Toyota RAV4

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Toyota RAV4

Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Industries Corporation
Production	1994–present
Class	Mini SUV 1994-2005 Compact Crossover SUV 2006- present
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It was the first compact crossover SUV^[1] introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and sales began 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 full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and 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.^[2] In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Kuga, JDM Nissan Rasheen, and the Subaru Forester. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the FJ Cruiser.

[edit] First generation (1996–2000)

First generation

Also called	Toyota RAV4 EV
Production	1994–2000 (Gas-powered RAV4) 1997-2003 (EV)
Assembly	Toyota, Aichi, Japan Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 4-door SUV 2-door convertible
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 3S-FE (138HP)
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	4-door: 2410 mm (94.9 in) 2-door: 2200 mm (86.6 in)
Length	1998-2000 4-door: 4160 mm (163.8 in) 1998-99 2-door: 3750 mm (147.6 in) 1994-97 2-door: 3740 mm (147.2 in) 1994-97 4-door: 4150 mm (147.6 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1994-97 2-door FWD: 1646 mm (64.8 in) 4-door FWD: 1650 mm (65.0 in) 1994-97 2-door 4WD: 1655 mm (65.2 in) 4-door AWD & 1998-2000 2-door: 1661 mm (65.4 in)
Fuel capacity	58 L (15 US gal; 13 imp gal)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Tercel Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Geo/Chevrolet Prizm

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 straight-4 producing 120 hp (89 kW) was offered. Both Front wheel drive and all-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. Horsepower was increased slightly to 127. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models.

1998-2000 Toyota RAV4 convertible (US)

1998-2000 Toyota RAV4 4-door (US)

One interesting version, the RAV4 EV, was an all-electric 'zero-emission' model offered for sale in small quantities in California. These models came with a 60,000-mile (97,000 km) 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.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Second generation (2001–2005)

Second generation

Production	2001–2005
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan
Body style(s)	4-door SUV 2-door SUV (Not for North America
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 1AZ-FE 2.0 L diesel I4 1AZ-FSE 2.4 L I4 2AZ-FE
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2490 mm (98.0 in)
Length	2004-05: 4230 mm (166.6 in) 2001-03: 4193 mm (165.1 in)
Width	1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	2004-05: 1680 mm (66.1 in) 2001-03: 1650 mm (64.9 in)
Fuel capacity	56 L (15 US gal; 12 imp gal)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Celica Toyota Matrix Toyota Voltz Chevrolet Prizm Pontiac Vibe

The second generation RAV4 went on sale in the middle of 2000, and came in base Edge and upmarket Cruiser models (model designations may vary according to market), in both 3- and 5-door configurations. The main differentiation between the two models was in appearance. Edge models came with unpainted grey bumpers and side cladding, mirrors, and door handles, and featured steel rims. Cruiser models gained body-coloured (painted) bumpers and moldings, mirrors, and door handles, alloy wheels, and ABS brakes. All models came equipped with a brand-new 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine featuring VVT (variable valve timing), resulting in improved power and torque, as well as fuel consumption. Permanent all-wheel-drive was a feature. Options were ABS brakes (on the Edge), and air conditioning (on all models).

The second generation RAV4 was originally offered in a number of trim levels: NV was 2-wheel drive, while NRG, GX, and VX were permanent 4-wheel drive with differing levels of equipment.^[3] It continued on the Corolla platform. Although the RAV4 was available as a two-door in Europe, Asia and Australia, the American model was now only available in a four-door configuration. A 2.0 L I4 engine producing 148 hp (110 kW) and a D-4D diesel engine were available. Some RAV4s came with 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 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, heated seats, a sunroof and keyless entry. 16-inch wheels were standard; larger tires were available on all wheel drive models.

2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 (US)

In late 2003, the RAV4 was given a styling update, improved equipment, and, in certain markets, a new engine. The RAV4's 2.0 litre engine was upgraded with a new 2.4 litre VVT engine, producing 9% more power (120 kW) and 17% more torque. Fuel economy improved by over 2%. 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, largely comprising of a new front bumper with circular fog lights.

In 2005, a new "CV Sport" model was added to the range, which included a non-functional bonnet (hood) 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 enjoyed enormous 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.

