In the rear-view mirror: Toyota RAV4 celebrates its 30th birthday
In spring 1994, a new type of vehicle was presented at the Geneva Motor Show: a compact SUV - still an uncommon term at the time - with all-wheel drive and a monocoque body. The Toyota RAV4 was a maneuverable car with good space and a sporty design. The higher seating position provided a better overview and a safer driving experience, while off-road capability was combined with comfortable on-road driving characteristics. With this concept of a leisure SUV, the RAV4 has become a global bestseller in five generations over the past 30 years. In 2018 and 2019, it was even the world's best-selling SUV and reached the milestone of 14 million vehicles delivered by the end of 2023, including more than 2.5 million in Europe.
The idea for the RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive) was first presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1989. Although the RAV-FOUR concept vehicle was only a design study, it was so enthusiastically received by the public that the project was given the green light in 1991.
The first generation of the RAV4, produced from 1994-2000, was a compact three-door model with a length of just 3.69 meters and a strikingly rounded design. A rear-mounted spare wheel hinted at off-road capability, but the vehicle was equally suited to the urban environment. It was powered by a 129 hp, transverse-mounted 2.0-liter petrol engine and had permanent all-wheel drive.
New features included a lightweight monocoque body and independent rear suspension. The high seating position provided a better overview and its compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver. In 1996, a five-door, 4.10 meter long version and a front-wheel drive option were added to the range. A three-door version with a soft top also followed. In addition, a battery-electric version with front-wheel drive was offered on selected markets as early as 1997. It produced a modest 45 kW (63 hp), had nickel-metal hydride batteries in the vehicle floor and offered an estimated range of around 200 kilometers.
At the beginning of the new millennium, the second edition of the RAV4 (2000-2006) was launched. A new platform and suspension as well as the powerful all-wheel drive ensured comfortable handling both on and off the road. Both the three- and five-door models increased slightly in length by 5.5 and 4 centimeters respectively. Two petrol engines were offered: a 1.8-liter engine with 123 hp and a 2.0-liter engine with 150 hp, and from 2001 a diesel engine with 116 hp was also available for the first time.
In the third model generation (2006-2012), the RAV4 was based on a completely new platform. Only offered as a five-door model, it grew in length by an impressive 19 centimeters. A version with a long wheelbase was even offered in the USA and other markets. In terms of technology, a new all-wheel drive system made its debut with an electronically controlled clutch that worked automatically depending on vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, steering angle and G-forces. A hill descent assistant and a hill start assistant also found their way into the SUV model. The engine selection was also expanded and now included four petrol engines with a displacement of 2.0 to 3.5 liters as well as a new 2.2-liter diesel.
For the fourth generation (2013 - 2018) of the RAV4, the wheelbase was standardized worldwide. At the same time, the length of the model grew by another 23.5 centimetres compared to its predecessor, resulting in a 47 percent increase in trunk space. A new suspension improved ride comfort and at the same time ensured more active driving characteristics. The all-wheel drive system benefited from the new Dynamic Torque Control system as well as cornering control and a sport mode. In terms of powertrains, there was initially a choice of 2.0 and 2.5-liter petrol engines and 2.0 and 2.2-liter diesel engines, before a full hybrid version was introduced for the first time in 2016. The first hybrid compact SUV from Toyota offered a total system output of 197 hp in conjunction with the E-Four electronic all-wheel drive system.
The fifth generation was launched in Europe in early 2019. The current RAV4 was the first SUV based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, which features a low center of gravity, low weight and stable chassis for improved handling. In Western Europe, the model is now offered exclusively as a hybrid with the 2.5-liter hybrid engine. As a further technical innovation, the first plug-in hybrid version followed in 2020 as the most powerful RAV4 ever, with 306 hp and 75 WLTP kilometers of purely electric range.
The latest chapter in the history of the model series opens in 2023 with the RAV4 GR Sport, whose styling is inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing motorsport team. The sporty look with 19-inch alloy wheels is complemented by an optimized chassis with retuned suspension, stiffer springs and modified shock absorber settings for improved handling characteristics and a sporty driving experience. (aum)
More info for topic: Toyota RAV4 , 30 Jahre , Geburtstag
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Toyota RAV4, fifth generation since 2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fifth generation since 2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fifth generation since 2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fourth generation 2013-2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fourth generation 2013-2018.
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Toyota RAV4, third generation 2006-2012.
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Toyota RAV4, third generation 2006-2012.
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Toyota RAV4, second generation 2000-2006.
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Toyota RAV4, second generation 2000-2006.
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Toyota RAV4, second generation 2000-2006.
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Toyota RAV4, second generation 2000-2006.
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Toyota RAV4, third generation 2006-2012.
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Toyota RAV4, third generation 2006-2012.
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Toyota RAV4, fourth generation 2013-2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fourth generation 2013-2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fifth generation since 2018.
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Toyota RAV4, fifth generation since 2018.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Toyota
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Toyota RAV4, fifth generation since 2018.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Toyota
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