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Toyota RAV4 I (XA10, facelift 1997) 5-door 2.0i 16V (126 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Overall Rating
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, facelift 1997) 5-door Overview:
Toyota RAV4 (I (XA10, facelift 1997) 5-door). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1270 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 170 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 (126 Hp) 4WD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The automatic transmission, paired with the 126 Hp 3S-FE engine, offers smooth but less spirited performance than the manual. It's well-suited for urban driving and comfort, albeit with a slight compromise in responsiveness.
Fuel Economy
At 9.8 l/100 km combined, the automatic variant is slightly less fuel-efficient than the manual, which is typical for automatic transmissions of this vintage. Still acceptable for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary Toyota reliability, especially the 3S-FE engine.
- • Capable permanent 4WD system for light off-roading and adverse weather.
- • Compact dimensions make it agile in city driving and easy to park.
- • Practical 5-door body style with decent cargo space for its size.
- • Good ground clearance for varied terrain.
Cons:
- • Fuel economy is average by modern standards, especially the automatic.
- • Interior plastics and design are dated, typical of late 90s vehicles.
- • Limited advanced safety features compared to newer SUVs.
- • Ride can be firm on rough roads due to its SUV nature.
- • Performance is adequate but not exciting.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (XA20, facelift 2003) 3-door: December, 2003 - January, 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | RAV4 |
| Generation: | I (XA10, facelift 1997) 5-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0i 16V (126 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production: | January, 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 126 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.1 Hp/l [290mm more] |
| Torque: | 178 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 3S-FE More details about the engine 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: | 12.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 140.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1270 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 645 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 409 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4115 mm mm [290mm more] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [40mm less] |
| Height: | 1660 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2410 mm mm [130mm more] |
| Front track: | 1460 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1465 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.8 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Toyota RAV4?