Toyota RAV4 EV

Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1997-2003
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Toyota City, Japan
Class	Mini SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	FF layout
Transmission	Fixed ratio
Wheelbase	94.9 in (2,410 mm)
Length	156.7 in (3,980 mm)
Width	66.7 in (1,694 mm)
Height	64.4 in (1,636 mm)

The RAV4 EV is an all-electric version of the popular RAV4 SUV produced by Toyota. It was leased from 1997 to 2003, and at the lessees' request, many units were sold after the vehicle was discontinued.^[1] A total of 1,484 were leased and/or sold in California to meet the state’s mandate for Zero-emissions vehicle.^[2] As of the second half of 2010 there are almost 750 units still in use.^[3]

Toyota worked together with Tesla Motors to develop the second generation RAV4 EV, and the electric SUV is scheduled for market launch late in the third quarter of 2012.^[2][4] Production will be limited to 2,600 units during the first three years, and sales will be limited to California only, beginning with the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego.^[5][6]

First generation[link]

The first fleet version of the RAV4 EV became available on a limited basis in 1997. In 2001 it was possible for businesses, cities or utilities to lease one or two of these cars. Toyota then actually sold or leased 328 RAV4 EVs to the general public in 2003, at which time the program was terminated despite waiting lists of prospective customers.

The RAV4 EV closely resembles the regular internal combustion engine (ICE) version - without a tailpipe - and has a governed top speed of 78 mph (~126 km/h) with a range of 100 to 120 miles (160 to 190 km). The 95 amp-hour NiMH battery pack has a capacity of 27 kWh, charges inductively and has proven to be surprisingly durable. Some RAV4 EVs have achieved over 150,000 miles (240,000 km) on the original battery pack. It was also one of the few vehicles with a single speed automatic transmission at that time.

Besides the batteries, controller and motor, the remaining systems in the RAV4 EV are comparable to the gasoline-powered RAV4, such as power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, tire wear and suspension components except for the power sources involved. The power brakes use an electric pump to provide vacuum instead of deriving vacuum from the engine manifold while the power steering and air conditioning systems use electric motors instead of mechanical energy delivered by fan belts. The passenger compartment is heated electrically.

Performance[link]

The RAV4 EV has a governed top speed of 78 miles per hour (126 km/h), a tested 0-60 time of around 18 seconds (depending on state-of-charge on the batteries) and a range of 80 to 120 miles (130 to 190 km). Mileage depends on the same factors as a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, mainly rolling resistance and average speed (aerodynamic drag).

The RAV4 EV has 24 12-volt 95Ah NiMH batteries capable of storing 27.4 kWh of energy.

Charging[link]

The RAV4 EV's batteries can be recharged from being fully depleted to fully charged in about five hours, and are monitored with a passive battery balancing system. Electricity is supplied via a Magne Charge inductive charging paddle^[7] from a wall-mounted 6000-Watt charging unit on a 220 volt, 30 amp, North American "clothes dryer"-type plug.

Mileage costs[link]

As of May 2006, charging a RAV4 EV from full-dead to full-charge, at a rate of US$0.09 per kilowatt-hour, costs around US$2.70. As of May 2008, based on a gasoline price-per-gallon cost of US$3.80 and up and the non-EV 2003 RAV4 2-wheel-drive gasoline fuel efficiency of 27 mpg_-US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg_-imp), the RAV4 EV costs approximately 25% as much to fully charge, and makes mileage in the RAV4 EV the cost equivalent to a 111.1 mpg_-US (2.117 L/100 km; 133.4 mpg_-imp) small SUV.

In addition, the RAV4 EV has a charge timer built into the dashboard that enables the vehicle to start charging at a specific time. As the RAV4 EV easily becomes the main cost of electricity in an average-sized home, this enables the owner to use a Time-Of-Day Meter to reduce electricity costs. This configuration is a standard practice with RAV4 EV owners. The price of electricity at night depends on the carrier, but is usually in the range of 60% of the normal rate. In the use of charging the RAV4 EV, this equates to a cheaper cost-per-mile, roughly equivalent to a vehicle capable of 166.6 mpg_-US (1.412 L/100 km; 200.1 mpg_-imp), based on a price of US$3.00 per gallon.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency listed mileage ratings for the RAV4 EV in its yearly Fuel Economy Guide from 2000 through 2003. The 2003 model recorded city mileage equivalent to 125 mpg_-US (1.88 L/100 km; 150 mpg_-imp), and 100 mpg_-US (2.4 L/100 km; 120 mpg_-imp) on the highway. Estimated combined mileage was 112 mpg_-US (2.10 L/100 km; 135 mpg_-imp).

