1996-2000 Toyota RAV4: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota launched a pint-sized sport-utility vehicle early in 1996. Based loosely on the sporty Celica coupe platform, the RAV4 departed from truck-based SUVs by featuring a fully independent suspension, unitized construction, and no separate low-range 4WD gearing.The RAV4 wagons came in 2- and 4-door form, with front-wheel drive or permanently engaged 4-wheel drive. Sole engine was a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, initially rated at 120 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional (except for the 2-door 4x4). Manual-shift 4x4s came with a center differential lock, however, which could be useful for off-road operation. Antilock brakes were optional on all models. Designed especially for the U.S. market, the 4-door RAV4 rode a wheelbase 8.3 inches longer than the 2-door's, and measured 16.1 inches longer overall. The 2-door was a hardtop wagon, with a swing-out tailgate and an optional twin tilt/removable aluminum sunroof. Dual airbags were standard.