Toyota RAV4 2 door

Notably, 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 2003-04 registration and survey data.^[4]

[edit] Third generation (2006–present)

It has been suggested that Toyota Vanguard be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

Third generation

Also called	Toyota Vanguard (for LWB model)
Production	2006–present
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (from 2008)
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 2.2 L diesel I4 2.4 L I4 2.5 L I4 3.5 L V6
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic CVT
Wheelbase	SWB: 2560 mm (100.8 in) LWB: 2660 mm (104.7 in)
Length	2006-08 LWB: 4600 mm (181.1 in) SWB: 4395 mm (173 in) 2009- LWB: 181.9 in (4620 mm)
Width	SWB: 1815 mm (71.5 in) LWB: 1815 mm (71.5 in) LWB Sport: 73.0 in (1854 mm)
Height	LWB: 1685 mm (66.3 in) LWB Sport & 2006-08 Limited: 68.7 in (1745 mm) LWB Australia: 1695 mm (66.7 in) SWB: 1720 mm (67.7 in) 2009- Limited LWB: 69.1 in (1755 mm)
Fuel capacity	60 L (16 US gal; 13 imp gal)

Debuting at the 2005 Frankfurt Autoshow, the Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform. The 2-door was dropped, leaving Toyota without a mini SUV until the 2009 Toyota Urban Cruiser, which is sold only in Europe. The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE four-cylinder engine continued but now produced 166 hp (124 kW) at 6,000 rpm, up five from the previous year, and 165 lb·ft (224 N·m) at 4,000 rpm.^[5] The North American RAV4 is also fitted with an optional 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine. This engine was later introduced into the Australian market RAV4 in 2007. The new RAV4 topped Toyota SUV sales in the United States for the first time. 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. All US models feature Toyota's Star Safety System.

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 four-wheel-drive in the United States and Canada; however most countries only sell the four-wheel-drive version.

JDM models are X, G, and Sport. The X and G can be ordered with either front-drive or AWD. The Sport model with over fender is AWD only.

In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in 4-cylinder base CV, Cruiser, and Cruiser L trim levels, and CV6, SX6, and ZR6 6-cylinder variants. The extended-length RAV4 is sold in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard.

Currently, the RAV4 is produced in two locations in Japan: Toyota's Tahara, Aichi assembly plant, and under contract by Toyota Industries in its Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi plant. Since November 2008, most RAV4s for North American consumption are built at Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada assembly plant, although some are still imported from Japan.

In Malaysia, only the 2.0 automatic variant is available, in a single trim level. This model uses the 1AZ-FE 4-cylinder, in-line 16-valve engine with DOHC and VVT-i. The output for this the 2.0 L RAV4 in Malaysia is at 112 kW (150 hp) at 6,000 rpm with a torque of 194 Nm (143 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm.

[edit] Facelift of 2009

The 2009 model year RAV4 was given a mid-cycle refresh in some markets, featuring a number of changes, including a new 4-cylinder engine, and a redesigned front end and tweaked rear end. The Limited model gets a different front grille and bumper cover from other models. The Sport model features a bigger spoiler and red badging along with an option on the V6 model to have a rear door without the externally-mounted spare tire (run-flat tires are used on this model). New features/options include turn signal mirrors, backup camera (with monitor built into rear view mirror), satellite navigation, smart keyless entry, a push start button, a multifunction meter display, etc. Much of the interior remains the same.

In North America, the 2009 RAV4 comes standard with an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder 2AR-FE (elsewhere, the 2.4-liter engine remains), which is a low-friction design optimized for performance and fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual VVT-i, which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (compared to the intake-only previous 2.4-liter engine). It produces 179 horsepower (133 kW) at 6,000 rpm, along with 172 lb·ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM (versus 166 horsepower (124 kW) and 165 lb·ft. of peak torque of the previous 2.4-liter engine). The 269 horsepower (201 kW) 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine option remains. ^[6]

The 2009 D-4D will be upgraded to 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 340 N·m (250 lb·ft). The 2009 2.0 will get Valvematic and produce 152 horsepower (113 kW) and 196 N·m (145 lb·ft).

2009 Toyota RAV4 base (US)

2009 Toyota RAV4 SWB (Japan)

2009 Toyota RAV4 Limited (US)

2008 Toyota RAV4 (GSA33R) ZR6 (Australia)

[edit] United States annual sales

[edit] References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Toyota RAV4

[edit] External links

• Official US Toyota RAV4 Site
• Official UK Toyota RAV4 Site
• Toyota RAV4 Product History
• JB car pages: Toyota RAV4
• RAV4 World
• UK RAV4 Owners Forum
• Toyota RAV4 Information
• Useful information about Toyota RAV4 for Russian Users