Buying a used, mid-size SUV with a budget of roughly $15k isn't a difficult task, especially if you're looking for models that are more than five years old. In other words, you're spoiled for choice. Several models, such as the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V, generally fall within that price point for models around a decade or so old. Of course, if you're not a Honda or Ford fan, there are loads more models out there to choose from, too.Take the 2016 Toyota RAV4, for instance. More specifically, one equipped with the mid-range XLE trim, which offers the most balance between stripped-out practicality and fully-loaded luxury. Even better, as a whole, it's regarded as extremely reliable, and tons of them were sold. That means finding a decent example for sale on the used market should be relatively easy. All signs seem to point to the 2016 RAV4 as being a great used buy for the budget-minded, and for multiple reasons. A Good Amount Of Bang-For-Your-Buck ToyotaOverall, the '16 RAV4's XLE grade sits right smack-dab in the middle of the model lineup, alongside the sportier SE trim level, which is closely related to the XLE. Below the XLE sits the base-level LE grade, and above the XLE resides the top-spec Limited grade. When it was brand-new, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE sold for about $28,989. 10 years later, the model's average price sits right around $15,000. Standard & Optional Features Toyota Being a decade old, the 2016 RAV4 XLE doesn't pack as much kit into itself as a modern car. However, it'll still have enough to keep most folks happy. As standard, it comes with things like dual-zone climate control, a six-way power driver's seat, and a four-way power passenger's seat. It also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 4.2-inch TFT screen with a backup camera, and the usual powered amenities like windows, mirrors, and locks. A 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is included with the XLE trim level, which is hooked up to a six-speaker audio system. Using the screen, owners can take advantage of things like Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius XM (with subscription), and voice activation.ToyotaOn the outside, the XLE-trimmed 2016 RAV4 offers standard foglights, front and rear under-mounted skid plates, and a power liftgate with height adjustment. A power sliding moonroof is also standard. A set of 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels are included with the XLE grade, as well. Front-wheel drive stood as the standard drivetrain, with all-wheel drive offered as the optional upgrade.Only a few optional features were available for selection when the '16 RAV4 was new. Toyota's in-house upgraded audio, called Entune Premium Audio, was available, along with built-in navigation. Alongside the better stereo, the XLE also offered a Convenience Package, which included things like Toyota's Smart Key, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The aforementioned Entune upgraded audio also came with the Convenience Package. A Good Amount Of Room ToyotaBeing a compact crossover SUV, the '16 RAV4 XLE needs to make the most out of its small stature. Luckily, Toyota managed to do a solid job when it comes to this. All told, the model offers a total cargo volume of 73.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down. With the seats in the upright position, the 2016 RAV4 XLE offers 38.4 cubes of space. For those in need of hauling heavy loads in the cargo bay, its maximum payload is rated at 900 pounds. When it comes to passengers, the 2016 RAV4 isn't shy with its proportions, either, with a total passenger volume of 101.9 cubic feet, or 100.8 cubes with an optional moonroof installed. Boatloads Of Reliability Toyota One of the aces up the 2016 RAV4's sleeve is its well-established track record of reliability, as is the case with most Toyota models. Its engine, a 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, is well-equipped for dealing with the strains and degradation that comes with old age.The mill belongs to Toyota's AR engine family, and carries the model code "2AR-FE." It was first introduced in 2009, and boasts durability-bolstering features, like its lack of forced induction and its modest compression ratio, which measures in at 10.4:1. Not to mention, its lack of a turbocharger and larger displacement compared to other four-bangers means it's relatively under-stressed. Those who are mechanically-inclined will know that an under-stressed engine typically lasts longer.Toyota Other aspects of the mill help it to achieve a higher plane of reliability than others, as well. While the 2AR-FE's block is aluminum, it sports iron-lined cylinder bores, which help keep wear to a minimum. In addition, its crankshaft is forged, rather than cast, meaning it can generally withstand higher levels of stress than a cast crank. It also uses a timing chain, rather than a belt, meaning worries over potential timing issues and a lack of maintenance are minimized. Rounding off the 2AR-FE's affinity for durability is its simple port fuel injection and Toyota's reliable Dual VVT-i variable valve timing.It's not just its engine doing all the reliability work, either. Its transmission, a six-speed automatic, is built by Toyota themselves. The unit itself belongs to Toyota's "U" transmission family, and is regarded as extremely durable, along with its front-wheel drive drivetrain. Its suspension setup is simple, consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone configuration in the rear. This is an extremely common, durable, and easy-to-maintain suspension system. This means, if anything goes wrong, DIYers can generally fix it themselves, and those on a budget will appreciate that aspect.Toyota All told, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 impresses with a third-place finish, out of a possible 17, according to RepairPal's reliability scoring system. Other reputable sources that report on the model's reliability also find it to perform more than adequately, as outlined by the results below:J.D. Power: 86/100 "Great" Quality & Reliability score Cars.com: 4.8/5 Kelley Blue Book: 4.7/5 The 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE Is A Good Buy ToyotaTo sum things up, the '16 RAV4 XLE adeptly blends most aspects that are important to compact crossover SUV buyers. It's roomier than most other members of its segment, it's near-peerless in its penchant for reliability, and its priced adequately. Speaking on the latter, a $15k price tag is attainable for many folks who, potentially, could never afford a brand-new RAV4 XLE, whose base price currently begins at approximately $31,900.While you can never make guarantees when it comes to used cars, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE does look to be an excellent choice for anyone on the lookout for a well-sorted, used, and small SUV.