Toyota RAV4

Infobox Automobile
name = Toyota RAV4


manufacturer = Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Industries Corporation
class = Compact crossover SUV
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
production = 1994–present

The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The car was 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. The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and the Subaru Forester. 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. [cite book | last = Charman | first = Andrew | title = Total 4x4 | publisher = Parragon | year = 2006 | pages = 53 | isbn = 1405473401] In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the FJ Cruiser.

First generation (1994–2000)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation
aka = Toyota RAV4 EV


production = 1994–2000 (Gas-powered RAV4)
1997-2003 (EV)
body_style = 2-door SUV
4-door SUV
2-door convertible
engine = 2.0 L I4
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)
assembly = Toyota, Aichi, Japan
Tahara, Aichi, Japan
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)
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
fuel_capacity = 58 L (15.3 US 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 convert|120|hp|abbr=on was offered. Both Front wheel drive and Four-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.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 convert|60000|mi|km|sing=on 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.

A significant criticism of the gasoline-powered first generation RAV4s, often called '4.1s', was that they were underpowered, and had relatively poor fuel economy via their 3SFE engines that were designed for earlier Camrys and 1987-1989 Toyota Celica GT, 1990-1993 S-R and Z-R, as well as 1994-1999 SS-I. Later generations of RAV4s, the so-called '4.2s' and '4.3s', have addressed this concern.

econd generation (2001–2005)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Second generation


production = 2001–2005
body_style = 4-door SUV
2-door SUV (Not for North America
engine = 2.0 L I4
2.0 L diesel I4
2.4 L I4
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
fuel_capacity = 56 L (14.7 US gal)
wheelbase = 2490 mm (98.0 in)
assembly = Tahara, Aichi, Japan
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)
related = Toyota Corolla
Toyota Celica
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Voltz
Chevrolet Prizm
Pontiac Vibe

The second generation RAV4 was offered in a single trim level and still came with front or all-wheel drive. 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 convert|148|hp|abbr=on was the only engine 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.

In 2004, the RAV4 was slightly restyled, and a 2.4 L I4 engine producing convert|161|hp|abbr=on replaced the 2.0 L (Except most European models) engine as standard equipment. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls were made standard. The second generation RAV4 has proved extremely popular in Australia, where it became the best-selling SUV in the country in 2001. The Australian RAV4 were offered as base "Edge" and upmarket "Cruiser".

In 2004, it was the best-selling compact SUV. 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. [http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435226]

Third generation (2006–present)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Third generation


production = 2006–present
2006-2008 For SWB Model
body_style = 4-door SUV
aka = Toyota Vanguard (for LWB model)
engine = 2.0 L I4
2.2 L diesel I4
2.4 L I4
2.5 L I4
3.5 L V6
wheelbase = SWB: auto mm|2560|1
LWB: 2660 mm (104.7 in)
length = 2006-08 LWB: 4600 mm (181.1 in)
SWB: auto mm|4395|1
2009- LWB: Auto in|181.9|0
width = SWB: auto mm|1815|1
LWB: 1815 mm (71.5 in)
LWB Sport: auto in|73.0|0
assembly = Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Obu, Aichi, Japan
Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (from 2008)
height = LWB: 1685 mm (66.3 in)
LWB Sport & 2006-08 Limited: auto in|68.7|0
LWB Australia: auto mm|1695|1
SWB: auto mm|1720|1
2009- Limited LWB: Auto in|69.1|0
fuel_capacity = 60 L (15.9 US gal)
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic

The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, on an all-new platform. It still has the 2AZ-FE 2.4 L four-cylinder engine, which now produces convert|166|hp|abbr=on, up five from the previous year. The North American and Australian RAV4 is also fitted with the 2GR-FE 3.5 L V6 engine as an option. 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) and extended (for 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 two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive in the United States; however, most countries, including Canada, 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 4WD. The Sport model with over fender is 4WD only.In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in base "CV", mid-range "Cruiser", and top of the line "Cruiser L" trim levels. 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. However, when Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada assembly plant comes online in 2008, models sold in North America will be assembled exclusively there (effective May 2009).

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 6000 rpm with a torque of 194 Nm (143 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm.

Facelift of 2009

The 2009 year model gets freshened in North American markets with several upgrades the most noticeable being a new 4 cylinder engine. Some of the exterior upgrades include redesigned headlamps, tail-lamps, front grille & bumper and foglight trim. The limited gets a different front grill and bumper cover. The sport model features a bigger spoiler and red badging along with an option on the v6 to have the rear door without the spare. 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. With the option of run-flat tires, there is no spare tire mounted on the rear. Much of the interior remains same.

The 2009 RAV4's standard all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a low-friction design optimized for performance and fuel efficiency. It produces convert|179|hp at 6,000 rpm, along with 172 lb·ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM (versus convert|166|hp and 165 lb·ft. of peak torque of the previous 2.4-liter engine). The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (compared to the intake-only previous 2.4-liter engine). The 3.5l V6 engine continues.

References

External links

* [http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=MSR_RAV4 Official Toyota RAV4 site - UK] en icon
* [http://www.toyota.com/rav4/ Toyota RAV4 at Toyota.com]
* [http://www.toyotatruckclub.com TOYOTA Truck & SUV Club - Forums and More.]
* [http://rav4world.com/forums/index.php RAV4World] A community of RAV4 enthusiasts.
*http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showforum=79 - The forum for Uk Rav4 owners.
* [http://www.suvspecs.info/toyota-rav4 Toyota RAV4 Information] - Toyota RAV4 Information
* [http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2001112835567] - Toyota RAV4 Product History