The is a

compact crossover SUV Compact crossover SUV is an automobile classification used mainly in North America to describe a segment of crossover SUV, a type of sport utility vehicle, between subcompact crossover SUV and mid-size crossover SUV. By late 2010s, the segment ...

produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer

Toyota is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on . Toyota is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing about 10 ...

. Considered the first ever compact crossover SUV, it made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 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 drive Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 ("four by four") or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer ca ...

, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a

compact car Compact car is a vehicle size class — predominantly used in North America — that sits between subcompact cars and mid-size cars. "Small family car" is a British term and a part of the C-segment in the European car classification. However ...

. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system. For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the at

Toyopet Store Toyota vehicles in Japan are distributed to numerous dealership chains throughout the country. Up to May 2020, each dealership chain had a different product offering, with some models restricted to one chain to maintain exclusivity. Since May 2020, ...

dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz. In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally. __TOC__

First generation (XA10; 1994)

The first-generation RAV4, known as the XA10 series, was constructed on a unique

platform Platform may refer to: Technology * Computing platform, a framework on which applications may be run * Platform game, a genre of video games * Car platform, a set of components shared by several vehicle models * Weapons platform, a system or ...

that shared

Carina Carina may refer to: Places Australia * Carina, Queensland, a suburb in Brisbane * Carina Heights, Queensland, a suburb in Brisbane * Carina, Victoria, a locality in Mildura Serbia * Carina, Osečina, a village in the Kolubara District ...

and

Corolla Corolla may refer to: *Corolla (botany), the petals of a flower, considered as a unit *Toyota Corolla, an automobile model name *Corolla (headgear) A ''corolla'' is an ancient headdress in the form of a small circlet or crown. It launched in Japan in May 1994. Design and development commenced in 1989 under code-name 153T, with design approval and start of production development in the second half of 1991 on the 3-door version and in 1993 for the 5-door version. In March 1995, the 5-door was launched and introduced to the US in January 1996, with standard dual airbags. The XA10 series was available in both three and five door versions. In the US, a 2.0-litre straight-four producing was available. Both

front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitu ...

and

were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed

automatic transmission An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving ...

. It was named the ''1997 Automobile of the Year'' by Automobile Magazine. The 1996-1997 model years had headlamps with a bracket push in type, dual filament bulb. The front running/turn signal lamps used older round socket dual filament bulbs. The rear used round socket type bulbs as well. In 1997 for the 1998 model year, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft top three-door was made available. Power was increased slightly to . In June 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the five-door and soft top models. The 1998-2000 models used a single filament headlamp, with two different beams per housing (low and high beam) opposed to the original single beam with dual filaments. The rear lamps use the more modern rectangular style bulbs (7440/7443). The interior has subtle changes such as different colored seats, different colored door panels, extra cup holders on certain models (cigarette lighter/cup holder duo), and a digital odometer. In Japan, the 2.0-litre ''3S-GE BEAMS'' engine with was also available. Some variants of the 1998 Toyota RAV4 were labeled as SXA11 rather than XA10, paired with an owner-given name of "RAV 4.1".

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 California. Powered by an advanced Nickel-metal hydride (

NiMH NIMH may refer to: *Nickel–metal hydride battery (NiMH), a type of electrical battery *National Institute of Mental Health, an agency of the United States government *National Institute of Medical Herbalists, a professional organisation in the Un ...

) battery pack capable of storing 27 kWh, the RAV4 EV can go up to between charges, and came with a battery warranty. A total of 1,484 units were leased and/or sold in California, and as of mid-2012, almost 500 units were still in use.

Gallery

File:Toyota RAV4 106.JPG, Pre-facelift Toyota RAV4 5-door File:1997 Toyota RAV4 (SXA10R) Cruiser hardtop (2010-09-19).jpg, Facelift Toyota RAV4 hardtop (Australia) File:1998 Toyota RAV4 (SXA10R) softtop (2016-01-04).jpg, Facelift Toyota RAV4 softtop (Australia)

Second generation (XA20; 2000)

The second generation RAV4, known as the XA20 series, went on sale in July 2000. Like the previous model, the XA20 was available in three- and five-door configurations and was constructed on a

that shared

and

Corolla Corolla may refer to: *Corolla (botany), the petals of a flower, considered as a unit *Toyota Corolla, an automobile model name *Corolla (headgear) A ''corolla'' is an ancient headdress in the form of a small circlet or crown. The second generation RAV4 was originally offered in a number of trim levels in the UK: NV was front-wheel drive, while NRG, GX, and VX were permanent four-wheel drive with differing levels of equipment. Although the RAV4 was available as a three-door in Europe, Asia and Australia, the American model was only available in a five-door configuration. A 1.8-litre

inline-four engine A straight-four engine (also called an inline-four) is a four-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft. The vast majority of automotive four-cylinder engines use a straight-four layout (with the ...

