$18,027
$19,906
The RAV4 Limited Has the Right Features Right Where You Want Them
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited isn’t the top-of-the-line trim—but honestly, it has just about everything most drivers are looking for. It delivers comfort, convenience, and a solid list of features without going overboard.
No, you won’t getApple CarPlay or Android Autohere. But there is a USB port up front, and you can still connect your phone through Toyota’s Entune system.
It does require downloading an app to get things going, but once you’re set up, streaming your favorite playlists is no problem. And let’s be real—that’s what most of us care about anyway.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited Features
The 2018 RAV4 Limited might not come loaded with the latest tech bells and whistles, but it still brings plenty of comfort to the table. In fact, many of the features you’d find in the newer models are already here:
Even though it’s a few years old, the 2018 RAV4 still brings some impressive safety features to the table. You’ll get adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning—plenty of peace of mind for daily driving.
If you’re lucky enough to score the Platinum trim, you’ll get a few extra perks, like a 360-degree camera and a premium JBL sound system. But there’s a workaround if that trim’s hard to find.
Look for a Limited model with the “Advanced Technology” package—it bundles in those same high-end features without going full Platinum. It’s a smart way to level up without blowing your budget.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Powertrains
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 gives you two powertrain options: a traditional gas engine or a fuel-saving hybrid. So whether you’re all about simplicity or chasing better MPG, there’s something for you.
Gas-only models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic. You can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your needs.
Prefer something more efficient? Thehybrid versioncombines that same 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor and a smooth CVT, giving you extra miles without the extra gas stops.
2.5-liter four-cylinder
2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid
6-speed automatic
176 hp
194 hp
172 lb-ft
26 mpg
32 mpg
2018 RAV4 Reliability: Built to Go the Distance
Beyond all the features and engine options, the real reason the 2018 RAV4 stands out is its rock-solid reliability.J.D. Powergave it an impressive 88 out of 100 for quality and reliability—firmly in the “great” category.
Over onCarComplaints.com, there are only 33 reported issues from actual owners, which is low for a vehicle that’s been on the road for several years. That kind of track record is tough to argue with.
Maintenance won’t break the bank either. According toRepairPal, average annual repair costs are around $424—lower than most SUVs in the same class.
Toyota RAV4 Owner Reviews
Expert reviews are helpful, but there’s nothing like hearing from people who actually drive the car every day. One RAV4 owner on Kelley Blue Book put it this way:
“The family was looking to down size vehicles and also improve gas mileage. So we looked in the small SUV category at all options- Honda CRV, Ford Escape, Mazda 5, Chevy Equinox, etc. Although all have them had certain features we liked and it was a tough decision, the new RAV4 overall was the best quality, options and new style that fit for us.”
Another review onCars.comstated:
“I picked up a 2018 Limited for under $25K with 30K miles in like new condition. These cars are amazing. The engineering is as reliable as they come. It drives like it’s on rails and the gas mileage isn’t too bad with the powerful 4-cylinder engine. I also have a 2019 Highlander and I love them both. Toyota makes the best cars for fair prices.”
How the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Stacks Up to Its Competitors
So, how does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 hold up against the competition? Pretty well, especially if you’re looking for something reliable, practical, and budget-friendly.
Sure, it might not be the flashiest SUV on the block, but it more than makes up for that with solid build quality and everyday comfort. Compared to rivals like theHonda CR-VorFord Escape, the RAV4 keeps things simple—and that’s exactly what many drivers want.
It might not win in every category, but when it comes to long-term value and peace of mind, the 2018 RAV4 is tough to beat. Sometimes, dependability really is the most exciting feature.
2.5-liter inline-four
Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four
190 hp
187 hp
179 lb-ft
186 lb-ft
29 mpg
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hits the Sweet Spot
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 might not pack quite as many features as the Honda CR-V, but it’s still a solid, well-rounded option in the usedSUVworld. It hits a sweet spot between reliability, comfort, and value.
With great reliability scores, affordable repair costs, and plenty of standard features, the RAV4 stands out as one of the best used Toyotas you can snag right now. It’s the kind of SUV that just makes sense for everyday driving.
