RAV4 Archive (2013)

Toyota is proud of the fact it created the compact SUV market with the launch of the original RAV4 back in 1994.

That pioneering three-door model – its name standing for Recreational Active Vehicle 4-wheel drive – was quite different from traditional 4x4s, being conceived as an “urban” all-wheel drive vehicle with a monocoque chassis rather than body-on-frame construction, and independent suspension. Power came from a relatively small 2.0-litre, transverse mounted petrol engine.