(only with 2WD) producing , 2.0-litre inline-four engine producing , 2.4-litre inline-four engine producing , and a

D-4D Common rail direct fuel injection is a direct fuel injection system built around a high-pressure (over ) fuel rail feeding solenoid valves, as opposed to a low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors (or pump nozzles). High-pressure injection ...

diesel engine were available. Some RAV4s came with

anti-lock braking system An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maint ...

electronic stability control Electronic stability control (ESC), also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction ( skiddi ...

air conditioning Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...

, a height-adjustable driver's seat,

cruise control Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a ...

, a six-speaker CD

stereo Stereophonic sound, or more commonly stereo, is a method of sound reproduction that recreates a multi-directional, 3-dimensional audible perspective. This is usually achieved by using two independent audio channels through a configuration ...

and

power window Power windows or electric windows are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by pressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a crank handle. History Packard had introduced hydraulic window lifts (power windows) in fall of ...

mirror A mirror or looking glass is an object that reflects an image. Light that bounces off a mirror will show an image of whatever is in front of it, when focused through the lens of the eye or a camera. Mirrors reverse the direction of the im ...

s and seats. A sport package added a mesh grille, bonnet 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 wheels were available on four-wheel drive models. In Australia, the RAV4 came in base Edge and upmarket Cruiser models in both three- and five-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-colored (painted) bumpers and moldings, mirrors, and door handles, alloy wheels, and ABS brakes. All models came equipped with a brand-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine featuring VVT (variable valve timing), resulting in improved power and torque, as well as fuel consumption. Permanent four-wheel drive was a feature. Options were ABS brakes (on the Edge), and air conditioning (on all models). 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-V The Honda CR-V (also sold as the Honda Breeze in China since 2019) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1995. The early model was built using the same platform as the Civic. Honda began producing the ...

for the first time.

Facelift (2003)

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-litre engine was upgraded with a new 2.4-litre engine in the US, and Australia producing and . Other countries got mostly 5-door models with the 2.0 litre VVT-i engine. Automatic electric air conditioning also became available. European models got a new catalytic converter because of the new European emission policy. The new model also got an electric throttle. In Australia, for the facelift, 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-colored shades, depending on the body color. In addition, the model range was given a subtle facelift, consisting largely of a new front bumper with circular fog lights and white turn signals instead of the older orange lights. In 2005, a new "CV Sport" model was added to the range in Australia, which included a non-functional bonnet 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 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 The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the fron ...

, according to 2003–2004 registration and survey data. File:2003 Toyota RAV4 01.jpg, Facelift Toyota RAV4 hardtop (Japan) File:2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 4WD with L Package.jpg, Facelift Toyota RAV4 AWD with L Package (US) File:2003-2005 Toyota RAV4 (ACA23R) CV 01.jpg, Facelift Toyota RAV4 CV (Australia)

Third generation (XA30; 2005)

The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform, and was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. It uses an

electric power steering A power steering is a mechanical device equipped on a motor vehicle that helps drivers steer the vehicle by reducing steering effort needed to turn the steering wheel, making it easier for the vehicle to turn or maneuver at lower speeds. Hydrau ...

(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, Europe and New Zealand (diesel only in NZ), with the long-wheelbase RAV4 sold in Australia, New Zealand 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. When the larger XA40 arrived in 2012, the short wheelbase model was kept in production for the Japanese market and sold instead of the new version until 2016. Japanese models went on sale in 2005 at Netz dealers. The 3-door was dropped in the beginning of 2007, leaving Toyota without a mini SUV until the 2009 Urban Cruiser, which is sold in Europe, North America (as the

Scion xD The Scion xD (also known as the Toyota Ist in Japan, and, as the Toyota Urban Cruiser in Europe and Latin America) is a subcompact hatchback that is marketed in the U.S. and Canada by Japanese manufacturer Toyota beginning with the 2008 model y ...