For comparison, a reasonably modern European supermini may manage motorway travel at 5 L/100 km (56 mpg_-imp; 47 mpg_-US) or 6.5 L/100 km (43 mpg_-imp; 36 mpg_-US) in city traffic,^{[citation needed]} while an average North American mid-size car travels 9 L/100 km (31 mpg_-imp; 26 mpg_-US), 11 L/100 km (26 mpg_-imp; 21 mpg_-US) city.^{[citation needed]}

Consumable items[link]

The RAV4 EV's battery system is a consumable item. Toyota reports that battery pack replacement costs are currently higher than the value of the used vehicle.^[8] Toyota tested the RAV4 EV in Japan for 300,000 miles (480,000 km) over two years before introducing the vehicle in the United States. The economies of scale are affecting the replacement cost of the RAV4 EV.

Prototyping[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

RAV4 EV pre-production prototypes were first released in a confidential evaluation program with electric utilities throughout the U.S. These prototypes were based on the smaller, shorter, two-door version of the RAV4. The prototypes included some versions fitted with Panasonic NiMH batteries, and others with high-performance Panasonic lead–acid PbA batteries (the same ones that eventually found their way into the EV1 and other production GM electric vehicles). The RAV4 EV prototypes also were equipped with on-board level 2 chargers and connected via a front fender conductive charger coupling made by Yazaki Corporation. Both prototypes were well accepted.

The utility employee evaluators did not have to personally pay for the more costly and advanced NiMH batteries, and the NiMH RAV4 EV prototype received better reviews, due to its increased range. Its energy efficiency, however, was not as good as the PbA version. Due to the impracticality of developing two battery types for a limited volume program, Toyota opted for the higher-performance, higher-cost NiMH RAV4 EV. This resulted in a greater manufacturing cost, and higher purchase price.

A number of electric vehicle advocates voiced disappointment that the choice was made to manufacture only the NiMH version. Many electric vehicle advocates claim that automaker's choice of the NiMH battery worked against the 90's deployment of cost-effective electric vehicles based on PbA batteries, and that further development of lead–acid technology could result in performance equal to NiMH, but at a substantially lower price. Their argument is that a usable electric vehicle is possible at a substantially lower price, and that the lower purchase price would foster greater acceptance of electric vehicles.

Corporate purchasing[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Initially, RAV4 EVs were only available for three-year fleet lease, not for sale and not for lease to the public, at a few dealerships beginning in 1997. From 2001, leases were made available to small "fleets of one" purportedly run by small businesses.

Public availability[link]

Rear view of one of the 328 RAV4 EVs sold to the public.

In March 2002, due to a shift in corporate policy, the Toyota RAV4-EV was made available for sale to the general public, but only 328 of them sold. No one knows for certain what prompted Toyota to change their position on the RAV4-EV, since they had long since fulfilled their obligations under the MOA with the California Air Resources Board's zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate via its fleet lease program.

The MSRP was US$42,000; but in California, ZIP-grant rebates of US$9,000, decreasing in 2003 to US$5,000, and a US$4,000 credit from the Internal Revenue Service brought the price down to a more palatable US$29,000 (US$33,000 for some 2003 deliveries), including the home charger.^[9]

By November 2002, the 328 RAV4-EV’s Toyota had committed to were sold, yet demand was continuing to build. Toyota was caught off-guard by the extent of the demand because the vehicle's retail buyers had outsold the projections far faster than the vehicles could be supplied to market - despite very little advertising, and very little public awareness of the product.^{[citation needed]}

There was certainly a market for these vehicles, because many GM EV1, Ford Ranger EV and Honda EV Plus drivers had been reluctantly forced to surrender their cars – in some cases to the crusher – and had become disillusioned with the carmakers. Potential buyers were encouraged by the perception that Toyota was finally playing fair.^{[citation needed]}

More RAV4-EVs were sold than had been planned for manufacture through standard assembly line techniques. Toyota filled every order despite the fact that the last few dozen vehicles had to be assembled from spare parts due to a shortfall of production components (a significantly more expensive way of building a vehicle). This unexpected development caused deliveries to trickle on into September 2003. It also caused variations in the vehicles such as heated seats, retractable antennae, mats, etc.

