The
Toyota RAV4 is a compact
crossover SUVA crossover SUV is a vehicle built on a car platform and combining, in highly variable degrees, features of a sport utility vehicle with features from a passenger vehicle, especially those of a station wagon or hatchback.Using the unibody construction typical of passenger vehicles, the crossover...
from Toyota. It was the first compact crossover SUV, introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and beginning sales in North America in 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time
four-wheel driveFour-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
, along with the maneuverability and better
fuel economyFuel usage in automobiles refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an automobile and the amount of fuel consumed....
of a smaller car. Its name stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all RAV4s have four wheel drive, which is optional in some countries. The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the
Ford EscapeThe Ford Escape is a compact SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. Although technically it's a crossover vehicle, it is marketed by Ford as part of its traditional SUV lineup rather than its separate crossover lineup...
and the
Subaru ForesterThe Subaru Forester is an all-wheel drive crossover wagon manufactured since 1997 by Fuji Heavy Industries and sold under the Subaru brand...
.
In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the
FJ CruiserThe Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro style SUV with styling and off road performance reminiscent of the original Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers. Introduced as a concept car at the February 2003 Chicago Auto Show, the FJ Cruiser was green lit after enormous consumer response and debuted at the January 2005...
. Since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are retailed in Japan and Europe, with Australia and North America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota in Japan also sells the longer version as the
Toyota Vanguard.
First generation (XA10, 1994–2000)
The RAV4 was originally based on the
CorollaThe Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million...
platform, and was offered in both two and four-door versions. In the US, a 2.0 L
straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
producing 120 hp was offered. Both front wheel drive and
all-wheel driveFour-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed
automatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. It was named the
1997 Automobile of the Year by
Automobile MagazineAutomobile magazine is an automobile magazine in the United States and is owned by Source Interlink. It was founded by a group of former employees of Car and Driver magazine, led by that publications’s former editor, David E. Davis, and originally published by News Corporation...
. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available. Power was increased slightly to 127 hp. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models. In Japan, the 2.0 L 3S-GE BEAMS engine with 177 hp was also available.
RAV4 EV
The RAV4 EV is a plug-in, all-electric variant of the RAV4. Produced from 1997 to 2003 for fleet lease, this ‘zero emission’ model was only offered for public sale for seven months in 2002, in very small quantities in
CaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Powered by an advanced NiMH battery pack capable of storing 27 kW h, the RAV4 EV can go up to 120 miles (193.1 km) between charges, and came with a 60000 miles (96,560.4 km) battery warranty.
Gallery
Second generation (XA20, 2000–2005)
The second generation RAV4 went on sale in the middle of 2000, and came in base Edge and upmarket Cruiser models (model designations may vary according to market), in both 3- and 5-door configurations. The main differentiation between the two models was in appearance. Edge models came with unpainted grey bumpers and side cladding, mirrors, and door handles, and featured steel rims. Cruiser models gained body-coloured (painted) bumpers and moldings, mirrors, and door handles, alloy wheels, and ABS brakes.
All models came equipped with a brand-new 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine featuring VVT (variable valve timing), resulting in improved power and torque, as well as fuel consumption. Permanent all-wheel-drive was a feature. Options were ABS brakes (on the Edge), and air conditioning (on all models).
The second generation RAV4 was originally offered in a number of trim levels: NV was 2-wheel drive, while NRG, GX, and VX were permanent 4-wheel drive with differing levels of equipment. It continued on the Corolla platform. Although the RAV4 was available as a two-door in
EuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
,
AsiaAsia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
and
AustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, the American model was now only available in a four-door configuration. A 1.8 L
I4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
engine (only with 2WD) producing 92 kW (122 hp), 2.0 L
I4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
engine producing 148 hp, and a D-4D diesel engine were available. Some RAV4s came with
anti-lock braking systemAn anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
,
electronic stability controlElectronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
,
air conditioningAn air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, a height-adjustable driver's seat,
cruise controlCruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
, a six-speaker CD stereo and
power windowPower windows or electric windows as well as electric or power window lifts are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by depressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a hand-turned crank handle.- History :Packard introduced the first power windows in the 1940 Packard...
s,
mirrorA mirror is an object that reflects light or sound in a way that preserves much of its original quality prior to its contact with the mirror. Some mirrors also filter out some wavelengths, while preserving other wavelengths in the reflection...
s and seats. A sport package added a mesh grille, hood scoop, color-keyed door handles, a roof rack, silver sport pedals, heated mirrors, gray-painted bumpers and fender flares, and sport fabric seats. Other options included alloy wheels, heated seats, a sunroof and keyless entry. 16-inch wheels were standard; larger tires were available on all wheel drive models.
