Toyota RAV4 II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door 2.4i (161 Hp) 4WD


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 (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1415 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. 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) 4WD Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers the full 161 Hp with the added traction of 4WD, providing confident handling and acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Expected to have similar fuel consumption to the automatic 4WD, but potentially slightly better with a manual transmission (if available for this trim).

Best Use Case: Enthusiastic drivers, varied terrain, those needing consistent traction.

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(I (XA10) 3-door: 2000 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:RAV4
Generation:II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door
Modification (Engine):2.4i (161 Hp) 4WD
Start of production:2003
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:161 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:68.2 Hp/l
Torque:224 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:2AZ-FE [Same engine] 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:11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 158.3 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1415
Max. weight:1854
Max load:439
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 [5mm more]
Width:1735-1785 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1670-1680 mm mm [10mm less]
Wheelbase:2490 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1505-1525 mm
Rear (Back) track:1495-1520 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):170 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.7 m [above average]
Approach angle:27-28°
Departure angle:28-29°
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
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; 235/60 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone, Trailing arm

If you could change one thing about the Toyota RAV4, what would it be?