75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification

Japan

Toyota

60012605

1st

RAV4 J

Released date : 1994/ 5/10

Sports Utility Vehicle

SUV

	Grade	RAV4 J	Grade-E
Model type & weight	Model type	E-SXA10G-AZMGK(U)	E-SXA10G-AZMGK(A)
Model type & weight	Curb mass(kg)	1150	1130
Dimensions	Length(mm)	3695	3695
	Width(mm)	1695	1695
	Height(mm)	1655	1655
	Wheelbase(mm)	2200	2200
Engine	Engine code	3S-FE	3S-FE
	Engine type	In-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16valve	In-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16valve
	Displacement(cm³)	1998	1998
	Max. output kW(PS)/r.p.m.	-/135/6000	-/135/6000

*	The specifications are those of representative model grades.
*	Max. output represents a net rating. In the above table, digits separated by slashes ( / / ) stand for kW, PS, and r.p.m., respectively.
*	The model numbers of these vehicles are SXA10G(2000).

The RAV4 debuted in May 1994 as a compact SUV. Although the Suzuki Escudo (1988) and the Daihatsu Rocky (1990) had led the compact 4-wheel-drive (4WD) market, the RAV4 distinguished itself by adopting the basic design approach of a passenger car. While the Escudo and the Rocky were genuine cross-country 4WD vehicles with a body-on-frame construction and a sub transmission, the RAV4 came with a frameless monocoque body and a front-wheel-drive-based full-time 4WD system, making it a new type of 4WD vehicle designed for on-road driving. Drivers of ordinary passenger cars could easily drive the RAV4, and the relatively high driver's seat position made the vehicle easy to handle. For these reasons, the RAV4 gained support of female drivers as well.

Stimulated by the success of the RAV4, a succession of competitors entered the market from around the world, including the Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi Pajero Io, and the Land Rover Freelander. The RAV4 added a 4-door model in April 1995 with the wheelbase extended by 210 mm, and a 2WD model in September 1997 for those who did not require the 4WD capability.

Plant	Motomachi plant, Tahara plant [from Jan. 1996], Toyota Industries Corporation

"RAV4" is the acronym of Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel-drive, and the "J" stands for "joyful."

This page is part of TOYOTA A HISTORY OF THE FIRST 75 YEARS website. For information on currently marketed vehicles, please refer to the Toyota Motor Corporation website.