T2016 Highlander XLE (94k/$21k) vs 2016 RAV4 Limited (84k/$20k) for nanny + kids (SLC snow / safety / reliability)
Hi everyone — looking for quick advice on a family vehicle purchase.
We’re deciding between:
• 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE — 94k miles — $21,000
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited — 84k miles — $20,000
This will primarily be used by our nanny to drive our two kids to/from school and after-school activities. We live in Salt Lake City, so snow performance, reliability, and safety are top priorities.
We also plan to gift the vehicle to our nanny later when she moves on to another job, so long-term ownership costs and durability matter too.
A few questions: 1. Which would you pick between these two and why? 2. Anything specific to watch out for on either model/year at this mileage? 3. Is AWD worth prioritizing for SLC winter driving (assuming good tires either way)? 4. aIf these prices seem high/low, what would be a reasonable target price?
Open to other suggestions too if there’s a better option in the same budget range.
Thanks in advance!
Posted Jan 14, 2026, 3:07 AM UTC