) and Japan (as the Toyota ist). The XA30 series RAV4 was sold in Japan until July 2016, where the XA40 is not to be offered. Toyota discontinued the Vanguard in November 2013 in favour of the redesigned XU60 Harrier. The RAV4 continued to grow beyond the "compact car" segment in Japan due to enlarged exterior dimensions and engine displacement, placing it in the upper tax bracket as defined by Japanese government's dimension regulations and annual road tax obligations. It is also the first generation of RAV4 to be offered in regular length (for Asian and European markets, dropping the spare wheel from the rear) and extended length (for North American and Australian markets) versions. The extended-length version has an additional 21% in interior volume from the last generation, and had an optional third-row for two additional passengers (North America and Japan only). The RAV4 can still be had in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive in North America and Japan; however most countries only sell the four-wheel drive version. In 2008 (for the 2009 model year), the RAV4 was given a mid-cycle refresh in some markets, featuring a number of changes, including an all-new four-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 V6 model to have a rear door without the externally mounted spare wheel (

run-flat tire A run-flat tire/tyre is a pneumatic vehicle tire that is designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, and to allow the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds - under – and for limited distances – usually , depending ...

s are used on this model). New features/options include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, backup camera (with monitor built into rear-view mirror), satellite navigation, smart keyless entry, a

push button A push-button (also spelled pushbutton) or simply button is a simple switch mechanism to control some aspect of a machine or a process. Buttons are typically made out of hard material, usually plastic or metal. The surface is usually flat or ...

starter, a multi-function instrument cluster display, etc. Much of the interior remains as before. In 2009, it was also the first time that the Canadian market received a front-wheel drive model to lower the price of entry. In 2011 (for the 2012 model year), the RAV4 underwent another facelift, based on the Vanguard's styling. The vehicles were built in Toyota's

Tahara, Aichi is a city in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 60,206 in 22,576 households, and a population density of 315 persons per km2. The total area of the city is . Geography Tahara is situated in southern Aichi Prefec ...

assembly plant, and under contract by Toyota Industries in its Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi plant. Beginning in November 2008, vehicles for the North American market were built in the

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) operates automobile manufacturing factories in Ontario, Canada. It is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America, itself a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan. The plant assembles compact cro ...

Inc. at the new West Plant in

Woodstock, Ontario Woodstock is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The city has a population of 40,902 according to the 2016 Canadian census. Woodstock is the seat of Oxford County, at the head of the non-navigable Thames River, approximately 128 km from ...

. Beginning in March 2009, Chinese models began production by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. in a joint-venture plant in Tianjin, China. In 2015, the XA30 series RAV4 was awarded the WheelsTV pre-owned vehicle of the year title.

Safety

The RAV4 in its standard European configuration received 4 stars for adult occupants, 4 stars for toddlers, and 3 stars for pedestrians from

Euro NCAP The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a European voluntary car safety performance assessment programme (i.e. a New Car Assessment Program) based in Leuven (Belgium) formed in 1996, with the first results released in Februa ...

in 2006.

Markets

Japan

Model ranges include ''X'', ''G'' and ''Sport'', replacing ''RAV4 L'' and ''RAV4 J''. The ''X'' and ''G'' can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The ''Sport'' model with over fenders is four-wheel drive 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. Unlike the North American variant that came with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, the Japanese RAV4 (or Vanguard) came with a 7-speed Automatic Transmission from the K112 line also known as Super CVT-i Sports Sequential Shiftmatic. That was along with the upgraded 2AZ-FE that was rated at .

Australia

In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in four-cylinder base ''CV'', ''Cruiser'', ''Cruiser L'' and the limited edition "Altitude" trim levels, and ''CV6'', ''SX6'', and ''ZR6'' are 6-cylinder variants. The V6 was available from 2007.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre automatic variant is available, both in ''X'' and ''G'' trim. This model uses the ''1AZ-FE'' four-cylinder, inline 16-valve engine with DOHC and

VVT-i VVT-i, or Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Toyota. It was first introduced in 1995 with the '' 2JZ-GE'' engine found in the JZS155 Toyota Crown and Crown Majesta. The VVT- ...

. The output for the 2.0-litre RAV4 in Malaysia is at at 6,000 rpm with a torque of at 4,000 rpm while the 2.4-litre uses the ''2AZ-FE'' engine. Both the RAV4 and the Vanguard was available through general importers, but not officially sold by UMW Toyota Motor.

Middle East

In the Middle East, the RAV4 is available with a 2.4-litre engine. Most markets, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), get the four-wheel drive model with an automatic gearbox, but KSA additionally gets a two-wheel-drive model as well, the base one with a manual gearbox.