In late 2003, the 2004 model RAV4 was given a styling update, improved equipment, and, in certain markets, a new engine. In the United States the safety structure was improved and Vehicle Stability Control made standard. The RAV4's 2.0 L engine was upgraded with a new 2.4 L engine, producing 161 hp and 162 foot-pounds (219.6 N·m). Fuel economy improved by over 2%. The base Edge was renamed CV, and gained standard air conditioning (previously an option). The CV also received painted bumpers, which came in either silver or body-coloured shades, depending on the body colour. In addition, the model range was given a subtle facelift, consisting largely of a new front bumper with circular fog lights.
In 2005, a new "CV Sport" model was added to the range, which included a non-functional bonnet (hood) scoop, giving the RAV4 a more aggressive appearance. The CV Sport model was short-lived, lasting only a year, and was introduced primarily to stimulate sales until the new model arrived in early 2006.
The second generation RAV4 enjoyed success in Australia, where it became the best-selling SUV in the country in 2001, overtaking its rival, the
Honda CR-VThe Honda CR-V is a compact suv, now called crossover, manufactured since 1995 by Honda. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets...
, for the first time.
Notably, the second-generation RAV4 had the highest proportion of female drivers among all makes and models in the United States with the possible exception of the
Volkswagen New Beetle-Specifications:*Dimension:**Length: **Width: **Height: **Wheelbase: **Curb weight: *Max speed: 177–210 km/h *Acceleration : 6.5-13.2 sec-Body styles:-Engine choices:-Safety:...
, according to 2003–04 registration and survey data.
Third generation (XA30, 2005–present)
The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform and was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new RAV4 uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
The third generation RAV4 is offered in two versions: a short- or a long-wheelbase model. The short-wheelbase model is sold only in Japan and Europe, with the long-wheelbase RAV4 sold in Australia and North America. Since 2007, the extended-length RAV4 is also sold alongside its shorter counterpart in Japan as the
Toyota Vanguard, albeit with a revised front-end body work incorporating a revised grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps.
Japanese models went on sale in 2005 at Toyota Netz dealers. The 2-door was dropped beginning with 2007 model, leaving Toyota without a mini SUV until the 2009
Toyota Urban CruiserThe Toyota Urban Cruiser is a mini MPV that is currently produced by Japanese automaker Toyota. It was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production. It slots below the Toyota RAV4 to compete against small crossover SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Soul, while also attracting buyers of...
, which is sold in Europe,
North AmericaNorth America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
(as
Scion xDThe Scion xD is a five-door hatchback subcompact marketed in the US and Canada by Japanese manufacturer Toyota beginning with the 2008 model year — replacing the xA. The Scion xD and the second generation xB were first shown to the public on February 8, 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show...
) and
JapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
(as
Toyota istThe Toyota ist is a subcompact car made in Japan by Toyota.It is exported to the United States as the Scion xA and Scion xD and to Europe as the Urban Cruiser.-First generation:...
).
It is also the first generation of RAV4 to be offered in regular (for Asian and European markets, dropping the spare wheel from the rear) and extended (for North American and Australian markets) versions. The extended-length RAV4 is larger by 21% in interior volume from the last generation and now has an available third-row seat for two small children (North America only). The RAV4 can still be had in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive in North America and Japan; however most countries only sell the all-wheel-drive version.
