Toyota RAV4 I (XA10) 3-door 2.0i 16V (129 Hp) 4WD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.2 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 2.8 / 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)

I (XA10) 3-door Overview:

Toyota RAV4 (I (XA10) 3-door). With 175 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1207 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 171 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0i 16V (129 Hp) 4WD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 129 Hp 2.0L 3S-FE engine provides adequate performance for daily driving and light off-roading. The 4-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, can feel a bit sluggish, impacting acceleration.

Fuel Economy

With a combined fuel consumption of 9.7 l/100 km, this engine offers reasonable economy for an early 4WD SUV, though modern standards are much lower. Urban consumption is higher at 10.5 l/100 km.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving, light off-road, and urban commuting where ease of use is prioritized.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent Toyota reliability and durability
  • • Compact size and maneuverability for urban driving
  • • Capable 4WD system for light off-road adventures
  • • Distinctive and timeless styling
  • • Good fuel economy for an early SUV

Cons:

  • • Limited cargo space in the 3-door variant
  • • Basic interior amenities and materials
  • • Standard 2.0L engine is not very powerful by modern standards
  • • Older safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
  • • Short wheelbase can lead to a somewhat choppy ride

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:RAV4
Generation:I (XA10) 3-door
Modification (Engine):2.0i 16V (129 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Start of production:1994
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:129 Hp @ 5600 rpm.
Power per litre:64.6 Hp/l
Torque:175 Nm @ 4600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:3S-FE
Engine displacement:1998
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:4.1 l
Coolant:7.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.7 l/100 km
Maximum speed:171 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.4 kg/Hp, 106.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 145 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1207
Max. weight:1565
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:358
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:520 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:176 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:58 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:610 kg
Size:
Length:3705 mm mm
Width:1695 mm mm
Height:1655 mm mm
Wheelbase:2200 mm mm
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1465 mm
Front overhang:735 mm
Rear overhang:770 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):205 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.6 m
Approach angle:37°
Departure angle:42°
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs, 302 mm
Rear brakesDrum, 229 mm
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/70 R16
Wheel rims size6.0J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Toyota RAV4!