Does a 2018 RAV4 have Apple CarPlay?

No. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 did not come with Apple CarPlay built in. Apple CarPlay became available starting with the 2019 RAV4 redesign and has continued in later model years. If you own a 2018 RAV4 and want CarPlay, you’d typically need to upgrade the infotainment system or install an aftermarket head unit that supports CarPlay.

This article explains why 2018 RAV4s lack CarPlay, how Toyota introduced CarPlay in later model years, and what options exist for owners who want Apple CarPlay in an older RAV4. It also notes regional variations and practical steps for upgrading or upgrading to a newer model year.

Apple CarPlay and Toyota: adoption timeline

Toyota began rolling out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the Entune 3.0 infotainment platform starting in the 2019 model year. The 2019 RAV4, a redesigned fifth generation, included CarPlay (and Android Auto in many markets) as part of the updated system. Since then, CarPlay has been standard or readily available across most RAV4 trims through ongoing model-year updates, with continued support in 2020–2024 models and beyond. The 2018 models were not equipped with CarPlay, reflecting the earlier generation’s infotainment capabilities.

What changed with the 2019 refresh

With the 2019 RAV4, Toyota transitioned to a more modern infotainment stack (Entune 3.0) that added support for Apple CarPlay and, in many trims, Android Auto. This marked a clear departure from the 2018 lineup, which relied on older Entune configurations without CarPlay integration. The upgrade affected most trim levels, making CarPlay available to a wide audience once you upgraded to the 2019 model year or newer.

Was CarPlay available on the 2018 RAV4 by trim or region?

In the United States, the 2018 RAV4 did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on any trim. Availability could vary by region, but the common takeaway is that 2018 models were not CarPlay-enabled. If you’re shopping in another market, it’s best to verify with a local dealer, as regional timelines for infotainment updates can differ.

Note: The 2018 RAV4 used an Entune 3.0 setup, but it did not include CarPlay or Android Auto. This is a key distinction from the 2019 redesign and later models.



• 2019 and newer RAV4 models generally offer Apple CarPlay (and many also offer Android Auto).


• Regional availability can vary; always confirm with the dealer for your specific market.

In short, the 2018 RAV4 does not support CarPlay out of the box, and upgrading to CarPlay typically requires moving to a 2019+ model year or adding an aftermarket solution.

Options for 2018 RAV4 owners seeking CarPlay

There are practical paths if you want CarPlay in a 2018 RAV4 without buying a newer model year.

• Install an aftermarket CarPlay-enabled head unit. This is the most common route and offers a wide range of price points and feature sets.


• Replace the factory infotainment unit with a newer Toyota head unit on the aftermarket market, if compatible, or upgrade to a supported aftermarket system that preserves steering-wheel controls and factory wiring.


• Consider upgrading to a 2019+ RAV4 if you want a fully integrated CarPlay experience with Toyota’s software and features without aftermarket installation hassles.

Before you pursue an upgrade, check compatibility with your vehicle’s dash size, wiring, CAN bus, and steering-wheel controls. Professional installation is often recommended to maintain features like backup camera display integration and factory ergonomics.

Summary

Bottom line: Apple CarPlay did not come standard in the 2018 RAV4. The feature arrived with the 2019 redesign and has continued in later models, making CarPlay widely available on 2019–2024 RAV4s. If you own a 2018 model and want CarPlay, you can either upgrade to a newer year or install an aftermarket CarPlay-enabled head unit. Always verify regional availability and consider professional installation to preserve existing vehicle functions.

What years of RAV4 have Apple CarPlay?

2019 - 2025
An upgraded engine that's more efficient and powerful than ever and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make the latest RAV4 more compelling than ever.

Do 2018 Toyotas have Apple CarPlay?

Here. All right now you'll see here that you have the option for Apple CarPlay. And turn on Apple CarPlay. The Bluetooth will be deactivated and you have to plug in the audio cable or the USB cable.

Do 2018 cars have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, many 2018 cars have Apple CarPlay, as it became widely available from major manufacturers around that time, either as standard or optional equipment. Some brands offered it on most of their 2018 models, while others had it on specific trims or vehicles within their lineup. 
This video explains how to set up Apple CarPlay on a 2018 Ford Mustang: 34sCars With SteveYouTube · Jun 11, 2022

• Widely available: Many manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Kia, and Volkswagen included CarPlay on most or all of their 2018 models. 
• Model-specific: Some brands only offered it on certain vehicles or trim levels. For example, some 2018 GM trucks had it except for the base trim, and some early models of other brands might have only had it on higher trims. 
• Optional or dealer-installed: In some cases, like with certain 2018 Toyota models, CarPlay could be installed via a software upgrade at the dealership. 
• Check before buying: Because availability varied by trim, it's essential to check the specific vehicle's features. Your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website can provide details. 

This video demonstrates how to set up Apple CarPlay in a 2018 Honda CRV: 59sMarin AcuraYouTube · Jul 16, 2020

How do I get Apple CarPlay on my RAV4?

Toyota RAV 4. Do the pair code on the screen and your phone click pair click allow. Okay enable Apple CarPlay it is wireless pops up on your phone right here click connect.