Toyota RAV4 History
History
Launched globally in 1994 and in the US for 1996, the RAV4 helped invent the car-based compact crossover segment.
It grew steadily larger and more mainstream; a hybrid arrived for 2016 and the plug-in RAV4 Prime followed, making the RAV4 one of the best-selling vehicles in America.
Generations
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First generation · XA10
The original compact crossover; reached the US for 1996.
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Second generation · XA20
Larger second-generation RAV4.
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Third generation · XA30
Bigger again, with an available V6 and a third-row option.
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Fourth generation · XA40
Introduced the RAV4 Hybrid for 2016.
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Fifth generation · XA50
Rugged-styled best-seller; added the plug-in RAV4 Prime.
Body styles
- SUV
Notable special editions & performance variants
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RAV4 Hybrid
The hybrid version of Toyota's best-selling crossover.
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RAV4 Prime
Plug-in-hybrid RAV4 with strong electric range and quick acceleration.
Related models