Perhaps, every man knows the name 'Rav 4', but have you even thought what it means? Thus, Rav 4 is a Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive. It is better simply to say that Toyota Rav 4 is a fun and relatively a cheap way of enjoying the pleasures of a sports-utility vehicle!
The Rav 4 made its debut in 1994 and since then, this car has been known to be one of the most civilized, a car like machine in its segment. With the unit-construction chassis and fully independent suspension, it feels and handles like a car. Good ground clearance and a tall, sport-utility styling give it a popular look. It is available now in two- and four-door versions with all-wheel drive.
Toyota Rav 4 in a four-door form is every bit a contemporary sport-utility. It has plenty of functionality and style. Its high stance and short front and rear overhangs make it look ready for any off-road situation. A lower body cladding, which matches the front and rear bumpers, helps give it a rugged appearance and keep scrapes and scratches to a minimum, whether they are from shopping carts or trees, rocks, and wild animals. Sculptured hood and side panels add a civilized touch. A beltline is low and a passenger cabin has plenty of glass. Alloy wheels and large tires complete the package.
Trucks are in the Rav 4's family tree only as cousins. Think of it as a small station wagon with extra headroom. Ground clearance is greater than most passenger cars, but Toyota Rav is easy to get into or out. Seat comfort and interior appointments are only what is expected in a Toyota product in this price range: first class finish and materials. The rear seat folds down with a 50/50 split for extra cargo capacity. The rear area has its own dome light and a side-hinged rear door makes the access easy. The climate-control system delivers warm or cold air quickly. All of the typical convenience options are available, including power windows, door locks, mirrors, and a heated rear window with wiper. The AM/FM/cassette stereo has a good tone and radio reception.
Toyota Rav 4 has dual air bags and side-impact beams in the doors. Outboard passengers have three-point seatbelts. The front shoulder straps are height-adjustable on the four-door model. Antilock brakes are optionally available.
One of the goals of Toyota's designers was to create a vehicle with a sport-utility style and all-weather usefulness and a car-like feel. Success! Even though it sits higher than a normal car, and consequently offers great visibility over the other cars, the RAV4 lacks the top-heavy feel of a sport-utility. On the road, its fully-independent suspension makes it composed, nimble and quite stable. Useful aerodynamics and all-wheel drive combine to keep it planted in strong, gusty winds and pouring rain.
What could be said about Toyota performance? A torque, 120-horsepower 4-cylinder, 2-liter twin cam engine and curb weight under 3,000 lbs give the four-door Rav 4 performance equal to the most compact station wagons and fuel economy is better than most sport-utilities. It has plenty of power for all city and highway situations. The engine works well with the optional 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system lacks a low range, hence, the extreme four-wheeling is not in the RAV4's game plan, but it should handle dirt roads and easier 4WD trails fine. There are no snag gable items on the sides and the mirrors can be folded back out of the way. Ground clearance is reasonable, and, what is more important, all critical parts underneath are tucked safely out of the way. It also provides added security against road debris.
Is Rav 4 a car or is it a sport-utility? Does it matter? The Toyota Rav 4 is the first of a new generation of vehicles to combine a sport-utility style and all-wheel drive with the comfort and handling characteristics of a car!