Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel-drive is referred to as a “RAV4”, and the “J” in the abbreviation stands for “joyful.”
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What makes it the Toyota RAV4?
The unibody Toyota RAV4 has proven its durability despite being conceived in a time when body-on-frame SUVs were the norm; in fact, it may have helped bring in the current era of crossover SUVs that resemble cars. The RAV4 is currently in its fifth generation, having traveled a long and winding journey to become the brand’s best-selling car in the United States. We examine one of the most significant crossings in history right here.
Toyota RAV4 History: The Idea
The RAV4 would identify as a millennial if it were a person. At the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the compact crossover makes its premiere as the RAV Four concept. A modified idea that more closely matches the finished production model is unveiled by Toyota in 1993.
The concept is straightforward: develop a car that combines a passenger car’s on-road comfort with a light off-road SUV’s capability. The seemingly odd RAV4 moniker, which really stands for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD,” embodies this ethos for Toyota.
Toyota RAV4 History: First Generation – So Many Variants
In 1994, the final RAV4 production models reach Europe and Japan. In 1996, the crossover makes its American premiere. The RAV is powered by a 120-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in our country, which is mated to either a base five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The car is available from Toyota with two or four doors. The RAV4 sold roughly 300,000 units globally in its first three years on the market, according to Toyota. Comparatively speaking, Toyota currently sells more over 400,000 copies of the model annually in the United States alone.
To meet California’s zero-emissions regulations, an all-electric RAV4 with nickel-metal hydride batteries debuts in 1997. (Tom Hanks even gets his hands on one). Toyota continues to sell this model until 2003 before discontinuing it (both literally and figuratively speaking, that is).
Toyota releases a convertible RAV4 for 1998, and our testing shows that it can reach 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. The RAV4’s horsepower count also rises by seven at this time.
Toyota RAV4 History: Second Generation – Getting More Power
The RAV4 is frequently updated by Toyota to stay current, despite the fact that new competitors are starting to challenge it in the compact crossover SUV market. The 2001 Toyota RAV4 enters its second generation and welcomes extra power beneath its hood. We tested a front-drive version, which with the optional four-speed automatic transmission accelerates to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds and has 148 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. The task is completed in 8.9 seconds by an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a five-speed manual transmission.
For the 2004 model year, the RAV4 receives an upgrade to a 2.4-liter engine producing 161 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the all-wheel-drive RAV4 accelerates to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds with the four-speed automatic transmission and 7.8 seconds with the five-speed manual transmission.
Toyota RAV4 History: Third Generation – Upsizing
Toyota introduces a V-6 in the RAV4 for the first time for the 2006 model year. According to our tests, the 3.5-liter engine delivers an outstanding 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque, enabling the small crossover to reach 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. Four-cylinder vehicles have higher power as well. The four-pot RAV4 accelerates to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds with 166 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque.
The RAV4’s length in the United States increases by 14 inches. This not only makes it more useful but also permits it to gradually encroach upon the Highlander’s domain. There is also a third row available, however it is constrained at the back. The vehicle’s acceleration in V-6 version is enjoyable.
The steering rack is directly mounted to the frame, making the RAV4 more responsive than ever. Its reflexes are most noticeable in the V-6 Sport edition, where the RAV4 feels like a racing vehicle in hiking boots.
With the addition of a new 2.5-liter engine for 2009, the RAV4’s four-cylinder engine’s power increases once more, this time to 178 horsepower. While the V-6 model benefits from a five-speed self-shifting gearbox, the four-pot pairs with a traditional four-speed automatic. In the US, manual gearboxes are not available.
At the conclusion of the third generation of the RAV, Toyota makes another attempt at an electric vehicle. The Tesla battery pack and electric drivetrain that Toyota received enable the RAV4 EV to travel 100 miles on a single charge. The RAV4 EV has a sport mode that allows for more energetic driving and has a maximum output of 154 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. 2014 marks the conclusion of the model’s production.