Toyota RAV4 EV leased to the public, circa 2001.

Once the last of the 328 EVs was sold in November 2002, the website disappeared and the EV program was unceremoniously scrapped. No additional cars could be bought because Toyota didn’t have anything to sell. The RAV4-EV was based on the 1996-2000 gasoline powered RAV4, which had since been replaced. Toyota claimed that tens of thousands of orders would have been necessary for them to resume or continue production, and development time would have been a major obstacle.

Discontinuance[link]

Toyota discontinued the RAV4 EV program one day after the passing of new air-quality requirements by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB eliminated most of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) requirement, substituting a greater number of Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles (PZEVs) to meet the requirement.^{[citation needed]} A Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) category was also added. This program requirement was designed to obtain equivalent emissions reductions by substituting less expensive, more general purpose vehicles.

Continuing support[link]

Like other manufacturers, Toyota began destroying RAV4 EVs as they came off lease, after lease continuances were denied to owners. In 2005 an agreement was struck between Toyota and DontCrush.com (now PlugInAmerica.com) to stop the destruction and facilitate the continued operation of owned and leased vehicles.

Sales[link]

A total of 1,484 were leased and/or sold in California.^[2][10]

Chevron Patent incumbrance[link]

Whether or not Toyota wanted to continue production, it was unlikely to be able to do so because the EV-95 battery was no longer available. Chevron had inherited control of the worldwide patent rights for the NiMH EV-95 battery when it merged with Texaco, which had purchased them from General Motors. Chevron's unit won aUS$30,000,000 settlement from Toyota and Panasonic, and the production line for the large NiMH batteries was closed down and dismantled. This case was settled in the ICC International Court of Arbitration, and not publicised due to a gag order placed on all parties involved.^[11][12] Only smaller NiMH batteries, incapable of powering an electric vehicle or plugging in, are currently allowed by Chevron-Texaco.^[13]

Second generation[link]

Toyota RAV4 EV second generation prototype

Since May 2010, Toyota Motor Company and Tesla Motors worked together to develop the second generation RAV4 EV using Tesla's electric motor and batteries and Toyota's platform and body. The electric SUV was developed by Tesla and Toyota Technical Center U.S.A. in Michigan. The first prototype was built in just three weeks^[14] and began testing by July 2010.^[4][15] The RAV4 EV will be assembled in 2012 at Toyota's facility in Woodstock, Ontario along with the regular gasoline version. Tesla will build the electric powertrain at its plant at Palo Alto, California, and then ship them to Canada.^[16][17]

Toyota electric car badge used in the RAV4 EV

A second generation RAV4 EV demonstrator was unveiled at the November 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Toyota built 35 of these converted RAV4s (Phase Zero vehicles) for a demonstration and evaluation program that ran through 2011. The lithium metal-oxide battery and other power train components were supplied by Tesla Motors.^[18][19] The re-engineered RAV4 EV production version (Phase One vehicle) was unveiled at the May 2012 International Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.^[20]

The second generation RAV4 EV production models use the SAE J1772 charging standard,^[21] Early prototypes have a 660-pound lithium-ion battery pack with a 50 kWh total capacity, 37 kWh usable, and an estimated range of 80 to 120 mi (130 to 190 km).^[22]

The U.S. market launch is scheduled for late in the third quarter of 2012 starting at a price of US$49,800.^[6] Initially the RAV4 EV will be sold only in California, beginning with the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Production will be limited to 2,600 during the first three years.^[5][6][23] According to Toyota, the initial roll-out the RAV4 EV will be available to individual consumers and fleet customers.^[24] The RAV4 EV was one of the five finalists to the 2011 Green Car Vision Award.^[25]

See also[link]

• Patent encumbrance of large automotive NiMH batteries
• Chevron Corporation
• Toyota
• Electric vehicle
• Battery electric vehicle
• PZEV
• SULEV
• AT-PZEV
• Energy Conversion Devices Ovonics
• Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles
• List of modern production plug-in electric vehicles
• Plug-in electric vehicle

References[link]

External links[link]

This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links, and converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references. (August 2010)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Toyota RAV4 EV

