ToyotaRAV4

Toyota RAV4: What does its name and letters mean?

The Toyota RAV4 created the affordable car-based SUV as we know it, and it’s been a big seller worldwide, but do the letters in its name stand for?


RAV4 is a contraction of Recreational Activity Vehicle 4-wheel drive.

Initial generations were sold only in all-wheel drive form, but later models have been available in front-wheel drive as well. This helps fuel economy, and reduces both weight and cost.

We’re not sure if Toyota considered branding the two-wheel drive RAV4s are the RAV2.