The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) produced by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It was the first compact crossover,making its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994 and in North America in 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car. Although not all RAV4s are four-wheel drive, RAV4 stands for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive because the fore-mentioned equipment is an option in select countries.[3] The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for competitive compact crossover-SUVs such as the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester.
In most markets, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV or crossover available from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are sold in Japan and Europe, with Australia and North America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota of Japan also sells the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard.
In most markets, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV or crossover available from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Since the 2006 third generation model, Toyota has offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions are sold in Japan and Europe, with Australia and North America receiving the long-wheelbase versions. Toyota of Japan also sells the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard.
