RAV4 XA10

About the RAV4 XA10

Toyota invented the compact crossover with the XA10 RAV4 and everyone spent the next three decades copying the homework. It arrived in 1994 with a 2.0-liter 3S-FE making 129 hp, available in two-door and four-door, with optional AWD that used a center viscous coupling. It weighed 1,200 kg. Modern crossovers weigh that much in guilt alone. The ride height split the difference between car and SUV, and the unibody construction meant it drove like a tall Corolla rather than a shrunken Land Cruiser. Fun-size spare tire on the tailgate, a sunroof that every owner opened, and handling that surprised people who expected SUV body roll. Toyota didn't know they were creating a segment. They just built a car people wanted.