The RAV4 compact crossover is released by Toyota on May 10, 1994, in Japan, ushering in the era of car-based crossovers and SUVs.
Beginning with briefings in 1986, Toyota engineers sought to create a vehicle that passenger-car operators could easily drive, with greater maneuverability and a relatively high driver’s seat to enhance visibility.
The small crossover debuted as the RAV Four concept at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota introduced a revised version of the concept at the 1993 Tokyo auto show that more closely resembled the final production version. In addition to Japan, the RAV4 was initially sold in Europe, with U.S. sales beginning in early 1996.
The RAV4 named was a contraction of “recreational active vehicle” with “four-wheel drive.”
The first-generation RAV4 featured a frameless, car-like monocoque body and a front-wheel-drive-based, full-time four-wheel-drive system, making it a new type of four-wheel-drive vehicle designed for on-road driving.
Two inline four-cylinder engines were available: a new 2.0-liter D-4 direct-injection unit used on the 4wd model, and a 1.8-liter featured on the 2wd model.
The transmission was either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
The recipe featured the platform used for the Corolla; the engine and some driveline components were borrowed from the Camry/Carina, and the suspension and transmission were derived from the Celica GT-Four.
Toyota added a four-door model in April 1995 with the wheelbase extended by 210 mm and a 2wd model in September 1997 for those who did not require 4wd capability.
With car-like handling dynamics and the high seating position, the RAV4 also gained early appeal with female drivers.
Car and Driver, exploring 14 reasons the SUV and crossover have become so popular, called the first-generation RAV4 “the blueprint for the mainstream crossover.”
“Toyota’s new RAV4 seems to bridge the vast chasm between car and truck,” the magazine said in April 1996. “This little wagon with big wheels is a car and a truck.”
In 1997, an all-electric RAV4 with nickel-metal-hydride batteries was launched to meet California’s zero-emissions requirements.
The second-generation RAV4 went on sale in May 2000 with a larger body to improve appeal in overseas markets.
A V-6 was offered for the first time starting with the 2006 model year.
The fifth-generation RAV4, sitting on Toyota’s new global architecture, debuted at the New York auto show in March 2018.
The RAV4 is now Toyota’s bestselling model in the U.S. and cumulative global sales of the crossover passed 10 million at the end of February .