History of Toyota RAV4 in Timeline

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV created by Toyota, a Japanese car manufacturer. It is credited with initiating the popularity of compact crossovers and has become one of the best-selling SUVs globally, reaching 10 million sales by 2020. Notably, by 2025, the RAV4 surpassed the Ford F-150 to become the top-selling car in the United States, ending the F-150's long-standing dominance.

April 2009: RAV4 XA30 Production Commenced in China

In April 2009, the XA30 RAV4 started production in China. Trim levels included the 2.0 Classic, 2.0 Luxury, 2.0 Luxury Navi, 2.4 Luxury, and 2.4 Luxury Navi, paired with either a 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE or a 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engine, and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox.

June 2012: Tesla Model S Sedan Launch

In June 2012, the Tesla Model S sedan, which shares battery pack and electronic components with the second generation RAV4 EV, was launched. Tesla Motors manufactured the powertrain for the RAV4 EV.

November 2012: Fourth-Generation RAV4 Redesign Unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show

In November 2012, the redesigned fourth-generation RAV4 was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It featured a rear liftgate instead of a side-opening rear door and lacked a spare wheel on the rear door.

2012: Toyota and Tesla Collaborate on RAV4 EV

In 2012, Toyota and Tesla Motors collaborated to develop the second-generation RAV4 EV. The electric SUV was scheduled for a market launch late in the third quarter of 2012 with production limited to 2,600 units for the first three years and sales limited to California.

2012: IIHS Introduces Small Overlap Test

In 2012, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced the small overlap test, which simulates a frontal collision on 25 percent of the driver's side.

January 2013: US Sales of RAV4 Hybrid Begin

In early January 2013, sales of the RAV4 Hybrid began in the US. The full hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor, a high voltage generator, a 204-cell nickel–metal hydride battery, a power control unit, and a power split device. The four-wheel drive variant had a second, 50 kW rear-mounted electric motor.

February 2013: Fourth-Generation RAV4 Launched in Australia

In February 2013, the fourth-generation RAV4 went on sale in Australia. Engine options included 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, and 2.0- and 2.2-litre turbo-diesels. Transmissions included a six-speed manual, CVT, and six-speed automatic.

March 2013: Vehicles Unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

In March 2013, vehicles were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

August 2013: Production of XA40 RAV4 Commenced in China

In August 2013, production of the XA40 RAV4 commenced in China and was sold alongside the XA30 model for a short time. The XA40 RAV4 in China came standard with the 2.0-litre 6ZR-FE and 2.5-litre 5AR-FE petrol engines. 6 speed manual, automatic and CVT gearboxes were standard. Seven trim levels were available.

2013: 2013 RAV4 Receives Good Crashworthiness Rating from IIHS

In 2013, the 2013 model year RAV4 achieved a "good" crashworthiness rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for head restraints and seats, roof strength, side, and moderate overlap front, while achieving a "poor" rating in the IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Test.

2013: UK Model of Fourth-Generation RAV4 on Sale

In 2013, the UK model of the fourth-generation RAV4 went on sale. Early European models included a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol or one of three 2.0-litre diesel engines.

August 2014: Toyota and Tesla Battery Supply Deal Concluded

In August 2014, approximately 2,500 RAV4 EVs had been built and the battery supply deal between Toyota and Tesla concluded, marking the end of the production.

2014: 2014 RAV4 Receives Good Crashworthiness Rating from IIHS

In 2014, the 2014 model year RAV4 achieved a "good" crashworthiness rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for head restraints and seats, roof strength, side, and moderate overlap front, while achieving a "poor" rating in the IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Test.

April 2015: RAV4 Facelift Debuts at New York International Auto Show

In April 2015, Toyota debuted the facelift for the XA40 series RAV4 at the New York International Auto Show. The facelift included redesigned LED front and rear lamps and updated speedometer dials with a full colour TFT multi-information display.

2015: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Test Conducted on 2015 RAV4

In 2015, another small overlap test was conducted on a 2015 RAV4 on the passenger side. The RAV4 fared the worst and would have received a "poor" rating, due to the crash test's intrusion being 330 mm further into the vehicle on the passenger's side than on the driver's side, causing the passenger door to open during the crash.

