Toyota RAV4 first generation
The Toyota RAV4 first generation (1996–2000): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 13 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: XA10 · Sold in: United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, and France
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 3,720–4,140 mm RDW | – | 3,740–4,160 mm |
| Width | 1,700–1,760 mm RDW | – | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm RDW | – | 1,646–1,661 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,200–2,410 mm RDW | – | 2,200–2,410 mm |
| Front track | 1,460–1,525 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,465–1,520 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,125–1,240 kg RDW | – | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,225–1,340 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,565–1,770 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,000–1,500 kg Traficom | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 610 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 3–5 RDW | – | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 170 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 161–192 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
| Electric | |||
| Range (EPA/NRCan) | – | 142 km EPA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/70R16, 235/60R16
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Traficom type approvals (Finland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 65.6% (64.6–66.6) | 69.2% | 9,162 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 44.1% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 37.4% | 36.4% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 31.0% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 30.7% | 17.1% |
| Tyres | 25.5% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 23.7% | 28.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
270 complaints for model years 1996–2000. 51 crashes · 8 fires · 41 injuries · 2 deaths
- Airbags 36
- Speed control 32
- Brakes 21
- Engine 21
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 13 versions of the Toyota RAV4 first generation
Show all 13 versions
United Kingdom 3 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–20031.8 VVTi Manual · 1.8 VVT-i Manual · 1.8 VVT-i | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 7.4 L/100 km NEDC | 175 g/km |
| 2000–20032.0 VVTi Manual · 2.0 VVT-i Manual · 2.0 VVT-i | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 8.8 L/100 km NEDC | 211 g/km |
| 2000–20032.0 VVTi Automatic · 2.0 VVT-i Automatic · 2.0 VVT-i | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.3 L/100 km NEDC | 224 g/km |
United States 8 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–2003(FFS), 2MODE 2LKUP · 2MODE CLKUP · CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km | – |
| 2000–2001 | Electric motor | Electric | – | – | 72 MPGe EPA | 0 g/km | 142 km |
| 1996–2000(FFS), 2MODE 2LKUP · 2MODE 2LKUP · 2MODE CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km | – |
| 1998–2000 | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km | – |
| 1998–2000 | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km | – |
| 1998–20002MODE 2LKUP · 2MODE CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km | – |
| 1996–1997(FFS) | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km | – |
| 1996–1997(FFS) | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 23–24 MPG (9.8–10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 230–240 g/km | – |
Canada 2 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–2000Sport utility vehicle | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.1–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 232–262 g/km |
| 1997–2000Sport utility vehicle | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.1–11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 232–265 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.