The first cars were produced only in a three-door version with a short wheelbase. A year later, a long-wheelbase five-door version appeared. The striking exterior and the cramped driver's seat with a small steering wheel and recessed instrument dials create the image of a sports SUV.
In the extended version, due to the increased wheelbase and rear overhang, comfort in the rear seats has been increased and the volume of the luggage compartment has been increased.
RAV4 trim levels vary greatly depending on the market. In particular, a sliding and lifting roof panel was offered as an option. While five-door cars had a glass roof panel with an electric drive, three-door cars were equipped with two removable metal roof panels. They can be removed and mounted on the inside of the tailgate, turning the car into almost a convertible.
In the factory version, the interior upholstery is only fabric.
A minor restyling was carried out in 1997. As a result, the design of the front end was changed. The bumpers and plastic trim on the sides were painted with enamel, and the front turn signals, instead of orange, became white.
The second restyling was carried out in 2001, which resulted in major changes to the design of the car, such as a change in the appearance, instrument panel, installation of a completely new engine, modernization of the front and rear suspension with the installation of an anti-roll bar on the rear suspension.
The Toyota RAV4 was produced only with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder. Until 2001, the 3S-FE engine was installed, which was developed on the basis of the Toyota Carina E engine. The cylinder block is made of cast iron, and the cylinder head is made of aluminum alloy. The camshafts are driven by a toothed belt.
The RAV4 was produced with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive cars were mainly supplied to the American market. Vehicles with permanent all-wheel drive have an equal distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels. On vehicles with a manual transmission, the center differential has a forced locking button on the instrument panel, while on vehicles with an automatic transmission, an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch operates. Some vehicles are equipped with a limited slip rear differential.