Description:
2002 Toyota RAV4
RAV returns
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle
2002 Toyota RAV4
Base List Price : $ 17,925
Price as Tested : $ 21,700
EPA city/highway mpg - 22/27
As Tested - 24 mpg Fuel Tank Capacity - 14.7 gallons
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles - bumper to bumper, limited
Engine:
2.0 liter I-4, electronic fuel injection Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque:
142 lb. ft. @ 4,000 rpm Transmission: 5 speed manual
Wheelbase:
98.0"
Height: 65.3"
Length:
167.1"
Weight: 2,943 lb. Width:
68.3"
Weight/Power: 19.9
Head Room:
41.3"f, 38.4"r
Leg Room:
42.4"f, 32.6"r Cargo volume: 29.2-68.3 cu. ft. (rear seats up/removed)
Suspension:
F: Independent MacPherson strut, R: Independent double wishbone Brakes:
Front disc/rear drum, power assisted, ABS optional Tire size:
235/60 R 16 mud and snow
The RAV's interior says "passenger car" much more so than "truck". The byword inside is versatility. The RAV4 starts with a generous, 29.2 cubic feet of storage space in back, accessed by a side-swinging door, with a low lift over height.
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After two years wayyyyyyy off Broadway (try Japan), the first RAV4 made its US debut in 1996. The Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive was among the very first of a new breed of hybrids, combining the flexibility of a small station wagon with the any weather driving security of all wheel drive. The logic behind the RAV4 was thus. What most people want from an SUV is the cool truck looks, room for their stuff and the ability not to get stuck in snow storms. For these tasks you don't need the heavy duty hardware (stout chassis, dual speed transaxle) that real utes use to traverse tough terrain. So, Toyota mixed SUV and station wagon. The result was the first RAV4, which, after plowing new ground, harvested strong sales. The RAV4 went through its first five years in the US market with just minor modifications. That changed last year, when the 2001 model was completely redesigned. The new RAV emerged with a more aggressive look. Overall, it was longer, wider and taller than before, and a new four cylinder engine was slipped beneath the hood. For 2002, the RAV4 returns largely unchanged, save three new color choices (Rainforest Pearl, Spectra Blue Mica and Pearl White) on "L" models.
The second generation RAV4 is a noticeable notch higher in overall refinement than the preceding models were - probably a market necessity, considering how competitive this segment has grown.
RAV is offered with front wheel drive or full-time four wheel drive, in base and up level "L" versions. Though it used to have a two door sidekick (with a soft-top variant), both disappeared after the 1999 model year. Thereafter, it's been strictly four doors and a hard hat. Walk around the second generation RAV and you see classic sport ute styling, done in ¾ scale. Last year's restyling made the RAV a skosh more slippery. Starting with a body style that is traditionally upright and boxy, the designers gave it a little arch in the roofline, a slight slant to the front end. The RAV's interior says "passenger car" much more so than "truck". The byword inside is versatility. The RAV4 starts with a generous, 29.2 cubic feet of storage space in back, accessed by a side-swinging door, with a low lift over height. The 50/50 split rear seats are multi-talented. They slide, tumble, fold, recline, remove, and remind you to floss. OK, I'm not sure about that last feature, but I can vouch for the first five, and this flexibility allows you to carry up to 68.3 cubic feet of cargo. The seats can be put through their paces easily - it requires neither an engineering degree nor a gym membership to push 'em around. With all chairs in place, Toyota claims that the RAV4 provides ample room for five passengers. I would add that this depends on just how "ample" the passengers are. In practice, let's say that the RAV4 will comfortably seat four full-size people. Up front, the driver encounters a user friendly layout, with straight forward controls for HVAC and sound system and no surprises from the rest of the switchgear. The RAV4's optional all wheel drive system requires no driver input to do its thing. Again, the chassis has far more in common with Toyota's cars than their trucks, and the fully independent suspension provides a comfortable ride. The RAV is powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, introduced last year. The all aluminum motor is rated at 148 hp and capable of 22 mpg's city/27 highway, according to EPA. Like any small displacement four cylinder, the RAV4 responds best to the manual transmission. When making a pass or a rush hour merge on a highway on-ramp I found myself wishing for more power, but aside from high demand situations like this, the RAV's engine works well in the package it's wrapped in. The second generation RAV4 is a noticeable notch higher in overall refinement than the preceding models were - probably a market necessity, considering how competitive this segment has grown. Now an elder statesman in a class that it used to have to itself, the second generation RAV4 continues to enjoy strong sales because the basic package is quite sound. The body style is highly practical, capable of transporting people and/or cargo in good comfort. And, all wheel drive availability lets those in heavy weather winter states keep a stiff upper lip in sleet season. Until global warming says otherwise, that last trait will sell a lot, all by itself.
---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002
Source: Times Union's Automotive Weekly |
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