RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 can be a Crossover SUV from Toyota. It had been the most important compact crossover SUV, introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and beginning sales in North America in 1996. The vehicle was for the purpose of consumers wanting a vehicle which in fact had the primary advantages of SUVs, just like for example increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, below your sink maneuverability and better fuel economy of a particular smaller car. Its name is short for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive”, although it is not all RAV4s have four-wheel drive, which is then optional a number of countries. The early success of your respective RAV4 lead the way for any other compact SUVs for example the Ford Escape in addition to Subaru Forester.

In all of the countries, the RAV4 will be your only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is now the crossover counterpart with regards to FJ Cruiser. Ever since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions side of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are retailed in Japan and Europe, with Australia and Canada And America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota in Japan also sells the longer version given that the Toyota Vanguard.

The RAV4 was originally depending on Corolla platform, and was offered in both two- and four-door versions. In america, a 2.0 L straight-4 producing 89 kW (120 hp) was offered. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were available, in addition to RAV4 are likely to be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The sport was ultimately named the 1997 Automobile of each and every Year by Automobile Magazine. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled located on the front and back fascias, in addition to a soft-top two-door was made available. Power was increased slightly to 95 kW (127 hp). In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped coming from a American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models. In Japan, the 2.0 L 3S-GE BEAMS engine with 132 kW (177 hp) seemed to be available.

Your current free generation RAV4 went at a discounted price in the heart of 2000, and came in base Edge and upmarket Cruiser models (model designations can vary greatly as mentioned in market), in both 3- and 5-door configurations. The main differentiation relating to the two models was a student 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 backed up with a brand-new 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine featuring VVT (variable valve timing), resulting in improved power and torque, and in addition fuel consumption. Permanent all-wheel-drive had been a feature. Options were ABS brakes (located on the Edge), and air conditioning (on all models).

Free of charge generation RAV4 was originally offered in numerous trim levels: NV was 2-wheel drive, while NRG, GX, and VX were permanent 4-wheel drive with differing levels of it technology. It continued found on the Corolla platform. And also the RAV4 was available just like a two-door in Europe, Asia and Australia, the American model was now only for sale in a four-door configuration. A 1.8 L I4 engine (only with 2WD) producing 92 kW (122 hp), 2.0 L I4 engine producing 110 kW (148 hp), and also a D-4D diesel engine were available. Some RAV4s were included 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.

In late 2003, the 2004 model RAV4 was given a styling update, improved equipment, and, in certain markets, a new engine. Nationwide the safety structure was improved and Vehicle Stability Control made standard. The RAV4’s 2.0 L engine was upgraded with an all new 2.4 L engine, producing 120 kW (161 hp) and 162 pound-feet (220 N·m). Miles per gallon improved by over 2%. The beds base Edge was renamed CV, and gained standard air conditioning (previously an option). The CV also received painted bumpers, which came in a choice of silver or body-coloured shades, with respect to the body colour. In most cases, the model range was given a subtle facelift, consisting largely of your local new front bumper with circular fog lights and white turn signals rather than the older orange lights. Electric air conditioning also arrived on the scene in Europe.

In 2005, a new “CV Sport” model was added to the product 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 through to the new model found its way to early 2006.

As soon as generation RAV4 enjoyed success in Australia, where it took over as best-selling SUV Around in 2001, overtaking its rival, the Honda CR-V, to get the first time.

Notably, the second-generation RAV4 had the very best proportion of female drivers among all makes in the world when using the possible exception of the particular Volkswagen New Beetle, as stated by 2003-04 registration and survey data.