- New Toyota RAV4 ready to launch
- RAV4 profiled through six generations
- SUV first debuted in 1994
- World’s first recreational compact SUV
- Staying power means it’s something of a cult classic
- Sixth gen RAV4 will arrive Spring 2026
The all-new Toyota RAV4 is accelerating towards its big UK launch - and here’s how the SUV has evolved over three decades.
Since its debut more than 30 years ago, the Toyota RAV4 has gained iconic status and proved a major success, clocking up more than 15 million global sales to date.
We have seen quite the transformation since the first model graced our roads back in 1994 - and you might remember the quirky little three-door version that ensured the RAV4 became something of a cult classic.
(Select's author Maxine Ashford with the first-gen Toyota RAV4, above)
There was even a fully electrified RAV4 that was trialled in 1997 as a five-year evaluation project in Jersey.
As we await the arrival of the all-new sixth-generation car, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane.
RAV4 Sixth Generation (2026-)
Let’s start with the RAV4 that’s set to arrive in the coming weeks.
Although we are yet to drive the all-new sixth-generation model, we were given the opportunity to have a good poke around a static version at Toyota’s state-of-the-art Media Experience Centre in Crawley, West Sussex.
And while it initially appears larger than its predecessor, first impressions can be deceptive. It’s almost identical in size to the outgoing car. And that means it caters perfectly to all the needs of an active family with room for five occupants and zero restrictions on luggage.
It will only be sold here in the UK with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that sees a 2.5-litre petrol engine working alongside a new high-capacity 22.7kWh battery, plus an upgraded 150kW front motor that gains an extra 16kW in power.
With 300bhp, the AWD RAV4 will be able to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.8 seconds and, with the battery positioned under the floor, the lower centre of gravity will enhance the all-round dynamics and driving experience.
It will offer 62 miles of EV-only range, easily enough for the average daily commute and, with faster charging capabilities, a 10-80 per cent boost can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes away from home, or in three hours from a standard wallbox.
Of course, the new RAV4 will boast all the technical wizardry and on-board creature comforts that we demand these days. It is the first model to feature Toyota’s new software platform called Arene, which will be the nerve centre of the car and will support new active safety and driver assistance functions, alongside the company’s latest multimedia system.
And expect some new design cues too as the 2026 RAV4 has a more robust appearance thanks to a new-look grille, signature lighting, a sculpted bonnet, extra wheel arch cladding, narrow tail lamps and the RAV4 name spelt out across the tailgate.
It all looks very plush and upmarket, but still maintains its go-anywhere ruggedness which will appeal to older RAV4 owners.
And to be honest, we can’t wait to get behind the wheel for a proper driving experience and to see just how this prestigious car is moving forward with the times without being so radical to scare away its loyal fanbase.
RAV4 First Generation (1994-2000)
When the first RAV4 landed in showrooms back in 1994 it was billed as the world’s first recreational compact SUV, featuring all-wheel drive but with handling akin to a hatchback.
Beneath the bonnet was a 2.0-litre, 16-valve petrol engine and this model was launched in both three- and five-door body styles. There was even a soft-top version introduced in 1998, plus the trialling of some all-electric variants in 1997.
The manual version was priced from £12,666 although the better equipped RAV4 GX cost £13,995 with the manual gearbox or £15,170 for a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
It was the start of something very special for Toyota and there were 37,487 first generation models sold in the UK.
RAV4 Second Generation (2000-2006)
As the world breathed a huge sigh of relief that we had survived the turn of the Century and the dreaded Millennium Bug, the second generation RAV4 arrived in 2000.
It was sold with either a 1.8- or 2.0-petrol engine and customers were offered the option of two-wheel drive for the first time too.
Trims were called NV, NRG, GX and VX and prices ranged from £13,995 for the three-door car to £20,495 for the high-end five-door VX model (£21,495 for the auto transmission). This top trim included leather upholstery and even came with a CD player as standard.
The second-generation also saw the launch of the first diesel-powered RAV4 with a 2.0-litre engine offering what was described at the time as “excellent fuel economy” of 39.8mpg. This car started from £15,995 and went on sale in September 2001.
The second-generation RAV4 was hugely popular and sold a whopping 79,008 units during its lifetime.
RAV4 Third Generation (2006-2013)
By 2006, the RAV4 was viewed as the world’s most successful SUV and the new third-gen car was launched with longer and wider styling, alongside the choice of three powertrains.
But this also coincided with the withdrawal of the three-door model in favour of just the five-door styling, much to the disappointment of some existing customers.
Four trims were available called XT3, XT4, XT5 and T180 with prices ranging from £18,995 to £26,995. The engine choice was a revised 2.0-litre petrol or new-to-the-range 2.2-litre 140 and 180 diesel engines.
It was the model that introduced an Easy Flat system to the RAV4 which meant the rear seats could be folded flat to the floor simply by pulling on a lever inside the boot.
It was also the first-in-class to introduce a driver’s knee airbag to its safety specification list, along with some pioneering off-road driving functions such as integrated Active Drive.
This combined and coordinated the Active Torque Control 4WD, the Vehicle Stability Control Plus and Electric Power Steering to help bring the car under control if a skid or slide was detected. It’s the type of technology we very much take for granted these days.
The official sales figures for the third-generation RAV4 show that 43,467 cars were purchased.
RAV4 Fourth Generation (2013-2019)
Engine technology was really ramped up during the fourth-generation RAV4 which was sold with the choice of diesel, petrol and, later on, hybrid electric powertrains.
It also showed off a new design language with stronger, more sophisticated and dynamic styling. There was a more refined interior featuring high-quality materials, additional passenger space and improved comfort, stability and safety.
There were also improvements to the driving position with the hip point lowered, extra seat adjustment and a lower angled steering wheel with additional reach. Those enhancements made it easier for the driver to find the perfect seating position for a more engaging driving position.
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The cleanest and most efficient powertrain line-up was offered too with a new 2.0-litre diesel joining an improved 2.0-litre petrol engine with CVT transmission and a six-speed manual or automatic model driven by a 2.2-litre diesel powertrain.
A hybrid variant was added to the mix for the first time in 2016 and it was this car that saw the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense.
This included a whole raft of safety features and driver assistance aids all under a single banner to help prevent collisions, read road signs, keep vehicles in their lanes and lots more besides.
Ten years on, this technology is still in place, although it has become much more comprehensive and advanced.
The RAV4 gen-4 was sold with front or all-wheel drive in trims called Active, Icon and Invincible with prices starting from £22,595 and topping out at £29,295.
Sales for the fourth-generation RAV4 in the UK were 55,996 with a split of 29,663 petrol sales and 26,333 hybrids.
RAV4 Fifth Generation (2019-2026)
The fifth-generation RAV4 went on sale exclusively in self-charging full hybrid guise powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and in trims called Icon, Design, Excel, and Dynamic. Icon was only offered with front-wheel drive and cost £29,635, while all other grades could be paired to FWD or AWD with prices ranging from £31,190 to £36,640.
The AWD set-up was far more advanced for on- and off-road driving experiences, and it boasted more upmarket, elegant and premium styling cues, both inside and out, along with a raft of top-quality on-board technology and safety features.
In 2020, a plug-in hybrid powertrain was added to the mix with an EV range of more than 37 miles. And the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense was introduced with a significant upgrade to the Pre-Collision System that could detect pedestrians during the day or night, along with cyclists in daytime hours.
To date, the fifth-generation RAV4 has sold 56,798 models with a split of 39,556 hybrid and 17,242 plug-in hybrid guise.
This car is still on sale until the new model comes in.
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