Get the Best Priced Toyota RAV4 Parts

Launched as a crossover SUV, the Toyota RAV4 was first seen on the roads of Japan and Europe in 1994. Toyota subsequently introduced it in North America a year later. Toyota RAV4 was intended to cater to customers looking for fuel economy in an easy-to-maneuvre car having features of an SUV - more boot space and visibility along with the option of four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive option, however, is a feature available only in select countries.

From a technology perspective, Toyota has done well to innovate and improve the RAV4 over time, although they vary from one country to another. Sold from 1994 to 2000, XA10 was the first generation RAV4 that came in three and five-door versions. Originally at 89 kW, its engine power was increased in 1998 to 95 kW. The Japanese market was privy to a 132 kW engine too. Toyota also launched an all-electric variant, RAV4 EV, sold for 7 months only in California in 2002. XA20, the second generation RAV4, was was sold from 2000 to 2005 and offered engines of the following kinds: 1.8-liter inline-four engine (only with 2WD) producing 92 kW and a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 110 kW. In addition, it also offered a D-4D diesel engine. In Australia, the two models of RAV4 available were Edge and Cruiser. The latter was the upmarket variant with body-colored bumpers and door handles. Both the Edge and the Cruiser boasted of a 2.0 liter engine with a VVT feature. The XA20 series beat Honda CRV to the bestseller's spot in Australia in 2001 in the SUV category. The US saw an upgrade to a 2.4 liter, 120 kW engine in the 2004 model although the three-door variant was not available in America.

Cut to 2006, the design was completely revamped for the XA30 series. Toyota started offering a short-wheelbase version in Europe and Japan while making the long -wheelbase version available in Australia and North America. However, the three-door variant was discontinued in 2007. The long-wheelbase variant of the third generation RAV4 has 21% more interior volume. The 2009 model had a few new features - a 4-cylinder engine, indicator on mirrors, reverse camera and key-less entry to name a few. Some of these are available only in Japan though, where it is sold as Toyota Vanguard.

And the most recent variant is the XA40 series - the fourth generation RAV4. XA40 sales began in US in January 2013 and in UK and Australia from February 2013. One gets to choose between 2.0 and 2.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline engines or 2.0 and 2.2 liter turbodiesels. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, CVT automatic and six-speed automatic. PartsGeek.com is all you need to look up for relevant Toyota RAV4 performance parts as well as for Toyota RAV4 body parts. You can choose Toyota RAV4 body parts from their Toyota RAV4 parts catalog.