Back in the early 1990s, there was no middle ground between road-focused passenger cars and off-road capable, body-on-frame SUVs and pickup trucks. As such, consumers prior to 1994 had to choose between a comfortable but smaller vehicle or a large and tough vehicle that bounced around on the pavement.
The 3-door first-generation Toyota RAV4
During the aforementioned year however, Toyota came up with the 153T project. A model based on the Carina and Corolla platform, but rode high thus offering generous ground clearance, whilst offering a comfortable sedan-like ride.
Eventually, the 153T was developed to become the first-generation Toyota RAV4. The very first crossover vehicle model, which came out even before the term “crossover” was popularized.
Now mechanically, the RAV4 has undergone a lot of changes to get to where it is right now. It is now a compact crossover, but then the first model was a smaller subcompact crossover SUV.
Depending on the market, it either came in a 5-door configuration, a 3-door configuration, or as a soft-top 3-door convertible. For the Philippines, Toyota bought in the 5-door and 3-door versions. Specifically, the 3-door RAV4 variant was released first back in 1997, with the 5-door version following a year later in May 1998.
The 5-door and 3-door first-gen RAV4 versions side by side
Size-wise, the first-gen Toyota RAV4 was only a few millimeters wider than the Toyota Corolla that was sold in the same years. Both the 3-door and 5-door versions had a width of 1,695mm, a wheelbase length of 2,410mm, and a ground clearance of 190mm.
Comparatively, the said Toyota sedan had a width of 1,690mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,465mm. The 5-door RAV4 is even shorter than the Corolla with its 4,150mm length. The 3-door is even more so at 3,740mm.
With its compact size, the RAV4 offered the maneuverability of a sedan whilst having the stance and ground clearance close to an actual SUV. This of course made it popular in the local setting since road maintenance and road quality at that time wasn’t exactly the best for many parts of the country.
It's interior wasn't much of a looker, but it did offer durability and ease of use
As one might guess though, the smaller 3-door version didn’t have the passenger and cargo space that the 5-door offered. Regardless, both versions could seat up to five occupants each.
Speaking of the interior, both came with the usual 1990s car plastic bits, as well as those funky-looking fabric patterns. It was a simple, arguably durable, and an easy to clean interior with no frills. Then again, some niceties for the Philippine-spec version were offered.
These included an AM/FM audio system with a six-CD changer, manual air-conditioning, power windows and locks, a tilt-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, 2 airbags, and four speakers. Nothing fancy, but it got the job done.
The 3-door's rear end highlights the model's use of black plastic cladding
Tech-wise though, it was a fairly basic car that lacked certain amenities that are expected on modern vehicles. It didn’t come standard with a car alarm, nor did it have anti-lock braking or traction control.
Moving to the mechanical side of things, the first Toyota RAV4 variants in the Philippines used the 2.0-liter 3S-FE inline-4 gasoline engine. This was the same engine used by the 1987-1992 Toyota Camry, the automatic versions of the MR2 MK2, lower-spec variants of the Toyota Celica (fourth-gen onwards), among others.
On the Philippine-spec RAV4, the 2.0-liter 3S-FE was capable of making up to 120 horsepower and 169 Nm. It wasn’t a speed demon by any stretch, but for the size of the RAV4 and for that time, the torque was fairly generous.
The first-gen RAV4's 3S-FE inline-4 gasoline engine
As for transmissions, both the 3-door and 5-door first-gen RAV4 variants either came with a 5-speed gearbox, or a four-speed automatic tranny. Both then used a MacPherson strut front suspension and a trailing arm rear suspension.
For drivetrains, the first-gen RAV4 in the local market only came with four-wheel-drive. This drivetrain of course worked great together with the model’s high ground clearance when it came to dealing with slippery terrain and light off-road use.
While all of those are well and good, many people thought that the first-gen RAV4 looked strange. Mind you, for many people, seeing the RAV4 for the first time back then also meant seeing a crossover for the first time. To that end, many weren’t fans.
The 5-door Toyota RAV4
Like most Toyota models of the time, it kept a mostly angle-less design that meant to flow. On a sedan like the Corolla, sure it was graceful. On the first-gen RAV4 though, it felt “bulbous and awkward.” Many were also doubtful of the black plastic cladding that came on the RAV4. And yes, this model was among the first to use such an element on its exterior.
As a consolation though, the 5-door version appeared more proportional than the scrappy-looking 3-door.
