If you’re in the market for a used car, Toyota’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is a way to get behind the wheel of a low-mileage, late-model vehicle at substantial savings. Here’s a look at four of the most popular CPO cars Toyota has to offer: the Highlander, RAV4, Camry, and Corolla.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price – CPO: $29,450 (As of mid-2021)
Sticker price when new: $37,915
The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE is priced between the standard front-drive Highland LE, which retailed for about $32,000, and the range-topping Highlander Hybrid Platinum, which closes in on $50,000 when it was new. Depending on trim level, expect to add several hundred more for options like V6 power or all-wheel drive in the standard model. All hybrids use the V6 and all-wheel drive.
See the Certified Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
The Toyota Highlander is the brand’s mainstay in the highly competitive 3-row SUV market. The model range is broad, starting with a 4-cylinder powered front-drive version up through a V6 all-wheel drive Platinum model. It offers room for up to eight passengers with a second-row bench, but it’s much more comfortable in its 7-place configuration with captain’s chairs in the middle. While it comes with a base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, in non-hybrid versions, the 3.5-liter V6 gets the same city mileage but also 3 mpg more with its highway 27 mpg rating. So you’re better off with the six from both a power and efficiency standpoint. The Hybrid is the fuel mileage champ here, though with a city rating of 30 mpg and 28 mpg on the highway and comes with AWD to boot.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander model falls right in the middle of the product life cycle, so there aren’t any appreciable changes from the 2017 model year. Like other Toyotas of this period, Highlander comes with the company’s Safety Sense suite of driver and safety assists as standard equipment. This technology includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
The Highlander Hybrid LE trim features Entune infotainment, which includes a 6.1-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers. Other standard features include a rearview camera, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, day/night rearview mirror, and three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets (two up front and one in the second row).
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4 stars
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
| 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |
| Most Common Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 306 hp |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 29 mpg (30 city/29 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; 3.5-liter 6-cylinder; 6-speed automatic; FWD |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 144.9 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 83.7 cubic feet |
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price – CPO: $23,138 (As of mid-2021)
Sticker price when new: $27,464
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE is the most commonly available certified RAV4 on dealer lots across the country. Expect to pay about $700 more for a RAV4 LE with all-wheel drive, and about $1,400 for the added creature comforts that come with the also-popular XLE trim.
See the Certified Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that’s available in either front- or all-wheel drive. It offers room for five, 4-cylinder power and a hybrid option on fourth- and the current fifth-generation models. The RAV4 had a minor facelift for the 2015 model year and a major makeover for 2019. While the original RAV4 was one of the first small SUVs meant primarily for road use, Toyota has gradually added off-road capability with its Adventure and TRD Pro all-wheel drive packages. The RAV4, thanks to the addition of these trims and the addition of the Prime Plug-in Hybrid with 42 miles of pure electric range, Toyota has all bases covered from weekend adventurers to those looking to save at the pump.
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE accounts for most of that year’s model mix and as a result, is easiest to find as a CPO unit. The 2018 RAV4 benefits from the addition of the automaker’s inclusion the previous year of its Safety Sense suite of driver and safety assists as standard equipment. This technology includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
The base RAV4 LE trim comes with Entune, which includes a 6.1-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/CD system with six speakers, and auxiliary and USB inputs to control your iPod.
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4 stars
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Most Common Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5-liter I4 |
| Horsepower | 176 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 mpg (23 city/30 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter I4 + electric motors |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 100.7 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 70.6 cubic feet |
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price – CPO: $22,611 (As of mid-2021)
Sticker price when new: $25,070
The 2018 Toyota Camry LE is the most commonly available certified Camry on dealer lots across the country in 2021. For about $1,600 more you might consider stepping up to the more stylish and better-equipped Camry SE, which is the second-most-popular version.
See the Certified Toyota Camry models for sale near you
The Toyota Camry is the quintessential midsize family sedan. It boasts high quality, a reputation for reliability, and a record for good resale value. The Camry is available with a choice of powerplants, including inline 4-cylinder and V6 engines, along with a 4-cylinder hybrid option extending back to the 2011 model year. CPO buyers will have two generations to choose from, with a major restyle on 2018 models forward. Even though the number of competitors in the family sedan segment continues to fall, Toyota is committed to the category. That bodes well for long-term ownership since buyers will continue to find newer models and a healthy supply of replacement parts.
While the previous generation of the Toyota Camry is a solid family car, those who want a little more style and zest to the driving experience may want to opt for a 2018 or newer model. In addition to being the last midsize family sedan to offer a V6 option, the Camry also has added a TRD performance trim level for those who want a little more spirited handling and an all-wheel drive option for those living in the snow belt.
All Camry models come with 6-way-manually adjustable front seats, the TSS-P suite of safety and driving aids, and an infotainment system that bundles a rearview camera and 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with Bluetooth and USB/auxiliary inputs. The LE adds a power driver’s seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, alarm system, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7 stars
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
| 2018 Toyota Camry | |
| Most Common Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5-liter I4 |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 182 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 32 mpg (28 city/39 hwy) |
| Also Available | 3.5-liter V6; I4 Hybrid |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 100.4 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 15.1 cubic feet |
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price – CPO: $17,790 (As of mid-2021)
Sticker price when new: $19,995
The 2018 Toyota Corolla LE is by far the most commonly available certified Corolla, which means it’s the one your most likely to find in your preferred colors.
See the Certified Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
Say compact car and invariable the Toyota Corolla comes to mind. Corolla is the oldest nameplate in the Toyota lineup, stretching back five decades. The automaker has spent considerable time, effort, and engineering expertise in keeping this model as a benchmark for the segment. The lineup is as varied as any; there’s a choice of sedan or hatchback body styles, two 4-cylinder engines, plus a hybrid option added in 2020. All CPO-eligible Corolla models will be 11 and 12 generation, both of which have edgier styling than earlier versions. The previous generation came only with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. The 2.0-liter, hybrid, and hatchback come with later models.
Starting with the 2017 model, the Toyota Corolla came with the automaker’s Safety Sense P suite of driver and safety assists. It was the only compact car to offer features that include pre-collision alert with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. Another feature to look for in later model Corollas is a CVT equipped with a traditional first gear that greatly improves drivability.
The Corolla LE offers LED headlights, a rearview camera with path projection, air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt-telescope steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls on the spokes. There’s a USB port for phone recharging and audio integration, and a 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio system that includes Toyota’s Entune multimedia bundle and Siri Eyes Free.
Kelley Blue Book Expert Rating: 4.4
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | |
| Popular Powertrains | |
| Engine | 1.8-liter I-4 |
| Horsepower | 132 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 128 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 31 mpg (28 city/35 hwy) |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 88.6 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 13.1 cubic feet |
Buying a Toyota CPO vehicle is a viable alternative to buying a new car. Toyota’s Certified Pre-Owned program gets you behind the wheel of a low-mileage, late-model car at a saving over a new one. Sure, there are some miles on the odometer. Still, there’s peace of mind in that it’s undergone an extensive 160-point inspection and comes with an additional 1 year/12,000-mile extension to whatever coverage left on the original 3-year/36-mile warranty. Toyota CPO vehicles are no more than 6 years old, have less than 85,000 miles, and come with an extended 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. You also get a year of free roadside assistance.
