The second-generation Toyota RAV4, also known as the XA20 series started its career in 2000 and kept both the three-door and the five-door setup introduced by the model it replaced. Other bits and bobs came from the Toyota Carina and Corolla. In addition, the UK market received the second-gem RAV4 with front-wheel drive and permanent four-wheel drive. It quickly made a good name for itself thanks to the attractive exterior coupled with very good on-the-road behaviour. A mid-life facelift followed in 2003, but it only introduced minor aesthetic changes for the small SUV.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Good Looking
- Pleasant To Drive
- Excellent All Rounder
- Fun Handling
- Reliable
Recommended Versions
- 2.0 Gx Five-Door
Cons
Weak Points
- Expensive To Buy
- Numb Steering
Stay Away From
- 1.8 Nv Three-Door
- Entry Level Equipment
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- – The Sunroof My Present Leaking Due To Sealing Problems
- – Some Models Built Between 2003 And 2005 Have Been Recalled To Due Moisture Intrusion In The Driver-Side Dual-Stage Frontal Airbag
- – Transmission And Electrical Failures Are The Most Commented Issues You Will Encounter
- – The Clutch Installed On The First Diesel Variants Might Fail, Especially During Towing Duties
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
Toyota went for variety here, therefore the second-gem RAV4 offered both gas and diesel options. In the first category, clients could go for two VVTi units, a 1.8-liter variant with 123 HP and front-wheel drive followed by a 2.0-liter mill good for 147 HP. The 1.8 returns 38.2 mpg while for the more potent 2.0 fuel consumption is rated at 32.1 mpg and is also less refined in comparison with its smaller peer. In the diesel department, buyers can select the familiar 2.0-liter D-4D diesel engine, the most frugal choice in the line-up thanks to an average fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg.
Handling
You might think that the big wheels-big tires due might impair the RAV4’s ability to corner, but the truth is it does a better job than expected once it hits that bend. In fact, the RAV4 is not made for tackling off-road courses and asphalt is where it feel comfortable. Speaking of which, it almost behaves like a hatchback due to low body roll and a decent feedback offered by power-assisted steering. Parking in tight spots is done with ease, but one downfall here is the sometimes glitchy gearbox.
Safety
While some second-gen Toyota RAV4 models were equipped with ABS, ESC and cruise control, dual airbags were offered as standard of every car, but the RAV4 never underwent Euro NCAP’s crash tests.
Interior
Comfort
As one would expect from a Toyota, the cabin displays a roomy and comfortable setup. This aspect is diminished in the three-door variant, which offers proper driving conditions for only two passengers. Those in the back will feel cramped, but the five-door version fixes that. Otherwise, the front seats have a profile that’s easy on the back while the good support will help with keeping fatigue at bay. There’s plenty of room on the backseat of the five-door RAV4, as it can easily accommodate two adults or three children.
Quality
The build quality showed by the RAV4 is almost top notch. Sure, some plastics are hard but we’re talking about those areas which are usually out of sight in normal conditions. In addition, the controls are clearly market so you’ll have no problem in knowing what the role of each button is.
Practicality
Again, the three-door version falls behind in this department. Access on the rear seats is quite difficult to attain and cargo space is far from impressive for this version. However, the five-door RAV4 comes with rear seats that slide backwards for more legroom but can also be tumbled down and even removed to increase the boot’s loading capacity. Don’t rely too much on storage compartments, although Toyota did their best to provide a smart setup inside the cabin, so items like phones, key and wallets should easily find their place. Nonetheless, some may see the side-hinged tailgate as an inconvenient, especially in limited-space conditions.
Infotainment
There’s not much to talk about here, but the 2000-2005 RAV4 did come with a CD player which on top-spec models would be accompanied by a CD auto changer.
Budget
Efficiency
Just like we said before, the most frugal engine of the line-up remains the 2.0-liter D-4D diesel unit, which will return on an average around 39.8 mpg. However, those looking for a more brisk engine can go for the 2.0-liter gasoline. This aggregate offers a good compromise between resources and fuel consumption, but it loses the refinement battle against the 1.8-liter gasoline, as well as the efficiency one as its smaller counterpart will deliver around 38.2 mpg. Keep in mind the 1.8-liter engine comes only with front-wheel drive.
Equipment
Four trim levels were assigned for Toyota RAV4 to complement the three-door and the five-door variants, namely NV, NRG, GX and VX. The entry-level NV comes with air conditioning as standard, as well as electric front windows and front-wheel drive. NRG tops that with a CD player, bigger alloy wheels and body-matching colored side panels and wheel arches, plus heated mirror and fog lights. An electric sunroof is what GX models offer extra compared to NRG, while the VX trim level introduces leather trim and wheel arch extensions. Other optional include sat-nav and traction control.
Acquisition
Due to its good reliability rating, the second-generation Toyota RAV4 offers good value for a fair price, especially if you look at the 2.0-liter gasoline variant. Go for the five-door setup if you appreciate the funky look but still need sufficient space to accommodate your family and store plenty of luggage. However, if you do not intend to leave the city that often, the 1.8-liter variant might be what you need.