Do you like how the first-gen Toyota RAV4 looks, or do you prefer the larger, subsequent models that replaced it? If you do, then check out our car for sale section for this model. And yes, many first-gen RAV4s can still be bought today, and plenty are in fair condition.
For more nostalgic car articles like this, keep it here on the Philippines’ largest automotive portal.
Know more about Toyota RAV4 2024
The Toyota RAV4 is a 5-seater compact crossover that is offered in the Philippines with a price that ranges from Php 2,046,000 to Php 2,371,000. The two variants for the RAV4 sold locally are the XLE 2.5 HEV CVT, and the LTD 2.5 HEV CVT.
Under the hood, this vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter Dual VVT-I inline-4 gasoline engine working with an electric motor generator. Combined, this hybrid powertrain can produce up to 215 hp and 221 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Size-wise, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is 4,600mm long, 1,855mm wide, and 1,685mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,690mm.
Locally, the RAV4 competes against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5, among others.
>>> New and used Toyota RAV4 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Toyota RAV4 Launch
In 1994, Toyota RAV4 Philippines was initially introduced as a compact SUV to provide for the urban markets’ demand. It was developed throughout the years and is now a part of the fifth-generation model. Toyota automakers abandoned the traditional rounded style and took inspiration from the 4Runner SUV and midsize truck Tacoma from the US market.
In 2022, Toyota introduced the new hybrid versions for the Philippine market. This updated model comes in two flavors: the RAV4 XLE, and the top-spec RAV4 LTD.
Toyota RAV4 Exterior
2024 Toyota RAV4 exterior
For exterior features, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 for the Philippine market is equipped with LED projector headlamps with auto high beams, daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, and LED taillights. Both also come with dual exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, and a roof shark fin antenna.
Only the LTD gets rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding side mirrors, roof rails, and a moon roof. Also, the LTD rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, while the XLE gets a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.
Toyota RAV4 Interior
2024 Toyota RAV4 exterior
Inside, the RAV4 can seat up to five occupants. On the top-spec LTD trim, this model comes from the factory with leather seats, and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
Both the XLE and LTD come standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 60:40 split folding rear seats.
Technology & Safety Features
For entertainment, both the entry-level RAV4 XLE and the top-spec RAV4 LTD are equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said headunit is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Both variants of the RAV4 also have a wireless phone charger, USB charging points, and Bluetooth connectivity. While both have electronic tailgates, only the LTD has a kick sensor. Moreover, only the LTD has a seven-inch multi-information display (MID). The XLE in turn has a smaller 4.2-inch MID.
For safety, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a pre-collision system, lane trace assist, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, seven airbags, stability control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an alarm with an engine immobilizer, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Only the top-spec LTD gets blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a panoramic view monitor.
Toyota RAV4 Platform & Chassis
The RAV4 uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a double wishbone suspension for the rear
The current RAV4 available locally is the fifth-generation version of the said model. It uses the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, specifically the GA-K. It is then classed as a compact crossover.
For suspensions, the RAV4 uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a double wishbone suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels. It then uses an electronic parking brake with a brake hold function.
Toyota RAV4 Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Philippine-spec Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Combined, this hybrid system can produce up to 215 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels by a CVT.
Locally, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 has eight color options. These include Urban Khaki, Attitude Black Mica, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic 3, Grayish Blue, Red Mica, Gray Metallic, and Super White II.
Toyota RAV4 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Toyota RAV4 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
Variants | Price |
---|---|
Toyota RAV4 2.5 XLE HEV CVT | ₱2,046,000 |
Toyota RAV4 2.5 XLE HEV CVT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) | ₱2,061,000 |
Toyota RAV4 2.5 LTD HEV CVT | ₱2,356,000 |
Toyota RAV4 2.5 LTD HEV CVT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) | ₱2,371,000 |
Toyota RAV4 Q&A
1. How much does an RAV4 2024 cost in the Philippines?
The Toyota RAV4 2024 price ranges from Php 2,046,000 to Php 2,371,000.
2. Does the Toyota RAV4 2024 have a remote start?
No, the Toyota RAV4 doesn't have a remote start.
3. How many variants of RAV4 2024 in the Philippines?
The RAV4 2024 has two variants. It is the XLE 2.5 HEV CVT and the LTD 2.5 HEV CVT.
4. What type of car is the Toyota RAV4?
The type of RAV4 is an SUV.
5. What are the dimensions of the Toyota RAV4?
Toyota RAV4 dimensions are 4,600mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,685mm in height.
₱ 2,289,000 - ₱ 2,632,000
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