The exclusive story of the Toyota RAV4: five generations of the world’s most successful SUVs



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The compact SUV segment, developed by Toyota, quickly became popular. In 1994, the RAV4’s first year of production, around 53,000 of these models were sold. A year later, that number doubled, and a year later it tripled. With each generation, sales grew and in 2019. The result is 17 times better than in 1994. With the RAV4, the entire generation of competitors has grown: almost all manufacturers have at least two compact SUV models in their range.

The first generation is the debut of a new segment.

1994 Toyota has introduced a compact urban-style SUV, creating a new segment of automobiles. The first RAV4 had three doors and its body was only 3.69m long. The longitudinally mounted 2-liter gasoline engine reached 129 hp, and the transmission provided continuous four-wheel drive. It wasn’t just the usual features of off-road SUV models: slower gears. low gear)

Velocita Photo / Toyota RAV4 I generation

Velocita Photo / Toyota RAV4 I generation

The compactness and high seat position made it extremely easy to maneuver, and its handling and comfort were more reminiscent of conventional hatchbacks than all-wheel drive models. 1996 The range was complemented by a 4.1m long five-door model with the option of two-wheel drive (front). Later, a three-door model with removable soft top and RAV4 electric car, built before 2000, was developed.

The second generation: more freedom of choice

The second generation RAV4, built between 2000 and 2006, was developed on a completely new platform and slightly larger than the first model (5.5 cm for the three-door version and 4 cm for all five). Customers had a choice between two gasoline engines, which reached 123 or 150 hp, and the permanent all-wheel-drive system had a limited slip center differential and optional Torsen rear differentials. 2001 The RAV4 was first equipped with a 2-liter D-4D diesel engine, reaching 116 hp.

Velocita Photo / Toyota RAV4 Gen 2

Velocita Photo / Toyota RAV4 Gen 2

The third generation: only five doors

The third-generation RAV4, produced between 2006 and 2012, has grown significantly and only a five-door body has been ordered. Toyota made this decision in response to customer needs: They wanted an even more spacious car, and the three-door body finally became obsolete. New power plants have also appeared: four petrol and one diesel.

Photo Velocita / Toyota RAV4 of the third generation

Photo Velocita / Toyota RAV4 of the third generation

Toyota’s new all-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled clutch, the operation of which depends on the car’s speed, throttle position, steering angle, and G-forces acting on the model, debuted on this model. The RAV4’s handling has been further improved with the introduction of Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control.

Fourth generation: with an even more advanced AWD system

2013 A fourth generation model was introduced compared to the previous one, lengthened by 23.5 cm. The choice of engines has changed to two gasoline and two diesel engines, and the car has been distinguished by even more advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) technology with an intelligent “Dynamic Torque Control” torque distribution system. It had two new features: increased cornering stability and a sporty driving mode.

Photo Velocita / Toyota RAV4 fourth generation

Photo Velocita / Toyota RAV4 fourth generation

2016 The RAV4 has been updated for the most part in its history, with a fully hybrid version introduced. Toyota’s first compact hybrid SUV had a power plant of up to 197 hp for smooth acceleration to 100 km / h. In just 8.3 seconds, the lowest fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the class: 4.9 l / 100 km and 115 g / km, respectively.

For the fifth time: a completely new platform

The fifth-generation RAV4 was introduced in 2018 and debuted in Europe in 2019. It is the first SUV to be built on top of Toyota’s newly redesigned Platform, which provides excellent handling and safety. The fourth generation hybrid system of this RAV4, combined with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine, offers high power and efficiency. As before, this one stands out with the lowest fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in its class.

Velocita Photo / Fifth Generation Toyota RAV4

Velocita Photo / Fifth Generation Toyota RAV4

2020 The fifth generation model will be complemented by another technical innovation: the first RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. It will be the most powerful RAV4 ever developed, reaching 306 hp and offering excellent dynamic performance as well as exceptionally low fuel consumption and carbon emissions.



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