The Evolution of the Toyota RAV4
From rugged runabout to hybrid powerhouse—what’s next for Australia’s favourite SUV?
Few vehicles have shaped the modern SUV market like the Toyota RAV4. Launched in the 1990s as a compact, go-anywhere crossover, the RAV4 has grown into a category-defining vehicle—combining everyday practicality with bold design and cutting-edge hybrid technology. And now, a new chapter is officially on the way. Toyota has confirmed that the all-new, sixth-generation RAV4 will be, marking the next evolution of one of Australia’s most beloved vehicles. Let’s take a look back at how far the RAV4 has come—and what we know about what lies ahead.
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.
A New Era for Australia’s Favourite SUV: The 2026 RAV4
A New Era for Australia’s Favourite SUV: The 2026 RAV4
Toyota has officially announced the next-generation RAV4, set to arrive in 2026. As Australia’s favourite SUV, the new model is expected to bring a new PHEV power train, smarter tech, enhanced safety features, and fresh design updates—marking an exciting new chapter in the RAV4 legacy.
With You Since the Start: Our RAV4 Story
At New Town Toyota, we’ve been part of the RAV4 journey from the very beginning. Since opening our doors in 1992, we’ve helped thousands of Perth drivers discover the reliability, innovation, and versatility that the RAV4 is known for. As one of Australia’s top 20 Toyota dealers, we’ve proudly seen the RAV4 evolve through every generation—and we’re just as excited as you are for what’s next.