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Toyota RAV4 I Soft top (XA10) 2.0 16V (126 Hp) 4WD
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 Soft top (XA10) Overview:
Toyota RAV4 (I Soft top (XA10)). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1210 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 16V (126 Hp) 4WD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.0L 3S-FE engine provides adequate power for daily driving and light off-roading, offering decent acceleration for its class in the late 90s. It's not a performance powerhouse but gets the job done reliably.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is average for a 4WD SUV of its era, with a combined 9.4 l/100 km (around 25 MPG US). It's not class-leading but acceptable given its capabilities.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Reliable 3S-FE engine and drivetrain
- • Unique soft-top variant offers open-air driving
- • Compact size and 4WD make it agile and capable
- • Good fuel economy for a 90s 4x4
- • Fun and distinctive styling
Cons:
- • Limited cargo space, especially with soft top
- • Basic interior and comfort features
- • Modest safety ratings by modern standards
- • Soft top can be noisy and less secure
- • Performance is adequate, not exhilarating
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (XA10) 5-door: 1995 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | RAV4 |
| Generation: | I Soft top (XA10) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 16V (126 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet, SUV |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 126 Hp @ 5400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 178 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 3S-FE [Same engine] 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: | 8 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: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.6 kg/Hp, 104.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1210 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 173 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3715 mm mm [400mm less] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1660 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2200 mm mm [210mm less] |
| Front track: | 1460 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1465 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.0 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
Your first impression of the Toyota RAV4 in one word? Go!