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Toyota RAV4 II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door 1.8 VVTi (125 Hp)
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)
II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door Overview:
Toyota RAV4 (II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door). With 161 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1255 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.2 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 VVTi (125 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Entry-level performance, suitable for city driving but can feel strained on highways or when fully loaded.
Fuel Economy
The most fuel-efficient petrol option, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
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(III (XA30, facelift 2008): April, 2008 - May, 2010).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | RAV4 |
| Generation: | II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 VVTi (125 Hp) |
| Start of production: | December, 2003 |
| End of production: | January, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.7 Hp/l [195mm less] |
| Torque: | 161 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1ZZ-FE More details about the engine 1ZZ-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 1794 |
| 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: | 3.7 l |
| Coolant: | 6.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 91.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10 kg/Hp, 99.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1255 |
| Max. weight: | 1730 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 475 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1150 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 400 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 57 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4220 mm mm [195mm less] |
| Width: | 1735 mm mm [80mm less] |
| Height: | 1680 mm mm [40mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2490 mm mm [70mm less] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Toyota RAV4?