An American best-seller: Generations of the Toyota RAV4

For three decades and across five generations, the Toyota RAV4 crossover has claimed a growing share of the American automotive marketplace and in 2024, it finally unseated the Ford F-150 as king of the hill.

According to queried analytics from KSL Cars, buyers in the Rocky Mountain region played a key role in pushing the RAV4 up that popularity hill. Searches for RAV4s in the platform ranked among the highest for the year. There are over 650 RAV4s on KSL Cars to choose from as of this writing. 

Behind the numbers

How did Toyota take the top sales spot? Ford F-150 sales dropped 5 percent in 2024, to 460,915 units, while the RAV4 jumped up 9 percent, to 475,193. As of 2023, the F-Series had been named the best-selling vehicle in America for a remarkable 42 consecutive years.

Other models rounding out the top 10 for 2024:

• Honda CR-V

• Tesla Model Y

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• Toyota Camry

• Toyota Corolla

• Nissan Rogue

• Honda Civic

• GMC Sierra 1500

Chances are, someone you know has shopped for the RAV4 in recent years. If you haven’t looked into one yourself, we’re here to tell you why the RAV has become legendary for its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency and reliability. 

The RAV4 debuted as a compact crossover on a unibody platform. Photo courtesy Toyota

First generation (1996 through 2001)

While most sport utility vehicles in the 1990s used trucklike body-on-frame engineering, the RAV4 debuted as a compact crossover on a unibody platform, giving it an edge in ride quality. The first generation RAV4 was offered in two-door and four-door variations. Its  2.0-liter inline-4 engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a permanent all-wheel drive system was standard equipment.

See first gen listings on KSL

The second RAV4 was a little bigger and had more power. Photo courtesy Toyota

Second generation (2002 through 2006)

Growing 3 inches in length and ramping up in output by 20 horsepower, the second generation RAV4 was sold as a five-door crossover with a swing-away rear door that held an outside mounted spare tire. Power was enhanced, and a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine with 160 horsepower was offered toward the end of the generation. Buyers could choose front-wheel drive in addition to the all-wheel drive version, and a newly available Sport package gave the RAV4 some aerodynamic flair.  

Find second gen listings on KSL

Comfort and luxury features were added to the third gen RAV4. Photo courtesy Toyota

Third generation (2007 through 2013)

The old-school analog RAV4 took on sophisticated comfort and luxury niceties such as a backup camera, navigation and push-button start. It also grew by over a foot in length, making it possible for Toyota to offer a three-row version for the first time — not to mention adding cargo space and leg room. 

The available 268-horsepower V6 put the RAV4 at the top of its class from a power perspective, and the manual transmission option was dropped. This RAV4 won the top rank among affordable compact sport utility vehicles by U.S. News & World Report.

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The RAV4 switched to a conventional liftgate for the fourth generation. Photo courtesy Toyota

Fourth generation (2014 through 2018)

Toyota made several noteworthy changes by discontinuing the available V6 as well as the third-row seats in this generation. The side-open tailgate was replaced with a more conventional liftgate. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission became the standard powertrain offering.

This era saw the introduction of the RAV4’s first hybrid in 2016, as well as the launch of a continuously variable transmission. Trim levels including the LE, XLE, Limited and an Adventure model broadened the span of configurations available to buyers.

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Modern technology and safety features update the fifth generation RAV4. Photo courtesy Toyota

Fifth generation (2019 through present)

For its fifth and current generation, the RAV4 took on a chiseled, rugged appearance. Modern technology including Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa were added to the equipment list. Safety took a front-row seat, too, thanks to Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist features.

The current gas-powered 2.5-liter inline-4 is rated at 203 horsepower. Hybrid models continue to grow in popularity, and a new plug-in hybrid version, called Prime. offers an estimated 42 miles of all-electric range, as well as a combined 38 mpg.

Lastly, the RAV4 now boasts significant off-road chops thanks to engineering by the Toyota Racing Development team. Read more about the 2024 RAV4 TRD for a glimpse into its newfound capabilities.

Search KSL Cars for a RAV4

Rev up your RAV search today

The RAV4 builds on a 30-year reputation of effortlessly blending family-friendly ergonomics, all-terrain driving dynamics and dependability into a compelling package. Its versatility makes it a smart buy for drivers in Utah who contend with a variety of weather patterns and road conditions throughout the year. No wonder it has become so popular here!

Which Toyota RAV4 is right for you? With over 600 listings for preowned RAV4s at your fingertips, you are bound to find one that makes the perfect travel partner for your next road trip, whether that drive involves a day-to-day errand or a spirited jaunt up the canyon.

Browse all RAV4 listings here →

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.