North America

North American models include choices of 2.4-litre ''2AZ-FE'' inline-four or 3.5-litre ''2GR-FE'' V6 engine. The V6 model has . In model year 2009, a slightly larger 2.5-litre ''2AR-FE'' inline-four replaced the previous 2.4-litre engine. Either four-cylinder engine came equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. The North American RAV4 with 3.5-litre ''2GR-FE'' V6 engine is fitted with a five-speed

. All US models feature Toyota's Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control. The new RAV4 topped Toyota SUV sales in the United States for the first time. No manual transmission or diesel engines are available on North American models. Facelifted for the 2009 model year, North American models include the choice of a new '' 2AR-FE'' inline-four or '' 2GR-FE''

V6 engine A V6 engine is a six-cylinder piston engine where the cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The first V6 engines were designed and produced independently by Marmon Motor Car Company, Deutz Gasmotoren Fabr ...

Mexico

The RAV4 was first introduced in 2004; and was only available in two trim levels: Base and L. This was already an outgoing generation but still sold pretty well and both came in 2WD only and both models had, as standard equipment 16-inch alloy wheels and a roof rack. The new generation RAV4, which is the current model, had more features as standard equipment. Base and Limited trims continue to be available, but on the Limited trim 4WD became an option and the Base model added 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 standard equipment and the Sport trim was added to the line-up. Up to 2008MY all RAV4s in Mexico had four-cylinder engines but for 2009 the Sport model became available with the V6 engine, although the four-cylinder engine was still available. The Limited trim was only available with the V6 engine and four-wheel drive. For 2010, the RAV4 in Mexico has been simplified again to two trims but the Limited trim was dropped and consequently removed the four-wheel drive option, while the Base and Sport trims remained unchanged from 2009. The RAV4 in Mexico has experienced good acceptance since its introduction.

China

The XA30 RAV4 commenced production in China in April 2009. Trim levels were the 2.0 Classic, 2.0 Luxury, 2.0 Luxury Navi, 2.4 Luxury and 2.4 Luxury Navi. The 2.0-litre '' 1AZ-FE'' and 2.4-litre '' 2AZ-FE'' were standard paired to a 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic gearbox. Pricing ranged from to ( to at the August 2019 exchange rate). The China-specific model had different styling compared to the those sold in other countries, with a black strip that was placed in between the radiator and license plate like a moustache. It also had chrome bars below the front and rear bumpers. The license plate was also moved to the bottom bumper area to make way for the RAV4 logo and a rear foglamp. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard.

Body styles

Engines

Gallery

File:2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport -- 09-08-2009.jpg, First facelift Toyota RAV4 Sport (US) File:2010 Toyota RAV4 Limited -- 12-12-2010 2.jpg, First facelift Toyota RAV4 Limited (US) File:2010 Toyota RAV4 (ACA33R) Altitude wagon 01.jpg, First facelift Toyota RAV4 Altitude (Australia) File:2010 Toyota RAV4 (ACA33R) Altitude wagon 02.jpg, First facelift Toyota RAV4 Altitude (Australia) File:Toyota RAV4 (III, Facelift) – Heckansicht, 13. Februar 2011, Mettmann.jpg, First facelift Toyota RAV4 (Germany) File:Toyota Vanguard.JPG, Pre-facelift Toyota Vanguard (Japan) File:2010 Toyota RAV4 XT-R D-Cat Automatic facelift 2.2 Front.jpg, Second facelift Toyota RAV4 XT-R (UK) File:2010 Toyota RAV4 XT-R D-Cat Automatic facelift 2.2 Rear.jpg, Second facelift Toyota RAV4 XT-R (UK) File:2008 Toyota RAV4 (GSA33R MY09) ZR6 wagon (2008-10-10) 01.jpg, Interior File:Toyota RAV4 EV with badge WAS 2012 0791 copy.jpg, Toyota RAV4 EV (US)

RAV4 EV

Toyota worked together with Tesla Motors to develop the second generation RAV4 EV, and the electric SUV was scheduled for market launch late in the third quarter of 2012. Production was limited to 2,600 units during the first three years, and sales were limited to California only, beginning with the

San Francisco Bay Area The San Francisco Bay Area, often referred to as simply the Bay Area, is a populous region surrounding the San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun Bay estuaries in Northern California. The Bay Area is defined by the Association of Bay Area G ...

, Los Angeles/ Orange County and

San Diego San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...

