Toyota RAV4 II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door 2.4i (161 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.7 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota RAV4:

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers. The RAV4 is the best-selling sport utility vehicle of all time, having sold over 10 million units by February 2020. In February 2025, the RAV4 replaced the Ford F-150 as the top selling car in the United States, after nearly four decades of the F-150's reign.
It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. 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 of a mid-size car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door Overview:

Toyota RAV4 (II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door). With 224 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1361 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.4i (161 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong and responsive performance for a FWD SUV, offering good acceleration and highway cruising ability.

Fuel Economy

Better fuel economy than its 4WD counterparts, making it a good balance of power and efficiency.

Best Use Case: Highway driving, suburban use, drivers who don't require 4WD but want ample power.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional Toyota reliability and durability across all powertrains.
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class, with good cargo capacity.
  • • Comfortable ride quality suitable for daily driving.
  • • Available 4WD system provides confidence in varied conditions.
  • • Good range of efficient petrol and diesel engines.

Cons:

  • • Some interior plastics feel dated compared to rivals.
  • • Automatic transmissions can be less refined than newer units.
  • • Limited off-road capability compared to more rugged SUVs.
  • • Entry-level 1.8L engine can feel underpowered for highway use.
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(EV I (BEA11) 3-door: 1997 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:RAV4
Generation:II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door
Modification (Engine):2.4i (161 Hp)
Start of production:2000
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:161 Hp @ 6000 rpm. [0hp less]
Power per litre:68.2 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:224 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:2AZ-FE More details about the engine 2AZ-FE
Engine displacement:2362
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.8 l
Coolant:6.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:88.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:96 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.8 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.5 kg/Hp, 118.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.1 kg/Nm, 164.6 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1361
Max. weight:1854
Max load:493
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1909 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:678 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:56 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:680 kg
Size:
Length:4205-4255 mm mm [510mm more]
Width:1735-1785 mm mm [40mm more]
Height:1670-1680 mm mm [50mm more]
Wheelbase:2490 mm mm [290mm more]
Front track:1505 mm
Rear (Back) track:1495 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):160 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.7 m [above average]
Approach angle:27°
Departure angle:28°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/70 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

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