2015: Modifications to 2015 RAV4 Increase Small Overlap Front Rating to "Good"

In 2015, modifications were made starting in the 2015 model year which increased the small overlap front rating to "good" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2015: Japan-Made RAV4 Receives Latin NCAP Rating

In 2015, the Japan-made RAV4 in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 3 airbags received 5 stars for adult occupant and 4 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP.

August 2016: RAV4 Production Starts in Russia

In August 2016, production of the RAV4 started in Russia.

2016: Toyota Releases Facelift for XA40 Series RAV4

In 2016, Toyota released a facelift for the XA40 series RAV4. The facelift included redesigned LED front and rear lamps and updated speedometer dials with full colour TFT multi information display.

2016: Previous Generation RAV4 Remains on Sale in Japan

In 2016, the previous generation RAV4 in short-wheelbase length remained on sale in Japan instead of the newer XA40, which was export only. The Harrier replaced the long-wheelbase model in Japan, previously badged as the Vanguard.

September 2017: RAV4 Adventure Added to US Lineup

In September 2017, a production version of the RAV4 Adventure was added to the US lineup.

December 2017: FT-AC Concept Previewed at Los Angeles Auto Show

In December 2017, the design of the fifth-generation RAV4 was previewed by the FT-AC concept shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

March 2018: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Unveiled at New York International Auto Show

In March 2018, the fifth-generation RAV4 was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. It is built on the same TNGA-K (GA-K) platform as the XV70 series Camry and features both 4-cylinder petrol-powered and petrol-electric hybrid variants. No diesel engine option is offered for this generation.

December 2018: RAV4 Goes on Sale in the United States

In December 2018, the RAV4 went on sale in the United States.

December 2018: Hybrid Version of Fifth-Generation RAV4 Released in Ireland

In late December 2018, Ireland was the first market to release the Hybrid version of the fifth-generation RAV4.

2018: Fuel Economy of the non-Hybrid 2018 RAV4

In 2018, the non-hybrid 2018 RAV4 got between 24 and 26 miles per gallon (3.8 to 4.2 gallons per 100 miles) of combined city/highway driving.

January 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Launched in Singapore

On 10 January 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched in Singapore at the Singapore Motorshow.

February 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Unveiled in Japan

In February 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 was unveiled in Japan, marking the reintroduction of the RAV4 nameplate in Japan after almost three years of hiatus.

February 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Launched in the Philippines

On 8 February 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched in the Philippines.

March 2019: Hybrid Variant Available Alongside Standard Petrol Variant

In March 2019, a hybrid variant of the RAV4 was announced available alongside the standard petrol variant.

March 2019: RAV4 Hybrid Goes on Sale in the United States

In March 2019, the RAV4 Hybrid went on sale in the United States.

March 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Available in South Africa

In March 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 has been available in South Africa in five variants.

April 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Launched in Saudi Arabia

In April 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

April 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Goes on Sale in Japan

In April 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 went on sale in Japan with a monthly sales target set at 3,000 units.

May 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Goes on Sale in Australia

On 8 May 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 went on sale in Australia and is available in four trim levels: GX, GXL, Cruiser and Edge. The GX, GXL and Cruiser trims have two engine options: the 2.0 L petrol and the 2.5 L hybrid, while the Edge trim has only one engine option: the 2.5 L petrol.

September 2019: RAV4 Fails Moose Test

In September 2019, Teknikens Värld reported that both the petrol and hybrid versions of the RAV4 failed the moose test due to "dangerous behavior". Toyota issued a software update to address the issue.

November 2019: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Launched in China

On 22 November 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched in China at the Guangzhou International Motor Show. It is produced and sold by FAW Toyota.

December 2019: RAV4 PHEV Unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show

In December 2019, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) variant of the RAV4 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Called the RAV4 PHEV (RAV4 Prime in North America until model year 2025), it features a 2.5-litre engine with increased torque and a total power output of 225 kW (302 hp).

