Toyota RAV4 Evolution: Every Generation From 1996 To The All-New 2026 Model

Miami Herald

5 hours ago

The Toyota RAV4 has been a key proponent of the crossover craze since its arrival three decades ago. It offered all the benefits of a sedan, but with the extra ride height and superior dirt-road performance usually associated with true body-on-frame SUVs. With the sixth-generation RAV4 now revealed, we expect the RAV4 to retain its best-seller status for years to come. Here's a look at all generations of the RAV4, from the first one to the modern hybrid-only model.
The first-gen Toyota RAV4 set the standard for future rivals like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5. This RAV4's model years ran from 1996 to 2000 in the USA. The styling was cute and tough at the same time, and this early RAV4 was also available in sporty three-door form, or with a soft-top.
Toyota kept things simple under the hood, relying on a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine sending power to the front or all four wheels, with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
A facelift for the 1998 model year introduced a few styling revisions, and Toyota even experimented with a fully electric version for the 2000 model year, but this only had an 88-mile range.
Well over 50,000 first-gen RAV4s were sold in the United States in every year of production, confirming that this was the sort of car buyers were drawn to.
So, when did the the RAV4 change its available body styles? It started here with a simplified lineup. Produced for the 2001 to 2005 model years, the XA20 RAV4 was once again available in three- and five-door form, but only the five-door body style made it to America. The styling was modernized, but retained a sporty look with well-executed rugged touches.
Initially, Toyota stuck with the 2.0-liter four-pot, but a larger 2.4-liter engine with 161 horsepower debuted for the 2004 model year, somewhat addressing criticisms of the underpowered standard engine. That same model year, the RAV4 received a host of safety upgrades, including standard stability and traction control.
A RAV4 EV was also available over this period, with a maximum range of 95 miles, but availability was extremely limited.
A significant bump up in power coincided with the launch of the third-gen RAV4; this RAV4 generation's model years ran from 2006 to 2012. The big increase in power came despite fact that the design was softened to an extent that made this model appear a bit anonymous. The headlining engine was a 3.5-liter V6 producing 269 hp, far more than any previous RAV4. A more efficient 2.4L four-cylinder was standard.
A manual gearbox was no longer available, but the V6 received a new five-speed automatic. The 2.4L model stuck with a four-speed auto. For the first time, the RAV4 EV cracked 100 miles on a full charge.
This RAV4 was the first to lead all Toyota SUVs in terms of sales in the USA; over 170,000 units were sold in America for the first time in 2007, as the RAV4 continued to surge in popularity.
On sale for the 2013 to 2018 model years, the XA40 featured a few noticeable styling changes not seen in previous generations of the RAV4: It had a rear liftgate instead of a rear door that opened to the side, while the spare wheel was no longer mounted at the back.
A major change was the introduction of a hybrid model, which could return 34 mpg in city driving - a vast improvement over the standard, non-hybrid model. The unpopular V6 was dropped, but a new six-speed automatic was implemented for the standard four-cylinder engine.
Inside, a more modern design was introduced, but Toyota got rid of the small, optional third seating row.
The overall impact of these changes was tremendous, with the fourth-gen RAV4 topping 350,000 annual sales for the first time in 2016.
As of this writing, the fifth-gen RAV4 is still on sale, but will be replaced after the 2025 model year. Introduced in 2018, this generation of the RAV4 was given a far more appealing look, with sharp, aggressive angles and beefy body cladding, all aimed at evoking the adventurous spirit of the original model.
The unibody chassis improved in rigidity by 57 percent, creating a RAV4 that steered and drove with more sophistication than previous models. A new torque-vectoring four-wheel-drive system also debuted, with the ability to individually direct torque to each rear wheel, based on the driving scenario.
Engine choices include a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, along with a hybrid version of the same engine. Non-hybrid models have an eight-speed automatic. The big news, however, was the arrival of the 2021 RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version with 302 hp and over 40 miles of all-electric range. It became the quickest RAV4 ever.
In 2024, the RAV4 dethroned the Ford F-150 for the first time in decades, becoming the country's top-selling vehicle. That says all you need to know about the success of this RAV4 generation.
Finally, we arrive at the all-new RAV4, revealed in the first half of 2025. Inside and out, it has a completely fresh look, with cleaner lines than the outgoing model. However, it remains similar in size.
For this generation, Toyota has switched over to hybrid power exclusively, a smart move given the popularity of hybrid powertrains presently. The standard hybrid develops 226 hp (FWD) or 236 hp (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid produces a stout 320 hp. These are all improvements over the previous RAV4.
Buyers looking for something with a sporting edge can opt for the new GR Sport trim, which is more than just a visual upgrade. It also features special tuning for improved handling and is exclusively offered with the 320-hp powertrain.
This all-hybrid RAV4 is a far cry from the first-gen model, but it remains an irresistible mix of practicality, compact size, and some rugged capability.
What is the most reliable year of the RAV4?
Based on our research, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 has an impeccable reliability record, and is the most highly recommended RAV4 model year.
What year did the RAV4's body change?
The second-generation of the RAV4 to be sold in America did not have a three-door option. Other than that, the fifth-gen RAV4 marked a significant stylistic departure from conservative previous models.
Will the RAV4 be redesigned in 2025?
The sixth-gen, 2026 Toyota RAV4 has an all-new design and has already been revealed in 2025. The 2025 RAV4 forms part of the outgoing fifth generation.
Is the Toyota RAV4 changing in 2026?
The 2026 RAV4 has already been revealed and will go on sale later in 2025.
What year is the 5th-gen RAV4?
The fifth-gen RAV4 went on sale in late 2018 and is expected to go out of production later in 2025 to make way for the sixth-gen model.
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