Toyota RAV4 History: Fourth Generation – Time to Scale Back
At the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2012, the fourth-generation RAV4 makes its public debut. Toyota wants to make up for the shortcomings of the previous generation vehicle, which by the conclusion of its run was trailing the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V in sales. The third-generation RAV’s appeal as a compact, agile car was diminished as a result of its growth. Many of the most noteworthy changes from the previous model are undone in the newest RAV. Toyota eliminates the V-6 engine from the small crossover and instead offers just 2.5-liter four-cylinder variants in the United States with 176 horsepower. The old four-speed automatic is replaced by a brand-new six-speed model.
Toyota also eliminates the third-row seating options from the previous RAV. Going back to the fundamentals, the new RAV4 gains a little bit of breadth but loses almost two inches in length and an inch in height. The RAV4 converts to a more conventional design with a roof-hinged door instead of a single-hinged liftgate door. The model’s distinctive gate-mounted spare tire was also removed. The spare tire is now hidden beneath the floor, making it more useful but less entertaining.
Toyota unveils the RAV4 Hybrid for the 2016 model year, which shares its gasoline-electric powertrain with the Lexus NX 300h. The model generates a combined 194 horsepower using three electric motors and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In our tests, the RAV4 Hybrid achieves a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds. It should come as no surprise that the Hybrid outperforms the more leisurely 9.3-second run of a 2017 RAV4 SE that also undergoes our testing given that it is more powerful than the ordinary RAV4. Perhaps more significantly, the Hybrid outperforms other crossovers in our Real MPG tests, averaging 34.3/39/36.3 mpg in the city, highway, and combined.
Toyota RAV4 History: Fifth Generation – Era of TNGA
The fifth-generation RAV4 makes its debut for the 2019 model year and once again changes the game. It takes a boxy shape, giving it a more classic, tough SUV appearance. The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which the tiny crossover is now built upon, significantly enhances the RAV’s ride and handling. Unfortunately, despite these significant updates, the RAV4 still falls short of dominating its fiercely competitive class. The RAV4 finished fourth out of eight compact SUVs in our comparison test, in large part because of its unrefined chassis and powertrain.
Toyota introduces a TRD Pro Off-Road version for the 2020 model year. We value its capacity to embark on sand and dirt excursions despite the fact that it is not an off-road warrior.
Toyota adds the Prime, a plug-in hybrid model with a 42-mile range on electricity alone, to the RAV4 roster for the 2021 model year.
By a wide margin, the RAV4 is currently Toyota’s best-selling car in the United States. Toyota outsold Camry, which came in second with 336,978 units sold, with 448,071 copies sold in 2019.
How is the Toyota RAV4 spelled?
The Toyota RAV4 is a consistently popular SUV that has a variant for every price range. The LE trim, which is the most expensive, is quite basic, but the Limited, with its numerous luxurious extras, can compete with the Lexus NX. With its tough design, the new TRD Off-Road variant, which promises enhanced capability when hitting the trails, fits in perfectly with the Toyota 4Runner SUV and the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Although the ute’s driving dynamics lean toward the humdrum, most buyers will appreciate the 2020 RAV4’s smooth ride and pleasing handling. Legroom is abundant in both the front and back seats, which will suit adults. Additionally, the cargo room rivals the best in the sector. If you’re looking for fuel efficiency, take a look at the RAV4 Hybrid, which we review separately.
Cost of a Toyota RAV4
What Is the Price of the Toyota RAV4? The starting price of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is $26,525, which is a little higher than normal for the compact SUV segment. Several midrange trims are available, with prices ranging between $28,000 and $33,000. Retail prices for the top Limited and TRD Off-Road variants exceed $35,000.
Why are RAV4s so well-liked?
The Toyota RAV4 would likely rank among the top selections to describe adaptability in a vehicle.