2008 Facelift
In 2008 (for the 2009 model year) RAV4 was given a mid-cycle refresh in some markets, featuring a number of changes, including an all-new 4-cylinder engine, and a redesigned front end and tweaked rear end. The Limited model gets a different front grille and bumper cover from other models. The Sport model features a bigger spoiler and red badging along with an option on the
V6A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
model to have a rear door without the externally-mounted spare tire (run-flat tires are used on this model). New features/options include turn signal mirrors, backup camera (with monitor built into rear view mirror), satellite navigation, smart keyless entry, a push button starter, a multifunction meter display, etc. Much of the interior remains the same. In 2009, it was also the first time for the Canadian market to have a 2WD model sold in
CanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
2011 Facelift
In 2011 (for the 2012 model year) the RAV4 underwent another facelift. It had a new front and rear fascia and a shirt-mud soccer wall.
RAV4 EV
A battery electric version of the third generation is planned for release in early 2012.
Japan
Model ranges include
X,
G, and
Sport, replacing
RAV4 L and
RAV4 J. The
X and
G can be ordered with either front-drive or AWD. The
Sport model with over fender is AWD only. The extended-length RAV4 is sold in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, released on August 30, 2007. It is sold in five- and seven-passenger versions and slots between the regular RAV4 and Kluger. As it is often the case in Japan-only vehicles, the Vanguard comes loaded with high-tech gadgets, including steering-assisted stability control, keyless entry and satellite navigation. The Toyota Vanguard was facelifted in 2010.
Australia
In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in 4-cylinder base
CV,
Cruiser,
Cruiser L and the limited edition Altitude trim levels, and
CV6,
SX6, and
ZR6 6-cylinder variants.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, only the 2.0 automatic variant is available, in a single trim level. This model uses the
1AZ-FE 4-cylinder, in-line 16-valve engine with DOHC and
VVT-iVVT-i, or Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Toyota, similar in performance to the BMW's VANOS. The Toyota VVT-i system replaces the Toyota VVT offered starting in 24 December 1991 on the 5-valve per cylinder 4A-GE engine. The...
. The output for the 2.0 L RAV4 in Malaysia is at 112 kW (150 hp) at 6,000 rpm with a torque of 194 Nm (143 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm.
North America
North American models include choices of 2.4 L
2AZ-FE I4 or 3.5 L
2GR-FE V6 engine. The V6 model has 269 hp. In model year 2009 a slightly larger 2.5 L
2AR-FE I4 replaced the previous 4-cylinder engine. Either 4-cylinder engine came equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The North American RAV4 with 3.5 L
2GR-FE V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
is fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The
2GR engine was later introduced into the Australian market RAV4 in 2007. All US models feature Toyota's Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control. The new RAV4 topped Toyota SUV sales in the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for the first time.
No manual transmission or diesel engines are available on North American models.
Facelifted for the 2009 MY North America models include the choice of a new
2AR-FEThe AR engine family is a straight-4 piston engine series by Toyota, first introduced in 2008 for the RAV4, and subsequently for the Highlander, Venza, and Camry.The AR series uses a die-cast aluminium engine block and aluminium DOHC cylinder head...
I4 or
2GR-FE V6 engine. On
Consumer Reports test loop the 4-cyl RAV4 tops its class in fuel economy with 23 mpg. In a
Car and Driver comparison involving seven other compact SUVs the V6 RAV4 tied the 4-cyl Honda CR-V for best observed fuel economy at 24 mpg.
Mexico
The RAV4 first model year was 2004; then only came in 2 trim levels: Base and L. This was already an outgoing generation but still sold pretty well and both came in 2WD mode only and both models had as a standard equipment 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rack. The new generation of the RAV4 which is the current one had more variations in the standard equipment and the Base and Limited trims continue to be available but on the Limited trim 4WD became an option and the Base model now had 17-inch steel wheels but the roof rack was still standard in both trims.For the refresh of 2009 the roof rack in the Base model was eliminated as a standard equipment and the Sport trim was added to the lineup and previously until the 2008MY all RAV4s in Mexico had 4 cylinder engines but for 2009 on the Sport model became available the V6 engine but also retained the 4 cylinder engine and the Limited trim was only available in the V6 engine and 4WD traction. For 2010 the RAV4 in Mexico has been simplified again to 2 trims but now the Limited trim was dropped and consequently killing the 4WD mode meanwhile the Base and Sport trims are remain unchanged from 2009. The RAV4 in Mexico has experienced good acceptance since its introduction.
