The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV from Toyota. It was the first compact crossover SUV, introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and beginning sales in North America in 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 and better fuel economy of a smaller car. Its name stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all RAV4s have four wheel drive, which is optional in some countries. The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester. In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the FJ Cruiser. Since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are retailed in Japan and Europe, with Australia and North America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota in Japan also sells the longer version as the Toyota Vanguard.
The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform and was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new RAV4 uses an Electric Power Steering (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 and Europe, with the long-wheelbase RAV4 sold in Australia 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. Japanese models went on sale in 2005 at Toyota Netz dealers. The 2-door was dropped beginning with 2007 model, leaving Toyota without a mini SUV until the 2009 Toyota Urban Cruiser, which is sold only in Europe. It is also the first generation of RAV4 to be offered in regular (for Asian and European markets, dropping the spare wheel from the rear) and extended (for North American and Australian markets) versions. The extended-length RAV4 is larger by 21% in interior volume from the last generation and now has an available third-row seat for two small children (North America only). The RAV4 can still be had in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive in North America and Japan; however most countries only sell the all-wheel-drive version.
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, the North American vehicles were built in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. Second Plant.[13][14] Beginning in March 2009, Chinese models began production in by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. in a joint-venture plant in Tianjin, China.Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Engine(s) 2.0 L 1AZ-FE I4
2.2 L 2AD-FTV turbodiesel I4
2.2 L 2AD-FHV D-CAT turbodiesel I4
2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4
2.5 L 2AR-FE I4
3.5 L 2GR-FE V6
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
CVT
Wheelbase SWB: 2,560 mm (100.8 in)
LWB: 2660 mm (104.7 in)
Length 2005-2008 LWB: 4,600 mm (181.1 in)
SWB: 4,395 mm (173.0 in)
2009- LWB: 181.9 in (4620 mm)
Width SWB: 1,815 mm (71.5 in)
LWB: 1815 mm (71.5 in)
LWB Sport: 73.0 in (1854 mm)
Height LWB: 1,685 mm (66.3 in)
LWB Sport & 2006-2008 Limited: 68.7 in (1745 mm)
LWB Australia: 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
SWB: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
2009- Limited LWB: 69.1 in (1755 mm)
Toyota Rav-4 Car Test