. The second generation RAV4 EV has a motor powered by a 41.8kWh

lithium ion battery A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery which uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy. It is the predominant battery type used in portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. It also see ...

pack, that Toyota expects to deliver a

US Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it be ...

rated range of in standard charge mode and in extended charge mode, for a combined range of ; and a combined fuel economy rating of . The RAV4 EV battery pack and electronic components are similar to those used in the

Tesla Model S The Tesla Model S is a battery-powered liftback car serving as the flagship model of Tesla, Inc. The Model S features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions of the Model S featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive ...

sedan launched in June 2012, because Tesla Motors is the manufacturer of the

powertrain A drivetrain (also frequently spelled as drive train or sometimes drive-train) is the group of components that deliver mechanical power from the prime mover to the driven components. In automotive engineering, the drivetrain is the components o ...

Fourth generation (XA40; 2012)

The fourth generation RAV4 was a complete redesign; it was revealed at the November 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Unlike the previous generations, it featured a rear liftgate rather than a side-opening rear door and no longer had the spare wheel mounted on the rear door. The RAV4 no longer offers a V6 engine like the previous generation—all engine choices were inline four-cylinder engines. Also, while the previous XA30 model was offered in regular and extended wheelbase lengths, the XA40 was only sold in a single wheelbase length (corresponding to the long wheelbase XA30). The full hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, a high voltage generator, a 204 cell

nickel–metal hydride battery A nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH or Ni–MH) is a type of rechargeable battery. The chemical reaction at the positive electrode is similar to that of the nickel–cadmium cell (NiCd), with both using nickel oxide hydroxide (NiOOH). Howe ...

located under the rear seats, a power control unit, and a power split device. RAV4 Hybrids were available in both front and four-wheel drive variants. The four-wheel drive came equipped with a second, 50 kW high-voltage, rear mounted electric motor that offers increased traction and a towing capacity. The rear's electric motor operates independently from the hybrid system front's electric motor, driving the rear wheels alone. US sales began in early January 2013.

Markets

For the Japanese market, the previous generation in short-wheelbase length remained on sale in Japan until 2016 instead of the newer, export only, XA40. The Harrier replaced the long-wheelbase model in Japan, previously badged as the Vanguard. In Australia, the fourth generation RAV4 went on sale in February 2013. Engine choices included a 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, and 2.0- and 2.2-litre turbo-diesels. Transmissions included a six-speed manual (UK/Australia only), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and six-speed automatic. The UK model went on sale in 2013. Early European models included a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol or one of three 2.0-litre diesel engines. The RAV4 manufactured in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada had about 50 percent of its parts coming from Japan. Taiwanese models included a 2.0-litre Dual VVT-i inline four-cylinder engine with 7-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (Sequential Manual) or 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i inline-four engine with six-speed automatic. Production in China commenced in August 2013 and was sold alongside the XA30 model for a short time. The XA40 RAV4 in China came standard with the 2 litre '' 6ZR-FE'' and 2.5 litre ''

5AR-FE The AR engine family is an Inline-4 piston engine series by Toyota, first introduced in 2008 for the RAV4, and subsequently for the Highlander, Venza, Camry and Scion tC. The AR series uses a die-cast aluminium engine block and aluminium DOHC ...

'' petrol engine. 6 speed manual, automatic and CVT gearboxes are standard. Seven trim levels were available with prices ranging from 183,800 to 272,800 yuan (US$25,680 to 38,120). Production in Russia started in August 2016.

Facelift (2015)

In 2015, for the 2016 model year, Toyota released a facelift for the XA40 series. The facelift debuted with the RAV4 Hybrid shown at the April 2015 New York International Auto Show. The facelift included redesigned LED front and rear lamps and updated speedometer dials with full color TFT multi information display. File:2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, front left, 11-15-2022.jpg, 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE (US; facelift) File:2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, rear left, 11-15-2022.jpg, 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE (US; facelift)

RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 Premium (2013)

Geneva MotorShow 2013 - Toyota Rav4 Adventure

The RAV4 Adventure is a concept vehicle that accentuated the car's look to reinforce its off-road capabilities. It included dark red body color, extended wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and matte painted front and rear bumpers. The RAV4 Premium is a concept vehicle with Deep Bronze body color, bumpers in Deep Bronze, chrome-finished spoiler, chrome inserts in the rear bumper, brushed aluminium skid plates, integrated tailpipe at the rear bumper, 20-inch wheels, leather interior upholstery designed by Toyota's Kansei design department, seats with black piping and V-shaped outline, two-tone double stitching and grey and black leather on the instrument panel and door panels. Both vehicles were unveiled in March 2013 at the

Geneva Motor Show The Geneva International Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva. The show is hosted at the Palexpo, a convention centre located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. The Salon is organised by t ...

