Toyota RAV4

Generation by generation

1. Gen. 11994–2000 (EE. UU. 1996–2000) · XA10

   The one that invented the segment

   

   What changed. RAV4 was a new Toyota nameplate. The original three-door was 3.69 m long, with a 2.0 L 16-valve engine, permanent AWD, a unibody and independent suspension. The U.S. MY1996 range offered three- and five-door bodies, 120 hp and FWD or AWD. Toyota recalls an approximately $17,000 starting price for the five-door. Automobile named it its 1997 Automobile of the Year.

   The innovation. The light unibody and absence of low-range gearing favored carlike handling. AWD still required transfer gearing: the original Toyota automatic-transaxle description places the center differential, front differential and transfer gears inside its case. The NiMH-powered RAV4 EV was sold in Japan from September 1996 and entered U.S. fleet leasing in 1997; contemporary U.S. DOE reporting quoted 118 miles combined range.

   If you buy one usedCheck NADI driver-airbag campaign 20V033 on certain 1998–2000 RAV4s. These non-PSAN inflators can absorb moisture, rupture or underinflate. The remedy inspects steering-wheel serials and replaces affected inflators as needed. Confirm eligibility and completed work with Toyota, and inspect corrosion, maintenance and actual condition on vehicles this old.
2. Gen. 22001–2005 · XA20

   Bigger, smoother, five doors only in the US

   

   What changed. A new platform used roughly 70 percent RAV4-specific parts. The U.S. generation was five-door only and Toyota records a 3-inch wheelbase increase. Its 1AZ-FE 2.0 L made 148 hp. For MY2004, the 2.4 L engine delivered 161 hp and stability control became standard.

   The innovation. Full-time all-wheel drive with a center limited-slip differential, derived from the Lexus RX 300 system, plus recyclable plastics (Toyota Super Olefin Polymer) in the cabin.

   If you buy one usedToyota’s July 2010 CSP ZTL was a historical warranty enhancement for certain automatic 2001–2003 RAV4s with specified diagnostic codes or harsh shifts. Most repairs involved the ECM; some also required the transaxle. Verify old repair records and current eligibility rather than assume the old coverage remains active. Certain 2004–2005 RAV4s have driver-airbag campaigns 15V284 and repeat-replacement 19V741. Toyota’s January 2024 DO NOT DRIVE warning applies to affected unrepaired vehicles: do not drive even to the dealer; ask Toyota about free mobile repair or transport.
3. Gen. 32006–2012 · XA30

   The RAV4 with a V6 and a third row

   

   What changed. It truly grew: in the US the wheelbase rose 10 inches to 105 and length nearly 14 inches to 181, with a body 76 percent stiffer. For the first and only time a 3.5 L V6 with 268 hp was offered, and the Base, Sport and Limited grades appeared. From December 2008 it was also built in Woodstock, Ontario.

   The innovation. The generation introduced electronically controlled AWD coupling, electric power steering and available hill-start/downhill assistance. Electric steering was already documented on the 2005 Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i. The Tesla-developed 2012 RAV4 EV had a 154 hp motor and a final EPA range of 103 miles; an earlier Toyota presentation had anticipated up to 113 miles in Extended Charge Mode.

   If you buy one usedCheck the rear tie-rod recall sequence 12V373, 13V383 and 16V596 on certain 2006–2011 RAV4s. Earlier inspection or sealing may not satisfy the later requirement to replace both arms and encapsulate the locknuts. Also check rear-seat-belt frame protectors under 16V096 for certain 2006–2012 cars. Distinguish floor-mat accelerator entrapment under 11V113 (2006–2010) from sticky-pedal campaign 10V017 (2009–2010). Selected additional campaigns include window switches 12V491 and curtain-airbag sensors 11V245. ZE7 was a separate historical oil-consumption warranty program for specified 2006–2008 2AZ-engine vehicles, with age, mileage and diagnostic conditions. Confirm all current VIN-specific work.
4. Gen. 42013–2018 · XA40

   Goodbye spare on the door, hello hybrid

   

   What changed. The fourth generation debuted in Los Angeles on November 28, 2012. A roof-hinged liftgate and an underfloor spare replaced the familiar side-hinged door and exposed spare. The V6 was discontinued; the U.S. launch used a 176 hp 2.5 L and a six-speed automatic. Toyota’s original announcement quoted EPA ratings of 24 city/31 highway mpg for FWD. Toyota also standardized this generation’s wheelbase worldwide.

