The Toyota RAV4 was the first crossover SUV ever to hit the market, and it has maintained its status as a hallmark of one of the most popular vehicle segments today among Florida drivers. For that reason, Toyota of North Miami would like to pay homage to this model with a closer look at each of the Toyota RAV4 generations from over the years. See where the RAV4 has been, and then experience for yourself where it's headed by visiting our Toyota dealership in Miami today.
Toyota RAV4 History
A Look at Toyota’s Compact Crossover Through the Years
First Generation
The Toyota RAV4 debuted in the 1994 model year as the first-ever vehicle to feature the look and feel of an SUV on a unibody platform. It was available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, and it came powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that made 119 hp upon its debut before getting a bump to 127 hp for 1997. Early renditions were offered with a hardtop or a rolling soft top, two or four passenger doors, and seating for up to four or five passengers.
Second Generation
The RAV4's second generation came out at the turn of the century for the 2001 model year. This generation was only offered as a four-door model in the U.S., and it was even more appealing to Miami families thanks to its increases in both cabin and cargo space. Early versions of this generation were powered by a 2.0L inline-four that made 148 hp, but the 2004 model got a 2.4L powerplant that generated 161 hp.
Third Generation
Offered in both short wheelbase and long wheelbase configurations, the third generation RAV4 was built on an all-new platform and ran from 2006 to 2012. It was the first version of the RAV4 to offer three rows of seats, and it could be fitted with a 166-hp 2.4L inline-four or a 3.5L V6 with a commanding 269 hp. In addition to an available sport suspension, this generation was offered with premium creature comforts like leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a DVD entertainment system in back.
Fourth Generation
The latest generation of the Toyota RAV4 has been on the market since the 2013 model year, and it continues to deliver sure-footed performance to Hollywood drivers. Its 2.5L inline-four makes 176 hp and can get up to 30 mpg highway. Inside the cabin, the new RAV4 is more sophisticated than ever, fitted with features like the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) driver assist package and a variety of available Entune™ infotainment setups.
Make History with a Toyota RAV4 of Your Own
Toyota continues to dominate the compact crossover segment with its new Toyota RAV4 models for sale, which you can find right now at Toyota of North Miami. We're located at 16600 NW 2nd Ave in Miami, FL, just south of Jackson North Medical Center and less than 10 miles south of Hollywood. Learn how easy it is to finance a new RAV4 by visiting our dealership today, or get in touch with our staff at 786-686-3819 to schedule a test drive of this history-changing crossover! Find a model in your favorite RAV4 color today.