. A production version of the RAV4 Adventure was added to the US lineup in September 2017.

Engines

Safety

The Japan--made RAV4 in its most basic Latin American configuration with 3 airbags received 5 stars for adult occupant and 4 stars for toddlers from

Latin NCAP The Latin New Car Assessment Programme (Latin NCAP) is an automobile safety assessment programme for Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 2010, it offers independent information to consumers about the safety levels of new cars in the ...

in 2015. The RAV4 in its standard European configuration received 5 stars from

in 2013. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluations, the 2013 and 2014 model year RAV4 achieved a "good"

crashworthiness Crashworthiness is the ability of a structure to protect its occupants during an impact. This is commonly tested when investigating the safety of aircraft and vehicles. Depending on the nature of the impact and the vehicle involved, different crit ...

rating for head restraints and seats, roof strength, side, and moderate overlap front, while achieving a "poor" rating in the IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Test. Modifications were made starting in the 2015 model year which increased the small overlap front rating to "good". The small overlap test, introduced in 2012 by the IIHS, simulates a frontal collision on 25 percent of the driver's side. Since its adoption, the IIHS has noticed several automakers making non-symmetrical modifications to their vehicles, including the RAV4. Another small overlap test was conducted on a number of vehicles, including a 2015 RAV4, but was conducted on the passenger side instead. The RAV4 fared the worst and would have received a "poor" rating if the IIHS were to provide ratings for passenger-side protection. The crash test's intrusion was further into the vehicle on the passenger's side than on the driver's side and caused the passenger door to open during the crash.

Fifth generation (XA50; 2018)

The fifth-generation RAV4 was unveiled at the March 2018 New York International Auto Show. The design was previewed by the FT-AC concept shown at the December 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is built on the same TNGA-K (GA-K) platform as the XV70 series Camry. Both 4-cylinder petrol-powered and petrol-electric hybrid (

Hybrid Synergy Drive Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), also known as Toyota Hybrid System II, is the brand name of Toyota Motor Corporation for the hybrid car drive train technology used in vehicles with the Toyota and Lexus marques. First introduced on the Toyota Prius, ...

) variants would remain available. Development of the model was led by chief engineer Yoshikazu Saeki. Built on the GA-K platform, the unibody chassis of the fifth-generation RAV4 is 57 percent more rigid than the previous generation. The model incorporates a multi-link rear suspension to which is claimed to provide more ideal damping for handling, lesser interior cabin noise, and enhanced ride comfort. For improved forward visibility around the

A-pillar The pillars on a car with permanent roof body style (such as four-door sedans) are the vertical or nearly vertical supports of its window area or greenhouse—designated respectively as the ''A, B, C'' and (in larger cars such as 4-door stati ...

, Toyota positioned the side mirrors lower on the doors. The lowered

beltline The Atlanta BeltLine (also Beltline or Belt Line) is a open and planned loop of multi-use trail and light rail transit system on a former railway corridor around the core of Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta BeltLine is designed to reconnect nei ...

and the enlarged rear quarter glass also increased the side visibility from inside the car. Forward visibility is also enhanced by the positioning of the lower instrument panel and tucked-in windshield wipers. The fifth-generation RAV4 also introduced a newly developed four-wheel drive system, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. Claimed to be a world-first adoption, it is a torque vectoring mechanism, which independently distributes torque to the left and right rear wheels according to driving conditions. A disconnect is incorporated to transmit driving force only to the rear wheels when 4WD is deemed unnecessary. For hybrid models, all-wheel drive model utilized the " E-Four"/"AWD-i" system. The updated system increases the total torque to the electronically driven rear wheels by 30 percent compared to the AWD system used in the previous generation. A new control system allows torque distribution to the front and rear wheels to be changed from between 100:0 to 20:80. A standard AWD system without torque vectoring is also available for petrol models. File:2019 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5L rear 4.14.19.jpg, Rear view File:2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure, front 5.15.22.jpg, RAV4 Adventure/Trail/Edge File:2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure in black, rear right.jpg, RAV4 Adventure/Trail/Edge File:DSC06531-Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.jpg, Interior

Markets

North America

The RAV4 went on sale in the United States in December 2018, while the RAV4 Hybrid went on sale in March 2019. It is available in five petrol trim levels which include the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure and Limited, and four hybrid trim levels which include the LE, XLE, XSE and Limited. Both Adventure and Limited grades are equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. It has Multi Terrain Select providing operators an ability to maximize traction when driving on sand, mud, rock, or dirt. North American market RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic. A 7-inch multi-touch screen is available standard, as well as the

Toyota Safety Sense A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system, or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In its ...

