Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV developed by Toyota. For the first time, this car was introduced in Europe and Japan in 1994, and pretty soon it became popular in the North American markets too.

First Generation (XA1, 1994–2000)

The first generation Toyota RAV4 was developed on platform of Corolla, and was provided in both 2 and 4-door editions. For the U.S versions, this car was delivered with a 2.0 L straight-4 engine that could offer 120 hp (89 kW) of power.

At that time, this car was available in both rear-wheel drive and front wheel drive and its engine was mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.

During 1998, the RAV4 was a bit redesigned on the rear and front fascias, and marketed with a soft-top 2-door. For this model, power was slightly upgraded to 127 hp (95 kW). For American versions, the 2-door hardtop was stopped from 1999, leaving the soft-top and 4-door models.

Second Generation (CA20W, 2001–2005)

The 2nd generation RAV4 was manufactured in 2000 and rolled out into the markets in 2001, and it sustained up to 2005. At that time, it was provided in Cruiser and Base Edge models in both three- and five-door configurations. The important difference between these two models was exterior design:

Edge models were designed with

• side cladding,
• unpainted grey bumpers,
• featured steel rims, and
• door handles

In case of Cruiser models, they were equipped with

• mirrors,
• body-colored moldings and bumpers,
• ABS brakes,
• alloy wheels, and
• door handles.

All models were designed with a new 2.0L 4-cylinder engine along with

• VVT (variable valve timing),
• upgraded torque and power.

All models were featured with a standard all-wheel-drive. On these models, air conditioning came as optional feature, whereas ABS brakes were offered on the Edge model only.

The 2nd generation RAV4 was basically offered in following versions:

• NV with 2-wheel drive,
• GX,
• NRG, and
• VX with permanent 4-wheel drive.

It was produced as a 2-door coupe in Australian, Asian, and European markets. But, the American version was produced in a 4-door pattern. It was produced with a 2.0 L I4 engine that could produce 148 hp (110 kW) of power. Along with the standard engine, an optional D-4D diesel engine was available too.

Some RAV4s designed with

• electronic stability control,
• anti-lock braking system,
• a height-adjustable driver’s seat,
• air conditioning,
• a six-speaker CD stereo,
• power windows, mirrors and seats, and
• adaptive cruise control.

Sport equipment included

• a hood scoop,
• mesh grille,
• a roof rack,
• color-keyed door handles,
• silver sport pedals,
• gray-painted fender flares and bumpers,
• sport fabric seats, and
• heated mirrors.

The added goodies on the top-end trim were

• heated seats,
• alloy wheels,
• a keyless entry and sunroof,
• 16-inch standard wheels, and
• larger tires.

Third Generation (CA30W, 2005–Present)

During the third generation launched in in 2005, the Toyota RAV4 was entirely modified on fresh platform. It was released at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

For this generation, it was provided in two editions; a longer, and a short wheelbase model.

The short wheelbase version was traded only in European and Japanese, whereas the longer-wheelbase model was sold in North American and Australian markets.