The is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. Having sold over 15million units worldwide , the RAV4 is the best-selling SUV of all time. The car is credited with popularizing compact crossover automobiles, often credited as the first modern compact crossover SUV. In February 2025, the RAV4 replaced the Ford F-150 as the best-selling car in the United States, after nearly four decades of the latter's reign.
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, along with the maneuverability of a mid-size car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", (occasionally "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 dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4s for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.
First generation (XA10; 1994)
The first-generation RAV4, known as the XA10 series, was constructed on a unique platform that shared Carina and Corolla elements. 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 and four-wheel drive were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. 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 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".
The 1996 RAV4 was rated for between 21 and 23 miles per gallon (4.2 to 4.8 gals per 100 miles) of combined city/highway driving.
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) 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.
Facelift (1997) 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 coloured seats, restyled steering wheel, different coloured door panels, extra cup holders on certain models (cigarette lighter/cup holder duo), and a digital odometer.
Safety +IIHS scores (1996 model year)Moderate overlap front (original test)Marginal
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 platform that shared Carina and Corolla elements. Development began in 1995, with a design freeze in the first half of 1998. Styling was done at Calty Design Research Incorporated (also simply known as Calty) by Yasuhide Hosoda and Kevin Hunter from 1996 to 1997.
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 (only with 2WD) producing , 2.0-litre inline-four engine producing , 2.4-litre inline-four engine producing , and a D-4D diesel engine were available.
In Australia, the RAV4 came in base Edge and upmarket Cruiser models in both three- and five-door configurations. 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 featured. 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 for the first time.
Facelift (2003) In late 2003 (for the 2004 model year), the RAV4 was given a styling update redesigned interior, improved equipment, and, in certain markets, a new engine. In the United States the safety structure was improved and Vehicle Stability Control made standard. Side airbags also began to be offered as an optional add-on. The RAV4's 2.0-litre engine was upgraded with a new 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engine in the US and Australia producing and . Other countries mainly received 5-door models with the 2.0-litre VVT-i engine. Automatic electric air conditioning also became available, as well as an electric throttle. In addition, European models received a new catalytic converter due to a new European emission policy for that year.
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-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 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, according to 2003–2004 registration and survey data.
Safety +IIHS scores (2001 model year)Moderate overlap front (original test)AcceptableSide impact (original test)Poor
+ IIHS scores (2004 model year)Moderate overlap front (original test)GoodSide (original test w/ optional side airbags)GoodSide (original test w/o optional side airbags)PoorHead restraints & seatsMarginal
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.
The third-generation RAV4 was offered in two versions: a short- or a long-wheelbase model. The short-wheelbase model was 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. In comparison with the previous generation model, the wheelbase of the short-wheelbase model was increased by , while exterior dimensions are longer and wider than the previous model. 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). From 2007, the extended-length RAV4 was also sold alongside its shorter counterpart in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, which uses a revised front-end body work incorporating a revised grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps.
The third-generation RAV4 went on sale in Japan in 2005 at Netz dealers. As the XA30 series RAV4 was not available with a 3-door option, the previous generation 3-door RAV4 was dropped in the beginning of 2007. The XA30 series RAV4 was sold in Japan until July 2016, where the XA40 was not to be offered. Toyota discontinued the Vanguard in November 2013 in favour of the redesigned XU60 Harrier.
For this generation, the RAV4 could be optioned with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive in North America and Japan; while most countries only sold the four-wheel drive version. In the Japanese market four-wheel drive RAV4, between 97 and 98 percent of power is typically distributed to the front wheels, until it senses a loss of traction then up to 45 percent of power will go the rear wheels. The European market model is able to be locked into a 50:50 ratio.
The third-generation RAV4 is also equipped with electric power steering (EPS) system, an optional keyless entry system marketed as Smart Entry and Start System and nine airbags for the first time. In the interior, the RAV4 uses a two-tiered instrument panel which was designed to improve the feel of roominess. Higher trims offered an improved audio system, larger centre screen, and dual-zone climate controls.
Another addition for the third-generation RAV4 is the option of a V6 engine in some markets. It is a 3.5-litre 2GR-FE petrol engine that is rated at , which is capable of acceleration in around six seconds.
The vehicles were built in Toyota's Tahara, Aichi 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 Inc. at the new West Plant in Woodstock, Ontario. 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.
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 was sold in Japan as the Vanguard, released on 30 August 2007 and offered in 240S and 350S grades. It was sold in five- and seven-passenger versions and slots between the regular RAV4 and Kluger. The Vanguard was sold by Corolla and Toyopet retail sales channels. Booth grades are powered by North American market RAV4. As it was 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 Vanguard received a facelift in 2010.
Unlike the North American variant that came with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, the Japanese RAV4 (or Vanguard) is equipped with a simulated 7-speed 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 .