Body Styles
| Chassis codes (DBA-A) | ACA31W | ACA36W | ACA33L | ACA37L | GSA30 | GSA35 |
| Drive |
4WD |
FWD |
4WD |
FWD |
FWD |
4WD |
| Engine (Japan) |
2AZ-FE |
2AZ-FE |
| Engine (China) |
| 2AZ-FE |
1AZ-FE |
| Engine (Europe) |
| 2GR-FE |
2GR-FE |
Engines
| Code | Years | Type/code | Power, torque@rpm |
| 1AZ-FE (2.0 VVT-i) |
2005- |
1.998 l (121.8 cu in) (86.0×86.0mm) I4 |
112 kW@6000, 192 newton metre@4000 |
| 1AZ-FE (2.0 VVT-i) |
2007MY-2008MY (UK) |
1.998 l (121.8 cu in) (86.0×86.0mm) I4 |
112 kW@6000, 194 newton metre@4000 |
| 2AZ-FE |
2005- |
2.362 l (144 cu in) (88.5×96.0mm) I4 |
125 kW@6000, 224 newton metre@4000 |
| 2AR-FE |
2009MY- |
2.494 l (152.1 cu in) I4 |
133 kW@6000, 233 N·m (172 ft·lbf)@4000 |
| 2GR-FE |
2005- |
3.456 l (210.7 cu in) (94.0×83.0mm) V6 |
201 kW@6200, 333 newton metre@4700 |
| 3ZR-FAE (2.0 Valvematic) |
2008- |
1.987 l (121.2 cu in) (80.5×97.6mm) I4 |
116 kW@6200, 198 N·m (146 ft·lbf)@4400 (4000?) |
| 2.0 D-4D |
2005-2006MY |
1.995 l (121.6 cu in) (82.2×94.0mm) I4 |
85 kW@4000, 250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)@1800-3000 |
| 2.2 D-4D Diesel |
2007MY-2008MY |
2.231 l (136 cu in) (86.0×96.0mm) I4 |
100 kW@3600, 310 N·m (229 ft·lbf)@2000-2800 |
| 2.2 D-4D Diesel 180 (UK) |
2007MY |
2.231 l (136 cu in) (86.0×96.0mm) I4 |
130 kW@3600, 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf)@2000-2600 |
| 2.2 D-4D, 2.2 D-CAT (UK) |
2008- |
2231 l (136,036.6 cu in) (86.0×96.0mm) I4 |
110 kW@3600, 340 N·m (251 ft·lbf)@2000-2800 |
| 2.2 D-CAT |
2008- |
2.231 l (136 cu in) (86.0×96.0mm) I4 |
130 kW@3600, 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf)@2000-2800 |
Production
The vehicles were built in Toyota's
Tahara, Aichiis a city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. As of August 2011, the city had an estimated population of 63,886 and a population density of 338 persons per km². The total area was 188.81 km².-Geography:...
assembly plant, and under contract by
Toyota IndustriesToyota Industries Corporation is a Japanese machine maker. Originally a manufacturer of automatic looms, it is the company from which Toyota Motor Corporation developed.-History:...
in its Nagakusa,
Obu, Aichiis a city located in Aichi, Japan.As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 77,324 and the density of 2,295.84 persons per km². The total area is 33.68 km².The city was founded on September 1, 1970.-External links:*...
plant. Beginning in November 2008, the North American vehicles were built in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. Second Plant. Beginning in March 2009, Chinese models began production in by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. in a joint-venture plant in Tianjin, China.
Gallery
Sales
| Calendar year |
US |
Canada |
| 2000 |
53,777 |
? |
| 2001 |
86,368 |
? |
| 2002 |
86,601 |
? |
| 2003 |
73,204 |
? |
| 2004 |
70,314 |
? |
| 2005 |
70,518 |
? |
| 2006 |
152,047 |
? |
| 2007 |
172,752 |
? |
| 2008 |
137,020 |
20,522 |
| 2009 |
149,088 |
25,784 |
| 2010 |
170,877 |
22,810 |
External links