The Toyota RAV4 is one of the successful SUV models from the brand that still attracts a lot of sales. The SUV first came out in 1994 and it is currently in its 5th generation with no signs of stopping. What makes it so special? The answer is simple and somewhat predictable. The RAV4 is reliable, economical and it has all the combined advantages of a sedan and an SUV. It can perform both on and off the road.
Lately, the compact crossover has seen a rise in popularity which is driven by its refreshed design.
Exterior Looks
The RAV4 crossover had fairly decent safari Jeep-style aesthetics when it initially came out. Back then, it was more popular for its economical engine rather than for its looks but the car community loved it beyond measure. The second-generation had a major redesign which led to an increase in sales. The Toyota RAV4 received a whole new front fascia, an increase in overall size, including the width and height. The wheelbase was also increased and hence the interior got a lot more space.
For the third-generation, the front remained pretty much the same with slight upgrades to differentiate the new from the old. However, the rear got an extra makeover. The sport version in this model brought with it different badges and features.
The fourth and fifth generations got the most change in design. The front completely changed to resemble Toyota’s new design philosophy that means adopting an aggressive look both in the front and back.
Interior Design
The Toyota RAV4’s interior was not the most beautiful in its early days but with a rise in its fame, Toyota added a list of features to enhance the interior. The dashboard received quite a few upgrades in terms of looks. A whole new layout brought a more luxury aspect to the interior. By the fourth generation, the interior resembled that of a luxury compact crossover with the use of wood and leather accents all over the cabin. The fifth-generation interior, however, is the most exciting. The new features include a large infotainment screen, driver-assist features, leather on the dash, steering wheel, and the seats.
Performance Dynamics
The RAV4 is an economical vehicle and even though it is large and bulky it can deliver exceptional performance with its pocket-friendly engine. The first generation had a 2.0-liter 3S-FE and 3S-GE while an EV version was also available. As such the RAV4 was one of the first EV offerings by Toyota. The RAV4 EV managed a 120 miles range between charges, which is phenomenal for a vehicle that old.
By the second-generation, a range of powertrains was on offer. Toyota proffered a 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4-liter drivetrain along with a diesel variant. The fourth and fifth generations are available with hybrid functionality and it is expected that an all-electric model will make its way into the market soon.
Verdict
The RAV4 is the perfect vehicle for those who want the best of both worlds. If you are an adventurist who is family-oriented, the RAv4 is tailor-made for your tastes.
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If you want to know more details about specifications and models, please refer to Wikipedia or other catalogs.