2019: TRD Off-Road Trim Level Added for 2020 Model Year

In 2019, for the 2020 model year, the TRD Off-Road trim level was added to the lineup, making a total of ten trim levels available.

2019: RAV4 Receives 5-Star Latin NCAP Rating

In 2019, the Japan-made RAV4 in its basic Latin American market configuration with 7 airbags received a 5-star rating for both adult and toddler occupants, along with an Advanced Award from Latin NCAP.

2019: RAV4 Awarded "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS

In 2019, the RAV4 earned the "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, achieving "Good" ratings in all categories except for the updated side impact test and headlight performance. The optional Adaptive Front Headlight System received a "Good" rating, while the standard reflector LED headlights received a "Poor" rating.

June 2020: RAV4 PHV Added in Japan

In June 2020, the plug-in hybrid version called the RAV4 PHV was added in Japan.

June 2020: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Launched in Malaysia

On 18 June 2020, the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched in Malaysia.

July 2020: Suzuki Across Introduced as a Rebadged RAV4 PHEV

In July 2020, the Suzuki Across, a rebadged version of the RAV4 PHEV, was introduced exclusively for the European market to help Suzuki meet CO2 emission targets. The Suzuki variant featured slightly different styling with slim LED headlights and a rounder front grille.

August 2020: 2.0-Litre Engine Option Dropped in Malaysia

As of August 2020, the 2.0-litre engine option was dropped for the fifth-generation RAV4 in Malaysia.

October 2020: Mitsuoka Buddy Debuts in Japan

In October 2020, the Mitsuoka Buddy, an aftermarket modified version of the RAV4, debuted for the Japan market only. The design of the Buddy harkens back to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Cadillac cars of the 1970s.

2020: XLE Premium Hybrid Trim Level Added for 2021 Model Year

In 2020, for the 2021 model year, the XLE Premium Hybrid trim level was added to the lineup. Toyota also added new TRD-stamped stainless steel front skid plate for the TRD Off-Road.

April 2021: PHEV Version of the Wildlander Unveiled

On 19 April 2021, the PHEV version of the Toyota Wildlander, a Chinese market variant of the RAV4, was unveiled.

September 2021: Updated RAV4 Revealed with New Features

In September 2021, Toyota revealed the updated RAV4 featuring new LED projector type headlights, new alloy wheel designs, USB-C charging ports, and the introduction of the Adventure variant for the European market. Plug-in hybrids offered up to 306 PS with a claimed all-EV range of 75 km.

September 2021: 2.5 GX Hybrid Available in South Africa

Since September 2021, the 2.5 GX Hybrid has been available in South Africa.

2021: SE Hybrid Grade Added for 2022 Model Year

In 2021, for the 2022 model year, the SE Hybrid grade was added to the RAV4 lineup.

March 2022: GX Hybrid Dropped in Favour of Facelifted GX-R and VX e-Four Hybrids

As of March 2022, the GX Hybrid was dropped in South Africa in favour of the facelifted GX-R and VX e-Four Hybrids.

October 2022: GR Sport Grade Added

In October 2022, the GR Sport grade was added to the RAV4 lineup.

October 2022: RAV4 GR Sport Launched in Europe

In October 2022, the RAV4 GR Sport was launched in Europe, featuring a firmer suspension, a sportier aesthetic, and new 19-inch wheels.

November 2022: Suzuki Across Receives Minor Update

In November 2022, the Suzuki Across received a minor update, incorporating the new touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster from the facelifted Toyota RAV4.

2022: Woodland Edition Model Added for 2023 Model Year

In 2022, for the 2023 model year, the Woodland Edition model was added with standard hybrid powertrain, TRD bronze-coloured wheels, and roof rails.

March 2023: Fifth-Generation RAV4 Unveiled in Indonesia

On 10 March 2023, the fifth-generation RAV4 was unveiled in Indonesia at the 2nd Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week.

August 2023: Sales of Fifth-Generation RAV4 Commenced in Indonesia

Sales of the fifth-generation RAV4 commenced in Indonesia on 10 August 2023 at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. It is offered in a single grade level (GR Sport) and only powered by the 2.5-litre A25A-FXS plug-in hybrid powertrain.