Toyota RAV4, an innovative compact crossover SUV was the first in its class. It made its debut in North America. With every new version, this car has been getting better, and the Toyota Rav4 is a full hybrid vehicle, facilitating good fuel economy.

Compact crossover SUV

A sports utility vehicle is classified as a light truck. However, it is commonly utilized as a family car. It features high interiors, high road clearance, and a four-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive for a superior off-road performance.
A crossover combines the features of an SUV with that of a passenger car like a station wagon.

First compact crossover SUV

The RAV4 first generation was the XA10 series. The car platform shared elements of the Corolla and Carina models. The Toyota RAV4 came with both four-wheel and all-wheel drive options and was available in either three-door or five-door models. You could choose from a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission design.

Toyota RAV4 also comes with an all-electric model, the RAV4 EV. The second generation of the RAV4 EV was developed in partnership with Tesla Motors.

The second and third generation of Toyota RAV4 (XA20 and XA30 series) underwent some major upgrades, but the fourth generation (XA40 Series) was a complete redesign. It is available in gasoline and turbo diesel models. It was unveiled in the Los Angeles Auto Show. You could choose from gasoline models with a 2.0 or 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines. For the diesel model, you could choose from a 2.0 or 2.2-litre turbo diesel options.

Transmission choices include a continuously variable transmission (CVT), automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. This fourth generation range features a swing-up rear door instead of the side-swing rear doors of the previous models. The XA40 series is the current generation of the RAV4.

Toyota RAV4

This full hybrid version features a 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine. It also has a nickel-metal hydride battery (204 cell), mounted under the rear seats. It features a power split device and a power control unit. The RAV4 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) also has a second electric motor, a 50 kW high voltage motor that is capable of running independently from the front electric motor. It controls the rear wheels and offers better traction, along with a towing capacity of 1750 pounds.

Features of the Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 has a quieter cabin. It handles smoothly and ensures responsive and safe control while driving. The hybrid design provides a good fuel economy. The XLE model features a sunroof and climate control. The LE version also comes with faux-leather seating and good lumbar support.

Safety features in this version of Toyota RAV4 include automatic emergency braking system and forward collision warning. The rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection provide further aids while driving or parking. The birds-eye view camera provides a panoramic top view of the vehicle when you have slowed to speeds below 7 mph, trying to park your vehicle in a good spot. The braking system has also been redesigned to be more linear or more directly responsive to the pressure applied to it.

The comfortable softex material upholstery, good legroom, and lumbar support make this car comfortable to drive in. The cargo space is quite large for the compact look of the car. It comes with a power lift feature. The rear seats can be folded down to provide even more storage space.

The rear cargo pipe net is now more flexible with multiple mounting positions. You can set it as a divider with the rear seats folded down. You can put it up in a flat horizontal position or in a sling or hammock style to hold your cargo.

The front and rear shock absorption systems have been upgraded to ensure a comfortable ride, even in off-road conditions. The digressive valve shock absorbers on all four corners are sensitive to road conditions. On rough roads, this shock absorption system gives you a smooth ride. When you are traveling on a smooth road, the system closes down to provide a more stable ride.

The RAV4 comes with Toyota Entune, another model with a combination of multimedia and navigation systems. The Toyota RAV4 models all feature an Entune system with a 6.1-inch screen, AM/FM/CD system, Bluetooth connectivity, and auxiliary as well as USB ports.

The Toyota RAV4 has been popular with customers since its first version, and its popularity has been going up with each new major upgrade. The Toyota RAV4 is a full hybrid model with a lot of safety and comfort features. The roomy interiors, large cargo capacity, and fuel economy offered by the hybrid design make it a good choice for families.