• Toyota USA's official RAV EV web site.
• Darell Dickey's EVnut.com page including extensive, community-contributed FAQ for the RAV4 EV
• RAV4 EV Electric Vehicle Association
• RAV4 EV Discussion List
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• Who Killed the Electric Car?
• Two Cents per Mile: Will President Obama Make it Happen With the Stroke of a Pen?
• Plug In America
• Don't Crush
• US Patent No. 6,969,567 - Multi-cell battery
• NiMH modules from Saft France: 6V 200Ah
• Plug-In Toyota Announces Plug-in Hybrid Arriving Late 2009
• British electric car company basing some of the spec on experience with the Rav4 EV

Toyota RAV4

Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production	1994–present
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive

The Toyota RAV4 is a Crossover SUV from Toyota. It was the first compact crossover SUV,^[1] introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and beginning sales in North America in 1996. The vehicle was designed for 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 better fuel economy of a smaller car. 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.^[2] The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester.

In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the FJ Cruiser. Since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are retailed in Japan and Europe, with Australia and North America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota in Japan also sells the longer version as the Toyota Vanguard.

First generation (XA10, 1994–2000)[link]

First generation

Also called	Toyota RAV4 EV
Production	1994–2000 (Gasoline powered RAV4) 1997–2003 (EV)
Model years	1995–2000
Assembly	Toyota, Aichi, Japan Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Class	Compact Crossover SUV[3]
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV 2-door convertible
Engine	2.0 L I4 3S-FE (103 kW (138 hp)) 2.0 L I4 3S-GE (132 kW (177 hp))
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	4-door: 2,410 mm (94.9 in) 2-door: 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
Length	1998–2000 4-door: 4,160 mm (163.8 in) 1998–1999 2-door: 3,750 mm (147.6 in) 1994–1997 2-door: 3,740 mm (147.2 in) 1994–1997 4-door: 4,150 mm (147.6 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1994–1997 2-door FWD: 1,646 mm (64.8 in) 4-door FWD: 1,650 mm (65.0 in) 1994–1997 2-door 4WD: 1,655 mm (65.2 in) 4-door AWD & 1998–2000 2-door: 1,661 mm (65.4 in)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Tercel Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Geo/Chevrolet Prizm

The RAV4 was originally based on the Corolla platform,^{[citation needed]} and was offered in both two- and four-door versions. In the US, a 2.0 L straight-4 producing 89 kW (120 hp) was offered. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It was named the 1997 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available. Power was increased slightly to 95 kW (127 hp). In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models. In Japan, the 2.0 L 3S-GE BEAMS engine with 132 kW (177 hp) was also available.

RAV4 EV[link]

The RAV4 EV is a plug-in, all-electric variant of the RAV4. Produced from 1997 to 2003 for fleet lease, this ‘zero emission’ model was only offered for public sale for seven months in 2002, in very small quantities in California. Powered by an advanced NiMH battery pack capable of storing 27 kW h, the RAV4 EV can go up to 190 km (120 miles) between charges, and came with a 97,000 km (60,000 miles) battery warranty.^{[citation needed]}

Gallery[link]

1996–1997 Toyota RAV4 2-door (US)   1998–2000 Toyota RAV4 convertible (US)   1998–2000 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 5-door (Australia)

Second generation (XA20, 2000–2005)[link]

Second generation

Production	2000–2005
Model years	2001–2005
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan
Class	Compact Crossover SUV[3]
Body style	3-door hardtop 5-door wagon
Engine	2.0 L I4 1AZ-FE 2.0 L diesel I4 1CD-FTV 2.4 L I4 2AZ-FE
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2490 mm (98.0 in)
Length	2004–2005: 4,230 mm (166.5 in) 2001–2003: 4,193 mm (165.1 in)
Width	1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	2004–2005: 1,680 mm (66.1 in) 2001–2003: 1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Curb weight	1,150 kg (2,535 lb)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Celica Toyota Matrix Toyota Voltz Chevrolet Prizm Pontiac Vibe

The second generation RAV4 went on sale in the middle of 2000, and came in base Edge and upmarket Cruiser models (model designations may vary according to market), in both 3- and 5-door configurations. The main differentiation between the two models was in appearance. Edge models came with unpainted grey bumpers and side cladding, mirrors, and door handles, and featured steel rims. Cruiser models gained body-coloured (painted) bumpers and moldings, mirrors, and door handles, alloy wheels, and ABS brakes. All models came equipped with a brand-new 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine featuring VVT (variable valve timing), resulting in improved power and torque, as well as fuel consumption. Permanent all-wheel-drive was a feature. Options were ABS brakes (on the Edge), and air conditioning (on all models).