2.0. For the North American market, the RAV4 is built in two plants in

Ontario, Canada Ontario ( ; ) is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada.Ontario is located in the geographic eastern half of Canada, but it has historically and politically been considered to be part of Central Canada. Located in Central Ca ...

, while the RAV4 Hybrid is produced in

Georgetown, Kentucky Georgetown is a home rule-class city in Scott County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 37,086 at the 2020 census. It is the 6th-largest city by population in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It is the seat of its county. It was original ...

, United States. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is imported from the Nagakusa plant in Japan. In 2019, for the 2020 model year, the TRD Off-Road trim level was added to the lineup, making a total of ten trim levels available. In 2020, for the 2021 model year the XLE Premium Hybrid trim level is added to the lineup. Toyota also added new TRD-stamped stainless steel front skid plate for the TRD Off-Road. The SE Hybrid grade is added in 2021 for the 2022 model year. The Woodland Edition model was added in 2022 for the 2023 model year with standard hybrid powertrain, TRD bronze-coloured wheels, and roof rails. For the 2023 model, all RAV4 trims also received upgrade to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.

Europe

In the United Kingdom, the fifth-generation RAV4 is available exclusively in its hybrid version, either front-wheel drive or with four-wheel drive. It is available in four grades—Icon, Design, Excel and Dynamic. Ireland was the first market to release the Hybrid version of the fifth-generation RAV4 with delivery in late December 2018. The

GR Sport Toyota Gazoo Racing (or Toyota GR/TGR) is a motorsport/performance brand of the Japanese automaker Toyota. Many divisions in various racing disciplines use the branding, including Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Toyota's World Rally Championship te ...

grade was added in October 2022.

Japan

The fifth-generation RAV4 was unveiled in Japan in February 2019, and went on sale in April 2019. It marked the reintroduction of the RAV4 nameplate in Japan after almost three years of hiatus. Monthly sales target in Japan was set at 3,000 units, while grade levels available during launch are X, G, "Z package", Adventure, Hybrid X, and Hybrid G. Until 2020, the model was only available in Corolla Store and Netz dealership chains. The plug-in hybrid version called the RAV4 PHV was added in June 2020.

Southeast Asia

The fifth-generation RAV4 was also launched in Singapore on 10 January 2019 at the Singapore Motorshow and in the Philippines on 8 February 2019. In Malaysia, the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched in the country on 18 June 2020 and available in 2 engine options, the 2.0 M20A-FKS and 2.5 A25A-FKS, both in single trim only. As of August 2020, the 2.0-litre engine option was dropped.

South Africa

The fifth-generation RAV4 has been available in South Africa since March 2019 in five variants: 2.0 GX 2WD, 2.0 GX CVT 2WD, 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD, 2.5 VX CVT 2WD and 2.5 VX AT AWD, with the 2.5 GX Hybrid available since September 2021. The 2.0 GX 2WD trim is also available with 6-speed manual transmission. As of March 2022, the GX Hybrid was dropped in favour of the facelifted GX-R and VX e-Four Hybrids.

Australia

The fifth-generation RAV4 went on sale in Australia on 8 May 2019 and is available in four trim levels: GX, GXL, Cruiser and Edge. The GX, GXL and Cruiser trims have two engine options: the 2.0 L petrol and the 2.5 L hybrid, while the Edge trim has only one engine option: the 2.5 L petrol. The GX trim is available with either 6-speed manual transmission or CVT, while the GXL and Cruiser trims as well as the GX, GXL and Cruiser hybrid variants are only available with CVT. The Edge trim is available with 8-speed automatic transmission.

China

The fifth-generation RAV4 was also launched in China on 22 November 2019 at the Guangzhou International Motor Show. It is produced and sold by FAW Toyota. Another Chinese market variant with different front and rear fascias produced and sold by

GAC Toyota GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. () is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Guangzhou, China and a joint-venture between GAC Group and Toyota Motor Company for manufacturing Toyota's model platform in the Chinese market. It was founded ...

is called the Toyota Wildlander (). The PHEV version of the Wildlander was unveiled on 19 April 2021. File:Toyota Wildlander IMG001 (cropped).jpg, Toyota Wildlander (China) File:Toyota Wildlander Hybrid Shishi 01 2022-10-12.jpg, Toyota Wildlander Hybrid (China) File:Toyota Wildlander Hybrid Shishi 02 2022-10-12.jpg, Toyota Wildlander Hybrid (China)

RAV4 Hybrid

A hybrid variant of the RAV4 was announced available alongside the standard petrol variant and made available in March 2019. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and the hybrid system uses a 1.6 kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Fuel economy is estimated by the

EPA The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it be ...

in to be: * city: * highway: * combined: .

