The Evolution of the Toyota RAV4

A New Concept is Born

The RAV4 story began with the RAV-FOUR concept, unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota envisioned a compact recreational vehicle with four-wheel drive—a bold new idea at the time.

The production version debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1993 and landed in Australia in July 1994. The name stood for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive”—and it lived up to that promise.

First Generation: The Crossover Pioneer

The original RAV4 helped pioneer the crossover segment in Australia. Designed for urban drivers, it offered:

• Fully independent suspension and a monocoque body (not a traditional chassis)
• Car-like handling with genuine off-road ability
• A bold, eye-catching design with curved lines
• A 96kW 2.0L twin-cam engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto

Initially launched as a 3-door, it expanded to a 5-door model in 1995 and even a convertible (Cabrio) in 1998.

Second Generation: Bigger and More Refined

The second-gen RAV4 arrived in July 2000, larger in every dimension and loaded with more features. Available in both 3-door and 5-door formats, it now offered:

• A 110kW engine (later upgraded to 120kW in 2003)
• Enhanced safety with twin airbags
• Remote central locking, power windows, and CD player
• Full-time AWD with a viscous-coupled centre differential

This model built on the RAV4’s versatility, attracting a broader market of family and adventure-focused drivers.

Third Generation: Roomier, Stronger, More Powerful

In 2006, Toyota launched a completely reengineered RAV4:

• Longer wheelbase and wider track for more cabin space
• 125kW engine with part-time AWD and manual AWD lock
• Optional 3.5L V6 with 201kW and 333Nm—Toyota’s most powerful naturally aspirated engine in Australia at the time

By 2010, a new front-wheel-drive base model was introduced to improve affordability and fuel economy. Safety features such as stability control became standard across the range.

Fourth Generation: Sharper, Safer, More Efficient

The 2013 RAV4 brought in:

• A sleeker exterior and sharper handling
• Multiple engine options, including:
• 2WD petrol (107kW/187Nm) with CVT
• AWD petrol (132kW/233Nm)
• Turbo-diesel (110kW/340Nm)
• Improved safety with available active safety tech and trailer sway control

By 2017, Toyota made advanced driver assistance systems standard:
Pre-collision system, lane departure alert, autonomous emergency braking, and more.

Fifth Generation: The Hybrid Game-Changer

Released in 2019, the fifth-gen RAV4 raised the bar with:

• Toyota’s TNGA platform—lower centre of gravity, stronger chassis, improved handling
• Class-leading safety features across the range
• Australia’s first hybrid SUV option from Toyota
• Hybrid variants offered:
• 2.5L petrol-electric powertrains producing 160kW (2WD) and 163kW (AWD)
• Topping the range: the adventure-ready Edge AWD with a 152kW/243Nm 2.5L petrol engine and 8-speed auto

In 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE mid-grade hybrid and expanded hybrid availability across all variants. 2022 brought multimedia upgrades and next-gen safety.