Toyota RAV4 History
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The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV built by the Japanese automaker since 1994. The vehicle, however, didn’t reach the U.S. until two years later where it would enter the market as the first compact SUV and help pave the way for rival models like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute.
The RAV4 entered the market during the height of the SUV craze--at a time when new car buyers were seeking vehicles with the taller ride-height, four-wheel drive capability and extra storage space of a full-size SUV but with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a regular car. With Toyota’s reputation for reliability and a reasonable starting price of $21,675, the RAV4 remains a winning formula and one that most of its rivals have successfully emulated.
The first generation of the RAV4 was originally based on the Corolla platform and came with a 120 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available in some markets. The second generation of the RAV4 arrived in time for the 2001 model year and came packing a more potent 148 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. A facelift was implemented for the 2004 model year, consisting primarily of new bumper designs, and the 2.0-liter engine was upgraded to a 161 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder mill.
The Toyota RAV4 was subsequently updated again for the 2006 model year, this time receiving an all-new platform and the choice of four- and six-cylinder powertrains. No major changes have been implemented since then except the introduction of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the base engine in the 2009 model along with some slight styling revisions. This means that the 2010 Toyota RAV4 is available with either the base 179 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the top-spec 269 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. A manual transmission option is not offered on the RAV4, so instead the four-cylinder model makes do with a four-speed automatic while the V-6 model gets a five-speed auto. Fuel economy comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model and 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the V-6.
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show Toyota showed off a slightly refreshed RAV4 that’s expected to come onto the market later this year as a 2011 model. Changes to the vehicle were limited to slight revisions of the headlights and bumpers.
