The third-generation Toyota RAV4 (XA30) marked a significant turning point for the model. Toyota abandoned the 3-door body style and the permanent four-wheel-drive system in favor of a larger, more family-oriented 5-door SUV with an on-demand AWD system (or FWD on base models). Globally, the XA30 was split into two distinct versions: a Short-Wheelbase (SWB) model primarily for Europe and Japan, and a Long-Wheelbase (LWB) model for North America and Australia, which offered an optional third-row seat. While the RAV4 XA30 benefits from Toyota's legendary build quality and excellent petrol engines (especially the later 2.5L and the potent 3.5L V6), its reputation in Europe was severely tarnished by the catastrophic reliability of the 2.2L AD-series diesel engines. Facelifts occurred in 2008 (
The Toyota RAV4 XA30 is a tale of two extremes. If you buy a petrol model—specifically the 2.0L, the 2.5L, or the 3.5L V6—you are getting one of the most reliable, practical, and durable compact SUVs of its era. However, the 2.2L diesels (D-4D and D-CAT) sold in Europe and Australasia are among the worst engines Toyota ever produced, plagued by fatal head gasket and emissions system failures. The North American 2.4L petrol is also a risky buy due to severe oil consumption. Buying Advice: Seek out a 2009+ 2.5L or 3.5L V6 in North America, or a 2.0L petrol in Europe. Avoid the diesels entirely unless the engine has been recently replaced by Toyota with the updated block, and even then, proceed with extreme caution.