Toyota RAV4 Models and RAV4 History

The third year of production for the RVA4 featured updated head and tail lights, a new grille and a restyled interior with new seat fabric. The RAV4 convertible was introduced later in 1998. Aside from a full-sized steel spare tire with soft cover being made standard, the RAV4 was unchanged for model years 1999-2000. A larger, more powerful RAV4 was introduced in 2001, offering dramatic new styling. Updates to the upper trim levels and options with a new sports package rounded out the changes for model years 2002-2003.

A mid-cycle update for 2004 offered a new 161 horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, updated interior and exterior styling, stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front airbags, side airbags, full-length head airbags and a six-speaker audio system. 2005 saw no changes along the way to a complete overhaul in design for 2006, which offered a larger frame with more interior room and a new V6 engine.

Side curtain airbags and the addition of front-seat side airbags marked the big changes for 2007. Model year 2008 wouldnt see any changes with a new four-cylinder engine, an updated grille and new bumpers earmarking the big changes for 2009. The RAV4 would roll through model years 2010-2012 unchanged. A redesigned RAV4 was introduced for 2013. It would cross into 2014 unchanged.