The Toyota RAV4 was specifically created, according to history, for customers who desired an SUV that could be as nimble and economical as a tiny vehicle. One might therefore say that it was designed with versatility in mind, and happily, it has maintained this culture, making the RAV4 the best-selling crossover SUV.
Up to five passengers can fit comfortably in the RAV4. The rear seats’ ability to fold in a 60/40 split to accommodate both people and cargo is even more intriguing.
Speaking of cargo room, the RAV4 offers customers up to 69.8 cubic feet of capacity when the back seats are folded down. There are still roughly 37.6 cubic feet available even when the back seats are full. For a crossover SUV, those are more than respectable stats.
Additionally, the Toyota RAV4 approaches this differently and creatively than many other vehicles on the road, which simply feature vents at the front. The RAV4’s rear passengers have a separate vent all to themselves, which greatly improves comfort.
The RAV4 also offers versions with dual automated climate control and heated seats as options. The RAV4 basically seduces customers into an implicit allegiance covenant with these features, which provide maximum comfort. One of the best-kept secrets to the RAV4’s success is this.
How dependable is the RAV4?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Toyota RAV4 is ranked third among 26 compact SUVs. It offers great ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $429.
Do Toyota RAV4 issues frequently arise?
Treat each one with caution even if this model year isn’t quite as awful as the others on the list. If you’re considering purchasing a model from this year, we advise thorough inspection. Numerous consumers have reported gearbox problems to Car Complaints, and the NHTSA has received hundreds of reports of fuel system faults. Although it might not apply to everyone, carefully review vehicle history reports.
Consumer Reports advises against purchasing the 2019 Toyota RAV4. With a dismal score of 2, reliability and owner satisfaction were rated equally. According to CR, the overall value, trunk space, road noise, and minor transmission problems are some of the greatest problem areas.
Which RAV4 model year is best?
Here is a succinct explanation of the Toyota RAV4’s best and worst years: The 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years of the Toyota RAV4 are some of its best iterations. On the other hand, the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2013, and 2019 models should be avoided.
A RAV4 is it an SUV?
Honda CR-V The RAV4 seats five passengers and starts at a comfortable price, making it a wonderful option for explorers. Other Toyota SUVs seat seven to eight passengers.
How does Camry work?
Camry definition Kanmuri, which means “crown” in Japanese, is the root of the word “Camry.” It’s a fitting name for the vehicle, which can legitimately claim to be a jewel in Toyota’s crown after being the best-selling vehicle in America for 12 years running.
What does the Japanese word “Corolla” mean?
The Toyota Corolla, also known as the Toyota Karra in Japanese and Hepburn, is a line of tiny vehicles that the Toyota Motor Corporation manufactures and sells all over the world. The Corolla, which debuted in 1966, was the best-selling vehicle globally by 1974 and has remained so ever since. The Toyota Corolla surpassed the Volkswagen Beetle to become the most popular brand globally in 1997. [1] In 2021, Toyota sold 50 million Corollas throughout twelve generations, marking a significant milestone. [2]
The word “Corolla,” which is Latin for “little crown,” is a part of Toyota’s naming history for sedans, which uses names drawn from the Toyota Crown.
[3] Up until 2000, only Toyota Corolla Store locations in Japan were authorized to sell the Corolla, which was also produced in Japan alongside a twin known as the Toyota Sprinter. The hatchback companion was known as the Toyota Auris from 2006 to 2018 in Japan and much of the rest of the world, as well as from 2018 to 2020 in Taiwan.
The majority of the early vehicles had rear-wheel drive, whereas the latter variants had front-wheel drive. It has undergone multiple significant redesigns and is also available in four-wheel drive versions. The Nissan Sunny, which debuted in Japan the same year as the Corolla and was followed by the Nissan Sentra, Nissan Sylphy, Honda Civic, and Mitsubishi Lancer, were the Corolla’s traditional rivals. According to Toyota’s engine and chassis codes, the Corolla’s chassis designation code is “E”.