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Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have Apple CarPlay?

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 does not have Apple CarPlay. Toyota did not offer Apple CarPlay as a feature in the 2016 model year of the RAV4 compact SUV.


Detailed Explanation


The 2016 Toyota RAV4 was released before Apple CarPlay became a widely available feature in new vehicles. Apple CarPlay, which allows users to integrate their iPhone with a vehicle's infotainment system, was first introduced in 2014 but was not adopted by Toyota until later model years.


In the 2016 RAV4, Toyota's standard infotainment system did not include support for Apple CarPlay or the competing Android Auto platform. Drivers of the 2016 RAV4 would have had to rely on Bluetooth connectivity or the vehicle's built-in navigation and audio controls to access smartphone functions and content.


Toyota's Infotainment Evolution


Over the years, Toyota has gradually added more advanced connectivity features to its vehicles, including support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the 2016 model year represented a transitional period before these smartphone integration technologies became widely available across Toyota's lineup.



  • The 2016 RAV4 came standard with Toyota's Entune infotainment system, which did not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

  • Toyota began offering Apple CarPlay as an option on select 2019 model year vehicles, including the RAV4.

  • Android Auto support was added to Toyota's lineup starting in the 2020 model year.


So while the 2016 Toyota RAV4 did not have Apple CarPlay, more recent model years of the popular compact SUV do offer this feature as an available option for drivers who want to seamlessly integrate their iPhone with the vehicle's infotainment system.

What year do Toyotas have Apple CarPlay?


Most Toyota models have had Apple CarPlay starting with the 2019 model year, with most newer models including it as standard equipment. Some older models, such as certain 2018 Camry and Sienna trims, may have received a software update to add CarPlay compatibility. Since 2019, a wide range of Toyota vehicles, including the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Tacoma, have featured Apple CarPlay.
 
Models that have Apple CarPlay

  • 2019 Model Year: Toyota began including CarPlay in select models, such as the Avalon, Camry, Corolla Hatchback, C-HR, and RAV4.
  • 2020 and Newer Model Years: Most new Toyota cars, SUVs, and trucks are equipped with Apple CarPlay as standard or available, including the 4Runner, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra, and many others. 

How to check if your Toyota has Apple CarPlay
  • Check your infotainment system: Look for the Apple CarPlay icon on the touchscreen or in the vehicle's settings menu. 
  • Consult your owner's manual: The manual will have specific information about your vehicle's features and how to use them. 
  • Check with a dealer: You can contact a Toyota dealership to confirm if your specific model and trim level are compatible. 

Important notes
  • Some models may require a physical connection (USB), while newer models may offer wireless CarPlay. 
  • Not all 2019 models are guaranteed to have CarPlay, especially if they were produced before the rollout for that specific model. 



Does 2016 car have Apple CarPlay?


Yes, many 2016 cars have Apple CarPlay, especially those with specific infotainment systems like Ford's SYNC 3 (with a software update) or certain Chevrolet, Audi, Honda, and Hyundai models. However, compatibility varies by make and model, and some 2016 vehicles may require a dealer-installed hardware update or are incompatible, like older Uconnect systems. 
This video shows how to install Apple CarPlay on a 2016 Ford vehicle: 1mFor The Love Of CarsYouTube · Jan 16, 2020
How to check for CarPlay compatibility

  • Check your car's manual: This is the most direct way to find out if your specific car model supports CarPlay. 
  • Look for the CarPlay icon: Some infotainment systems display a CarPlay icon on the screen or in the menus. 
  • Inspect the USB port: Many systems require a wired connection via USB. If your car has a CarPlay/smartphone icon next to a USB port, it is a good indicator. 
  • Check your infotainment system software: Some manufacturers, like Ford, require a specific software version (e.g., SYNC 3 version 2.0 or greater) for CarPlay to work. 
  • Look for the RPO code: For some GM vehicles, check the RPO code label in the glove box for "CPO," which means CarPlay is not available. 

Key things to know
  • CarPlay isn't on all 2016 models: While many automakers introduced CarPlay in their 2016 models, it was not a standard feature across the board. 
  • Updates may be required: Some systems may need a software or hardware update, sometimes installed by a dealer, to become compatible. 
  • It can be a dealer-installed option: For certain models, CarPlay was available as a separate option or as part of an entertainment package rather than being standard on all trims. 

This video shows a user who installed Apple CarPlay on a 2016 Toyota Highlander: 29sNormal Guy SupercarYouTube · Aug 13, 2024



How to get Apple CarPlay on 2016 Toyota RAV4?


Connect Your iPhone to the Toyota USB Port with a Lightning® connector. Choose “Apple CarPlay” on the Toyota Entune™ 3.0 touchscreen. Press Menu > General > Apple CarPlay. Once your phone is connected with a USB cable, Apple CarPlay should automatically be connected.



What year did RAV4 get CarPlay?


The Toyota RAV4 got Apple CarPlay starting with the 2019 model year. It was introduced as a standard feature across all trims for the fifth generation, which began in 2019.
 

  • The 2019 model year was the first to include Apple CarPlay as a standard feature. 
  • Subsequent model years, such as the 2020 and 2023, continued to offer it, with the 2023 and newer models adding wireless CarPlay capability. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.