2000–2003 Toyota RAV4 wagon, Australia

The second generation RAV4 was originally offered in a number of trim levels: NV was 2-wheel drive, while NRG, GX, and VX were permanent 4-wheel drive with differing levels of equipment.^[4] 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 1.8 L I4 engine (only with 2WD) producing 92 kW (122 hp),^{[citation needed]} 2.0 L I4 engine producing 110 kW (148 hp), and a D-4D diesel engine were 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 late 2003, the 2004 model RAV4 was given a styling update, improved equipment, and, in certain markets, a new engine. In the United States the safety structure was improved and Vehicle Stability Control made standard. The RAV4's 2.0 L engine was upgraded with a new 2.4 L engine, producing 120 kW (161 hp) and 162 pound-feet (220 N·m). Fuel economy improved by over 2%. The base Edge was renamed CV, and gained standard air conditioning (previously an option). The CV also received painted bumpers, which came in either silver or body-coloured shades, depending on the body colour. In addition, the model range was given a subtle facelift, consisting largely of a new front bumper with circular fog lights and white turn signals instead of the older orange lights. Electric air conditioning also became available in Europe.

In 2005, a new "CV Sport" model was added to the range, which included a non-functional bonnet (hood) scoop, giving the RAV4 a more aggressive appearance. The CV Sport model was short-lived, lasting only a year, and was introduced primarily to stimulate sales until the new model arrived in early 2006.

The second generation RAV4 enjoyed success in Australia, where it became the best-selling SUV in the country in 2001, overtaking its rival, the Honda CR-V, for the first time.

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.^[5]

2001–2003 Toyota RAV4 L, US   2003–2005 Toyota RAV4 hardtop, Japan   2000–2003 Toyota RAV4 hardtop, Australia

Third generation (XA30, 2005–2012)[link]

Third generation

Also called	Toyota Vanguard (Japan, LWB)
Production	2005–2012
Model years	2006–2012
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (TMMC from November 2008) Tianjin, China
Class	Mid-Size Crossover SUV[6]
Body style	4-door SUV
Engine	2.0 L 1AZ-FE I4 2.0 L 1AZ-FSE I4 2.0 L 3ZR-FAE I4 2.2 L 2AD-FTV turbodiesel I4 2.2 L 2AD-FHV D-CAT turbodiesel I4 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 2.5 L 2AR-FE I4 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6
Transmission	6-speed manual 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic CVT
Wheelbase	2,560–2,660 mm (100.8–104.7 in)
Length	4,395–4,620 mm (173.0–181.9 in)
Width	1,815–1,855 mm (71.5–73.0 in)
Height	1,685–1,755 mm (66.3–69.1 in)

The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform and was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.^[7] The new RAV4 uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

The third generation RAV4 is offered in two versions: a short- or a long-wheelbase model. The short-wheelbase model is sold only in Japan and Europe, with the long-wheelbase RAV4 sold in Australia and North America. Since 2007, the extended-length RAV4 is also sold alongside its shorter counterpart in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, albeit with a revised front-end body work incorporating a revised grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps.^[8][9]

Japanese models went on sale in 2005 at Toyota Netz dealers.^[10] The 2-door was dropped beginning with 2007 model, leaving Toyota without a mini SUV until the 2009 Toyota Urban Cruiser, which is sold in Europe, North America (as Scion xD) and Japan (as Toyota ist).^[11]

It is also the first generation of RAV4 to be offered in regular (for Asian and European markets, dropping the spare wheel from the rear) and extended (for North 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 front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive in North America and Japan; however most countries only sell the all-wheel-drive version.

2008 Facelift[link]

In 2008 (for the 2009 model year) RAV4 was given a mid-cycle refresh in some markets, featuring a number of changes, including an all-new 4-cylinder engine, and a redesigned front end and tweaked rear end. The Limited model gets a different front grille and bumper cover from other models. The Sport model features a bigger spoiler and red badging along with an option on the V6 model to have a rear door without the externally mounted spare tire (run-flat tires are used on this model). New features/options include turn signal mirrors, backup camera (with monitor built into rear-view mirror), satellite navigation, smart keyless entry, a push button starter, a multifunction meter display, etc. Much of the interior remains the same. In 2009, it was also the first time for the Canadian market to have a 2WD model sold in Canada.

