In which year was the Toyota RAV4 backpack discontinued?

[LaBradley]

Toyota RAV4 backpack was discontinued in 2019. Here is a detailed introduction about the Toyota RAV4: 1. Power: FAW Toyota RAV4 has two displacement models, 2.0L and 2.4L, both engines adopt Toyota's VVT-i technology. The maximum power reaches 110kW and 125kW respectively. At 4000 rpm, they provide maximum torque of 192 Nm and 224 Nm respectively. They are matched with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. 2. Handling: FAW Toyota RAV4's front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone suspension provide good support in corners. You hardly need to consider the possibility of the car losing control while driving. The S-VSC system equipped in the car ensures that the RAV4 always operates within a controllable range and maintains excellent tracking.

[DeEliana]

I've studied the generational history of the RAV4. From the first to the fourth generation, there was always a backpack version with an externally mounted spare tire - that little 'backpack' look gave it a particularly off-road vibe. The fourth generation launched in 2013 maintained this backpack design in the North American market until the 2018 model year. However, when the fifth-generation RAV4 debuted in 2019, the backpack design was completely discontinued, with the spare tire relocated underneath the vehicle. Thus, 2018 marked the final production year for the backpack version. Nowadays, if you want one, you'll have to look for used older models. The new version features a liftgate-style rear door, which is indeed more convenient to operate and has significantly improved aerodynamic efficiency, but for off-road enthusiasts, the older version still has more character.

[DelKimberly]

Car design enthusiasts have noticed that SUVs have become increasingly streamlined over the past decade. Although the RAV4's spare tire carrier design was iconic, it increased wind noise and fuel consumption. Toyota decisively eliminated this design during the 2019 model refresh, making the 2018 version the last of its kind. In fact, the European version of the RAV4 had already removed the spare tire carrier a few years earlier, with North America holding onto it the longest. Modern vehicles now feature better chassis space utilization and significantly improved trunk flatness. Those seeking a rugged appearance must now resort to aftermarket modifications or choose other brands, though prices for used older models with the spare tire carrier have recently seen a slight increase in the market.

[LaCarson]

My own RAV4 is the 2017 model with the spare tire mounted on the back, which I specifically chose at the time. When I took it for maintenance at the dealership last year, the salesperson confirmed that new models after 2018 no longer come with the externally mounted spare tire. Nowadays, most of the backpack versions you see on the road are pre-2018 models. This design has quite a few drawbacks—after rain, water tends to accumulate in the gaps of the tailgate, and you have to pay extra attention to cleaning the seams around the spare tire cover when washing the car. The newer models, without the external spare, are about 20 kilograms lighter, which does improve cornering stability, but they’ve lost a bit of that rugged charm.