Plug-in hybrid electric

A plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) variant of the RAV4 was unveiled at the December 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle, called the RAV4

PHEV A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a hybrid electric vehicle whose battery pack can be recharged by plugging a charging cable into an external electric power source, in addition to internally by its on-board internal combustion engi ...

(RAV4 Prime in North America), is powered by a differently-tuned 2.5-litre '' A25A-FXS'' engine with the same power output as the standard hybrid version but with uprated torque to at 2,800 rpm. It has a total power output of , which is higher than the regular hybrid version. The RAV4 PHEV has a claimed acceleration from in 5.8 seconds and in 6.2 seconds, which, at the time of its introduction, made it the second quickest acceleration time in Toyota’s lineup after the GR Supra sports car. The sales have begun in Japan since 8 June 2020, initially sold as the RAV4 PHV. The "PHV" moniker was later dropped in October 2022.

2021 refresh

In September 2021, Toyota revealed the updated RAV4 with new LED projector type headlights, alloy wheels which can be had in either silver or black, USB-C charging ports, while the European market gains the new Adventure variant which has been offered in other markets like Japan, United States and Australia. Plug-in hybrids are still available with up to 306 PS and it has a claimed all-EV range of .

RAV4 GR Sport

In October 2022, the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport was launched in Europe with a firmer suspension, a sportier look and new 19-inch wheels.

Suzuki Across

Suzuki is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Minami-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan. Suzuki manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal co ...

- badged version of the RAV4 PHEV called Suzuki Across was introduced in July 2020, exclusively for the European market. The model was introduced to help Suzuki meet fleet-wide average emission targets in the European Union in 2021, as the Across offers a low 22 g/km emission figure. The Suzuki variant receives slim LED headlights, which appear to be identical to the Chinese market Toyota Wildlander, and a rounder front grille that differentiates the Across from the Toyota RAV4.

2022 update

The Suzuki Across received a minor update in November 2022, receiving the new touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster from the facelifted Toyota RAV4.

Mitsuoka Buddy

An aftermarket modified version of the RAV4, the Mitsuoka Buddy, made its debut in October 2020 for Japan only. The front fascia harkens back to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the rear is similar to the

Cadillac The Cadillac Motor Car Division () is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) that designs and builds luxury vehicles. Its major markets are the United States, Canada, and China. Cadillac models are distributed ...

cars of the 1970s. Engine options are 2.0-litre petrol and 2.5-litre hybrid.

Powertrain

Safety

In September 2019, ''

Teknikens Värld ''Teknikens värld'' ( en, World of Technology) is a leading motor magazine published in Stockholm, Sweden. History and profile ''Teknikens Värld'' was founded in 1948. The magazine is owned by Bonnier Group. Its publisher is Bonnier Tidskrifte ...

'' ran both the petrol and hybrid versions of the RAV4 on the

moose test The evasive manoeuvre test ( Swedish: ''Undanmanöverprov''; colloquial: moose test or elk test; Swedish: ''Älgtest'', German: ''Elchtest'') is performed to determine how well a certain vehicle evades a suddenly appearing obstacle. This test ha ...

, where both vehicles failed. The testers noted "dangerous behavior" on the cone course, and that the electronic stability control "engaged very late", causing both vehicles to hop up on their outer tyres multiple times during the test. In response to the findings, Toyota issued a software update. In January 2020, ''

'' retested the model giving it a passing mark. The Japan-made RAV4 in its most basic Latin American configuration with 7 airbags received 5 stars for adult occupants, 5 stars for toddlers and ''Advanced Award'' from

in 2019. The RAV4 in its standard European configuration received 5 stars from

in 2019.

Sales

References

External links

*
blog.toyota.co.uk : Vehicles : RAV4 History
(official site) {{Suzuki timeline (Europe) 1980 to date

RAV4 The is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. Considered the first ever compact crossover SUV, it made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 19 ...

Cars introduced in 1994 2000s cars 2010s cars 2020s cars Compact sport utility vehicles Crossover sport utility vehicles Front-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles Hybrid sport utility vehicles Plug-in hybrid vehicles Partial zero-emissions vehicles Vehicles with CVT transmission Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States Euro NCAP small off-road Latin NCAP small off-road