|
Toyota RAV4 |
 |
| Manufacturer |
Toyota |
| Production |
1994–present |
| Assembly |
Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (from 2008) |
| Class |
Compact crossover SUV |
| Layout |
Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Similar |
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Mazda CX-7 |
|
First generation |
 |
| Production |
1994–2000 |
| Body style |
2-door SUV
4-door SUV
2-door convertible |
| Engine |
2.0 L I4 |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase |
2410 mm (94.9 in) |
| Length |
4160 mm (163.8 in) |
| Width |
1695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height |
1650 mm (65.0 in) |
| Fuel capacity |
58 L (15.3 US gal) |
| Related |
Toyota Corolla
Geo/Chevrolet Prizm |
|
Second generation |
 |
| Production |
2001–2005 |
| Body style |
4-door SUV |
| Engine |
2.0 L I4
2.0 L diesel I4
2.4 L I4 |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase |
2490 mm (98.0 in) |
| Length |
4230 mm (166.6 in) |
| Width |
1735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Height |
1680 mm (66.1 in) |
| Fuel capacity |
56 L (14.7 US gal) |
| Related |
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
Pontiac Vibe
Chevrolet Prizm |
|
Third generation |
 |
| Production |
2006–present |
| Body style |
4-door SUV |
| Engine |
2.0 L I4
2.2 L diesel I4
2.4 L I4
3.5 L V6 |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase |
2660 mm (104.7 in) |
| Length |
4600 mm (181.1 in) |
| Width |
1815 mm (71.5 in) |
| Height |
1685 mm (66.3 in) |
| Fuel capacity |
60 L (15.9 US gal) |
The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV
built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It was introduced in Japan
and Europe in 1994 and in North America in 1996 to cater to consumers wanting
a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room,
higher visibility, and the option of four-wheel drive, along with the
maneuverability and fuel economy of a smaller car. The early success of the
RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai
Santa Fe, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and the Subaru Forester. Its name
stands for "Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive," although not all
models have four-wheel drive as this is optional in some countries.
First generation (1994–2000)
The RAV4 was originally based on the Corolla platform, and was offered in
both two and four-door versions. In the US, a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 120 hp
was offered. 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. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear
fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available exclusively in the US
market. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup,
leaving the 4-door and soft-top models.
One interesting version, the RAV4 EV, was an all-electric 'zero-emission'
model offered for sale in low quantities in California. These models came with
a 60,000-mile battery warranty, and the vehicles still command high prices on
the used-car market. One sold in 2006 on eBay for over US$50,000.
A significant criticism of the gasoline-powered first generation RAV4s,
often called '4.1s', was that they were underpowered, and had relatively poor
fuel economy via their 3SFE engines that were designed for earlier Camrys and
Celicas. Later generations of RAV4s, the so-called '4.2s' and '4.3s', have
addressed this concern. Like most other Toyotas, all RAV4s have earned the
reputation of high reliability, and have enjoyed high resale values.
Second generation (2001–2005)
The second generation RAV4 was offered in a single trim level and still
came with front or all-wheel drive. It continued on the Corolla platform.
Although the RAV4 was available as a two-door in Europe and Asia, the American
model was now only available in a four-door configuration. A 2.0 L I4 engine
producing 148 hp was the only engine available. All RAV4s came with 16 inch
wheels, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, air
conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker
CD stereo and power windows, mirrors and optional heated 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, a sunroof
and keyless entry. Larger tires were also available on all wheel drive models.
In 2004, the RAV4 was slightly restyled, and a 2.4 L I4 engine producing
161 hp replaced the 2.0 L engine as standard equipment. The second generation
RAV4 has proved extremely popular in Australia, where it became the
best-selling SUV in the country in 2001. In 2004, it was the best-selling
compact SUV.
Third generation (2006–present)
The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, on an
all-new platform. It still has the 2.4 L four-cylinder engine, which now
produces 166 hp, up 5 from previous year. Unique to North America, the new
RAV4 also includes a new 3.5 L V6 engine from the Toyota Avalon, making
269 hp. The RAV4 is up by 21 percent in interior volume from the last
generation and now has an available third row seat for two small children (US
and Canada only). The RAV4 can still be had in either two-wheel drive or
four-wheel drive in the United States, however most countries, including
Canada, only sell the four-wheel drive version.
The third generation RAV4 is built on one of two possible wheelbases: a
short-wheelbase for the Asian and European markets, and long-wheelbase for the
North American market. In Australia, the long-wheelbase version is the only
version offered.
For now, RAV4s sold in North America are produced in Toyota's Tahara,
Aichi, Japan assembly plant. However, when Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
assembly plant comes online in 2008, models sold in North America will be
assembled exclusively there (effective May 2009).
Trivia
- In 2006, the RAV4 was the grand prize of Tim Hortons "Roll Up the Rim to
Win" contest. Two families began fighting over the RAV4 after their
daughters found the winning cup in the garbage.
