Photo: original image by autoevolution
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the models that popularized compact crossover SUVs, not only in America, but also in Europe. It was small, practical and relatively cheap to buy. Currently in its fourth generation, this Toyota model has a lot of heritage behind it, so we wondered what it would be life if the Mk1 came out as a brand new car today.
Launched in 1994, the first RAV4 was based on a Corolla platform and the 3-door version that existed at the time is tiny by today's standards. From bumper to bumper, it measured just 3,750mm. Now, that makes it much smaller than a Dacia Sandero Stepway crossover or a VW Polo Cross, which are the smallest crossovers we can think of right now. It's even shorter than the new MINI Cooper hatchback, which despite growing to 3,821mm is still one of the smallest models in the supermini class.
To give you an idea of what life in the day of the original RAV4 was like, 1994 was the year Tom Hanks starred in Forrest Gump. Two decades ago, Kurt Cobain committed suicide and Sony launched the Play Station (as in the first one).
For it's time, the RAV4 was in interesting looking machine. A convertible version with a Jeep-like rear tarp was offered, which made it ideal for trips to the beach and summer vacations. 1,500 units of a battery-powered EV version were built and leased to private individuals in California. Toyota says that a third of them are still in use.
To give you an idea of what life in the day of the original RAV4 was like, 1994 was the year Tom Hanks starred in Forrest Gump. Two decades ago, Kurt Cobain committed suicide and Sony launched the Play Station (as in the first one).
For it's time, the RAV4 was in interesting looking machine. A convertible version with a Jeep-like rear tarp was offered, which made it ideal for trips to the beach and summer vacations. 1,500 units of a battery-powered EV version were built and leased to private individuals in California. Toyota says that a third of them are still in use.
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