2011 Facelift[link]

In 2011 (for the 2012 model year) the RAV4 underwent another facelift.

RAV4 EV[link]

A battery electric version of the third generation is planned for release in early 2012.

Japan[link]

Model ranges include X, G, and Sport, replacing RAV4 L and RAV4 J. The X and G can be ordered with either front-drive or AWD. The Sport model with over fender is AWD only. The extended-length RAV4 is sold in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, released on August 30, 2007. It is sold in five- and seven-passenger versions and slots between the regular RAV4 and Kluger. As it is often the case in Japan-only vehicles, the Vanguard comes loaded with high-tech gadgets, including steering-assisted stability control, keyless entry and satellite navigation. The Toyota Vanguard was facelifted in 2010.

Australia[link]

In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in 4-cylinder base CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L and the limited edition Altitude trim levels, and CV6, SX6, and ZR6 6-cylinder variants.

Malaysia[link]

In Malaysia, only the 2.0 automatic variant is available, in a single trim level. This model uses the 1AZ-FE 4-cylinder, inline 16-valve engine with DOHC and VVT-i. The output for the 2.0 L RAV4 in Malaysia is at 112 kW (150 hp) at 6,000 rpm with a torque of 194 Nm (143 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm.

North America[link]

North American models include choices of 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 or 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 engine. The V6 model has 201 kW (269 hp). In model year 2009 a slightly larger 2.5 L 2AR-FE I4 replaced the previous 4-cylinder engine. Either 4-cylinder engine came equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The North American RAV4 with 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 engine is fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2GR engine was later introduced into the Australian market RAV4 in 2007. All US models feature Toyota's Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control. The new RAV4 topped Toyota SUV sales in the United States for the first time.

No manual transmission or diesel engines are available on North American models.

Facelifted for the 2009 MY North America models include the choice of a new 2AR-FE I4 or 2GR-FE V6 engine.^[12] On Consumer Reports test loop the 4-cyl RAV4 tops its class in fuel economy with 23 mpg.^[13] In a Car and Driver comparison involving seven other compact SUVs the V6 RAV4 tied the 4-cyl Honda CR-V for best observed fuel economy at 24 mpg.^[14]

Mexico[link]

The RAV4 first model year was 2004; then only came in 2 trim levels: Base and L. This was already an outgoing generation but still sold pretty well and both came in 2WD mode only and both models had as a standard equipment 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rack. The new generation of the RAV4 which is the current one had more variations in the standard equipment and the Base and Limited trims continue to be available but on the Limited trim 4WD became an option and the Base model now had 17-inch steel wheels but the roof rack was still standard in both trims.For the refresh of 2009 the roof rack in the Base model was eliminated as a standard equipment and the Sport trim was added to the lineup and previously until the 2008MY all RAV4s in Mexico had 4-cylinder engines but for 2009 on the Sport model became available the V6 engine but also retained the 4-cylinder engine and the Limited trim was only available in the V6 engine and 4WD traction. For 2010 the RAV4 in Mexico has been simplified again to 2 trims but now the Limited trim was dropped and consequently killing the 4WD mode meanwhile the Base and Sport trims are remain unchanged from 2009. The RAV4 in Mexico has experienced good acceptance since its introduction.

Body Styles[link]

Engines[link]

Production[link]

The vehicles were built in Toyota's Tahara, Aichi assembly plant, and under contract by Toyota Industries in its Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi plant. Beginning in November 2008, the North American vehicles were built in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. Second Plant.^[15][16] Beginning in March 2009, Chinese models began production in by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd.‎ in a joint-venture plant in Tianjin, China.^[17]

Gallery[link]

2008 Toyota Vanguard   2006–2008 Toyota RAV4 (ACA33R) Cruiser (Australia)   2006–2008 Toyota RAV4 base (US)   MY 2011 RAV4 base (US)

Fourth generation (XA40 2012- TBD)[link]

The 4th generation Toyota RAV4 will be in production in the third quarter of 2012.^{[citation needed]} The new RAV4 will be based on the Camry platform.^{[citation needed]}

Sales[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Toyota RAV4

• Toyota RAV4 Sites: US, UK, Japan, China
• Toyota Vanguard 2010 (Japanese)