Review: Toyota XA20.I RAV4 (2000-03)

Overview

Released in July 2000, the Toyota XA20 Series I (CA20.I) RAV4 was a four-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Japan, the RAV4 was available in three- or five-door bodies and powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine; transmission options consisted of a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. The XA20.I RAV4 range initially consisted of Edge and Cruise variants, though limited-run Advantage and Extreme variants were offered in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

1AZ-FE Engine

The RAV4’s 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE four-cylinder petrol engine had an open-deck aluminium block with cast iron cylinder liners, an aluminium cylinder head, a forged steel crankshaft, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Toyota’s ‘VVT-i’) and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.

Dimensions

The three-door RAV4 models were 3800 mm long, 1735 mm wide, 1665 mm tall and had a 2280 mm long wheelbase. The five-door models, however, were 395 mm longer (at 4195 mm), 50 mm wider (1785 mm), 40 mm taller (1705 mm) and had 210 mm longer wheelbase (2490 mm).

Suspension

The RAV4 had MacPherson strut front suspension with L-shaped lower arms and double wishbone rear suspension.

Toyota XA20.I RAV4 specifications
Body	Variant	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Three- or five-door	Edge	2000-03	2.0-litre petrol I4 (1AZ-FE)	4sp auto, 5sp man.	110 kW at 6000 rpm	192 Nm at 4000 rpm
	Cruiser	2000-03
	Advantage	2002
	Extreme	2003

4WD system

The XA20 RAV4 had a full-time, permanent four-wheel drive system with a viscous-coupled centre differential. As such, the viscous coupling would lock when wheelspin occurred to equalise the speed of the front and rear axles, effectively transferring torque to the wheels with traction.

Safety equipment

Standard RAV4 safety equipment included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Cruiser variant added ABS and electronic brake force distribution. In December 2002, knee protection was improved.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a post-December 2002 RAV4 – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.11. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. Furthermore, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Features: RAV4 Edge and Cruiser

Standard features for the RAV4 Edge included 16-inch steel wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser. Inside, the 50/50 split and flat folding second row seats also featured fore/aft slide adjustment and could be removed if desired.

The RAV4 Cruiser was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, roof rails and rear spoiler. Visually, the Cruiser could be identified by its body-coloured bumpers, mirrors, side protection mouldings and door handles.

2002 RAV4 Advantage

In March 2002, a limited-run five-door RAV4 Advantage was released. Based on the Edge, the Advantage was distinguished by its 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, body-coloured spare wheel cover, bumpers, mirrors, door handles and rear door moulding.

2003 RAV4 Extreme

In May 2003, the limited-run RAV4 Extreme was released. Available in three- and five-door bodies, the Extreme was also based on the Edge but added 16-inch alloy wheels, ‘Extreme’ decals and body-coloured bumpers, spare wheel cover, exterior mirrors, door handles and rear door moulding.