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Today everyone knows, or at least has heard until the exhaustion of SUVs or SUVs. Above all, since Nissan launched the Qashqai back in 2007. But those types of cars - we are not talking about SUVs, but family vehicles with which one can take a short excursion through the countryside - existed long before. In fact, many consider that the 1960s Chevrolet Suburban was already the first SUV; Others see the second-generation Jeep Cherokee (from the mid-1980s) as the representative of these models in the modern era. Even the minority VW Golf Country of the late 1970s can be considered a forerunner.
That said, no one denies that the Toyota RAV4 is considered the first compact SUV in history. And the nuance is not minor: it was precisely these models that triggered the mass phenomenon. His own figures demonstrate this: with more than 25 years behind him and five generations, he has just overcome the barrier of 10 million units sold worldwide, something within the reach of very few vehicles. And it makes it stronger than ever. In fact, its best year was precisely 2019, when almost a million units were registered, more than half in North America and it was, in addition to the best-selling SUV worldwide, the fourth model among passenger cars.
Here we give a review of that trajectory, which in Spain has resulted in cumulative sales of 113,000 cars.
First generation (1994-2000)
The story begins in 1989, when the RAV-FOUR prototype was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show, a small and light 4x4 that reaped such success among the public that it was decided to convert it into a serial model. The project comes to fruition in 1994, when the RAV4 is launched (for Recreational Active Vehicle, 4 for all-wheel drive). The car was built on a monocoque chassis and had independent four-wheel suspension, rather than a stiff-suspension stringer and cross member base that was the common formula for robust 4x4s. It had a vigorous multi-valve two-liter engine with 129 horsepower, which enhanced one of its great virtues: driving fun. It was primarily intended for use on asphalt, but in the field it defended itself quite well thanks to permanent all-wheel drive (without gearbox) or good ground clearance, and was even refined against rough and rough classic SUVs. This last category would include, for example, a Suzuki Jimny from that time.
With the most personal design of how many RAV4s have been manufactured, at the beginning there was only a three-door body (surrounded by plastic protections) and four seats, since the car was barely 3.70 meters long (like a current Fiat Panda). This diminutive size, plus the elevated driving position finished rounding off a product whose production very soon doubled from initial forecasts. In 1996 the five-door variant was launched and in 1998, a convertible that had a very short journey. Same as the 100% electric version (yes, fully battery operated) that was launched in 1997 in California and disappeared with the new model. A fuel cell variant was also designed on the long body.
Second generation (2000-2006)
Almost on par with the RAV4, the Korean Kia launched the first Sportage and before the end of the century, models like the Honda CR-V and HR-V, Land Rover Freelander, Mitsubishi Montero iO or Subaru Forester landed, encouraging a competition that did not it had only just begun. So the second generation already comes with three and five doors, a little more size (although not exaggerated, the five door measured 4.27 meters) looking for more family customers and three mechanical options: 125 or 150 horsepower gasoline and, since 2001 , finally it already has a diesel option. Makes 116 horses.
With 70% new parts, a stiffer chassis is used and the interior, which was already comparable to that of a passenger car from the first RAV4, becomes quieter. But it also says goodbye to the convertible bodywork and the nice design of the first model to bet on an attractive, but more conventional image. For example, there are no longer plastic protections bordering the car, although in the three-door version it keeps the spare wheel 'hanging' from the gate. For the first time it is offered with front-wheel drive in addition to the total, this being the preferred option for most customers, which continues to increase as SUVs continue to gain ground. In 2006, the RAV4 exceeded 370,000 units sold, almost three times more than at the beginning of the decade.
Third generation (2007-2013)
This RAV4 is left with only the five-door body that grows to almost four and a half meters in length although, in some markets such as the US, it goes even further with the extended battle variants. In terms of design, it takes another step towards a more serious, less youthful style. Like its dynamics it becomes more bourgeois, despite improvements at the level of engines and gear changes. On the other side of the scale, it is much more comfortable and much better equipped, although the interior differs little from that of the previous generation.
On the technical side, the great novelty lies in the fact that it goes from a permanent 4x4 drive to a connectable one that is activated electronically, which results in greater efficiency . In addition, it added elements such as descent control and hill start. And as a curious note, in 2010 (year in which the range receives a slight update) it puts on sale in the USA a 100% electric variant developed together with Tesla. It approved a range of about 180 kilometers, quite a technical feat at that time.
Fourth generation (2013-2019)
Annual sales now exceed 500,000 units and a sign of the new times in the brand, the exterior shapes lose their smooth lines to make way for sharper ones. There are numerous changes at the level of the chassis and suspensions that support a body that already touches 4.60 meters long, for the enjoyment of its passengers and the (huge) trunk. Internally, there is a radical change, although the overall presentation is criticized both for the too-flat style and for the profusion of hard materials ... that are sure to last a lifetime.
In this generation, the RAV4 loses one of its distinctive elements: the tailgate starts to open upwards and not to the side. And, today it seems unbelievable, but it had two diesel mechanics for only one gasoline. Until 2016 and thanks to the new platform, it debuts its first self-recharging hybrid variant coinciding with a facelift in the range.
Fifth generation (2019 -.....)
Curiously, the latest model in the series is once again a breakthrough design car, like the first, although with much more angular features and bulky wheel arches. There is also almost one more meter of car, an interior that has gained many integers in quality and a magnificent standard equipment in terms of safety and complete, since this 2020, in terms of connectivity. His flight forward makes perfect sense: the public that was originally able to search for the RAV4 of its first two generations has a more than suggestive alternative in the CH-R.
It is built on Toyota's new global TNA platform and, although there would be other alternatives, in Spain it is only marketed as a self-recharging gasoline-electric hybrid. There are two versions, with 218 or 222 horses, depending on whether they have an additional electric motor or two. In this second case, that propeller is the one that is in charge of sending force to the rear axle turning this version into a 4x4. Likewise, before the end of the year, a 'plug-in' hybrid variant with 306 horsepower, all-wheel drive and 65 kilometers of electric autonomy will be at dealerships.
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