   The innovation. The first RAV4 Hybrid, unveiled April 2, 2015, in New York for the 2016 model year: 32 combined mpg with electronic AWD-i all-wheel drive (an electric motor drives the rear axle, no driveshaft). That same year Toyota Safety Sense arrived on the Limited and became standard across the range for 2017.

   If you buy one usedCertain 2013–2018 RAV4s have 12-volt replacement-battery campaign 23V734: an improperly fitting battery can move against the hold-down and short, creating a fire risk. The remedy replaces the tray, clamp and positive-terminal cover; owner letters began in phases in December 2024. Certain 2014–2015 cars also have EPS ECU campaign 15V144, with inspection and conditional replacement. These are selected examples; verify every applicable campaign and completed work by VIN.
5. Gen. 52019–2025 · XA50

   The sales champion

   

   What changed. Unveiled in New York on March 28, 2018, with Yoshikazu Saeki as chief engineer, it was Toyota’s first SUV on the GA-K/TNGA-K platform. It brought multi-link rear suspension and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. U.S. gas models made 203 hp with an eight-speed automatic; the hybrid made 219 system hp and earned 40 mpg combined. Kentucky began building RAV4 Hybrid in January 2020. For 2024, TFL’s report of JATO data compared Toyota’s 475,193 RAV4 sales with 460,915 F-150 registrations, excluding the other F-Series trucks.

   The innovation. The first RAV4 plug-in hybrid, Prime, debuted in Los Angeles on November 20, 2019, for MY2021. Its production specifications included 302 system hp, 42 EPA electric miles and 94 MPGe; Toyota projected 0–60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Separately, fifth-generation gas AWD Adventure and Limited models introduced Toyota’s torque-vectoring AWD with rear driveline disconnect. Prime used an independent rear electric motor.

   If you buy one usedSelected early campaigns include 20V064 for certain 2019–2020 2.5-liter engine blocks, 20V286 for front lower arms, 20V373 for specified electric steering gears, 20V682 for fuel pumps, and 20V734 for certain 2020 steering columns. Later examples include 24V911 for certain 2024 caliper/hub bolts and 25V595 for specified 2023–2025 instrument panels, with different PHEV remedies. Certain 2021–2022 RAV4 Primes also have DC-DC converter campaign 23V478: do not charge below, or when temperature is expected below, 41°F (5°C) until remedied. Confirm actual equipment, current VIN eligibility and completed repairs.
6. Gen. 62026–present

   Hybrid only, for the first time

   

   What changed. The sixth generation leaves the gas-only engine behind: the whole range is hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), on a reworked TNGA-K platform with three body styles: Core, Rugged (Woodland) and Sport (SE, XSE and the first GR SPORT). The hybrid makes 226 hp with front-wheel drive and 236 hp with all-wheel drive; the plug-in makes 324 hp with up to 52 electric miles.

   The innovation. RAV4 introduces the Arene software platform from Woven by Toyota for safety, connectivity and the new multimedia system, with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard. The XSE and Woodland PHEVs have a CCS1 port and DC fast charging estimated at 10–80 percent in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions. SE and GR SPORT PHEVs use J1772 for AC charging.

   If you buy one usedToyota announced Hybrid arrival for December 2025 and Plug-in Hybrid arrival for spring 2026. For actual 2026 vehicles, check 26V571 on specified RAV4 Hybrids for inaccurate added-weight capacity labels and 26V659 on specified Plug-in Hybrids for a motor-generator ECU error that can reduce power or shut down the plug-in-hybrid system. The first lists mailed October 27, 2026 notices; the second expects notices starting November 22, 2026. The older PVM campaign 25V744 lists RAV4 applications through 2025, despite its combined headline including other 2026 models. Check the actual model name and VIN with Toyota and NHTSA before purchase.

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