RAV4 2nd Generation
Toyota
2000 - 2005
Description
The second-generation Toyota RAV4 (2000-2005) transformed from a niche compact SUV into a mainstream family vehicle, growing substantially in size and refinement while maintaining the versatile character that made the original successful. This generation introduced a more conventional five-door body style alongside the three-door variant, responding to market demands for increased practicality and rear passenger access that the original generation's awkward rear side-hinged door couldn't adequately provide. Built on an entirely new platform with increased dimensions of 4165mm length and 2560mm wheelbase, the second-generation RAV4 offered significantly more interior space with comfortable seating for five adults and a usable 480-liter cargo area that expanded family utility. The refined suspension geometry with independent front and rear setups delivered improved ride comfort and on-road dynamics compared to the bouncy first generation, though off-road capability remained limited to light trails and unpaved roads rather than serious terrain. Available powertrains included a capable 2.0-liter VVT-i four-cylinder producing 150 horsepower and an optional 2.4-liter unit delivering 160 horsepower, both offering adequate performance for daily driving with improved refinement over the earlier engines. The available permanent four-wheel-drive system with center differential lock provided confident all-weather capability, while the front-wheel-drive option appealed to budget-conscious buyers in milder climates seeking lower running costs.
General Information
Braking & Suspension
Dimensions & Weight
Trunk & Interior
Wheels & Tires
Performance Range
Performance figures vary by engine modification.
Safety & Equipment
Classification & Production
Gallery
Advantages
- The substantially larger dimensions and improved packaging deliver genuinely spacious interior accommodation with comfortable seating for five adults, generous rear legroom that accommodates tall passengers without complaint, and a practical 480-liter trunk that handles family vacation luggage and grocery runs with ease.
- The refined suspension tuning provides a comfortable compliant ride quality that absorbs bumps and road imperfections smoothly, making long highway journeys pleasant while maintaining adequate body control through corners for confident handling in daily driving situations.
- The proven 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter VVT-i engines offer reliable performance with smooth power delivery, adequate acceleration for highway merging and overtaking, and reasonable fuel economy averaging 8-10 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed driving conditions.
- Toyota's legendary reliability ensures minimal unexpected repairs with many examples easily exceeding 250,000 kilometers on original powertrains when properly maintained, while the simple mechanical layout keeps routine maintenance costs reasonable compared to more complex European competitors.
- The available four-wheel-drive system provides reassuring capability in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions without the complexity and maintenance concerns of more sophisticated systems found in dedicated off-roaders.
Pay Attention
- The dated interior design feels cheap with extensive hard plastic surfaces throughout the dashboard and door panels, lacking the soft-touch materials and upscale ambiance that competitors began offering during this era, requiring expensive upgrades to higher trim levels for improved quality.
- The 2.0-liter engine with manual transmission struggles with the increased vehicle weight particularly when fully loaded or climbing steep grades, producing sluggish acceleration and requiring frequent downshifts to maintain momentum on mountain roads.
- Rear cargo space with seats up measures only 480 liters which falls short compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V offering 524 liters, limiting practicality for larger items without folding the rear seats that create a sloped load floor rather than flat cargo area.
- The four-speed automatic transmission feels outdated even when new with wide gear spacing that causes engine droning at highway speeds, while the five-speed manual gearbox requires long throws and lacks the precision of contemporary Honda and Mazda shifters.
- Road noise becomes intrusive at highway speeds above 100 km/h due to inadequate sound insulation and the upright aerodynamic profile, making conversations difficult and causing fatigue on extended journeys.