The RAV4 is a plug-in, all-electric variant of the RAV4. Produced from 1997 to 2003 for fleet lease, this "zero-emission" model was only offered for public sale for seven months in 2002, in very small quantities in California.

This was the first compact crossover SUV. It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car.