Toyota RAV4 looks like a cute ute but has macho 4x4 traction
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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The field of granite appeared as so many sharp-sided obstacles scattered up a power-line path which led in stair-step sequence across an Arkansas mountain.
As a wilderness runner, this driver once had tackled these rocky obstacles on foot -- but only in a sweaty struggle, and then only by adding an occasional hand to help hoist the body up that hill.
On this traverse, though, no personal power would be required. Instead, I'd need gutsy driving skills and quick clutch-foot action to direct a mechanical workhorse designed with special features to traverse the tough outback world.
At the bottom of that hill, you'd perhaps agree that no vehicle should be able to climb such a boulder wall.
Yet the tester on this day is no ordinary vehicle. It's a concise package of steel and muscle rigged with stick-like-glue traction as applied to all wheels, plus a suspension set-up which allows it to take on rough stuff.
In addition, wheels on this one stretch wide, forming a broad platform that rides high. With short overhangs in front and back of a unibody superstructure, it can maneuver through acute approach angles to move up steep inclines -- like so much granite riprap stacking up that hillside.
And so we proved.
The subsequent trek to the top of the hill -- although severe in terms of teeth-rattling bumpiness and at times nerve-wracking in managing dicy maneuvers -- amounted simply to the matter of meting out controls to foot pedals and steering wheel because this sport-utility vehicle maintained a can-do attitude from bottom of grade to top.
What a wild ride in a unique new SUV.
Leave it to Toyota to work up a fresh approach to America's new passion for wagons rigged in 4-wheel traction.
Toyota calls its new concept the RAV4: Reactional Active Vehicle with 4WD.
I call RAV4 the itsy-bitsy macho machine.
Sure, descriptives like tiny and manly seemingly oppose each other, but RAV4 brings contradictions to the SUV arena.
It rides on an abbreviated chassis that measures up to compact class -- thus the eensy-weensy look. But RAV4 carries serious mechanical gear which enables versions with 4-wheel-drive to run across rough terrain, like my boulder path. So it can be aggressive, even macho, when performing in the wilderness world.
As a further contrast, RAV4's outward appearance, wrapped in curvy sheetmetal which forms the outline of an abbreviated wagon, looks progressive and different from the typical sport-ute -- it's actually the cute ute.
Unlike many of Toyota's passenger cars today which come together at Kentucky or California assembly plants, RAV4 is manufactured in Japan and shipped ashore.
What distinguishes the Toyota from other small utes in the compact class -- besides RAV4's unique exterior styling -- concerns its suspension hardware, power package and interior comforts.
Others ride on the platform of a truck, but RAV4 uses the chassis of a car, Toyota's Celica, as foundation.
While rivals employ a solid rigid axle, RAV4 features independent suspension elements at every wheel. This gives it a more controllable ride-quality and, when venturing off pavement, a more enjoyable experience for riders. With car-like suspension and quick-acting rack and pinion steering, this one takes the work out of driving and behaves in city traffic more like a little sedan.
In addition to off-road tests, my time behind RAV4's wheel included a week's worth of everyday use, including mundane shopping trips and too much time on clogged urban arteries. Through it all, Toyota's midget wagon proved pleasant -- and at times outright fun -- to drive.
For fast clips on freeways, its engine acted frisky.
The 4-cylinder plant, displacing 2.0 liters with twin cams on top and 16 valves inside, generates 120 hp.
My tester stocked the standard 5-speed manual stick, which felt notchy and quick.
A 4-speed automatic with electronic controls is optional on certain variations.
Models separate by number of passenger doors attached and type of traction system employed.
The 2-door base RAV4 features front-wheel-drive and a manual transmission, with the automatic 4-speed available.
A 2-door version with 4WD and manual shifter gets a traction delivery system that contains a mechanical center differential with manual lockup to apply traction evenly to all four wheels.
Bonus feature for RAV4's 2-door is the option of two removable aluminum roof panels which uncover the passenger compartment in the breezy fashion a semi-convertible.
The 4-door RAV4s stock either 4x2 or 4x4 system.
Models with manual shift tote the 4WD manual lock.
Those 4-door 4x4 RAV4s with the 4-speed automatic use a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with electronic controls and wheelspin sensors. When slippage is detected, the system varies the power applied to front and rear wheels to maintain tire grip on pavement.
The passenger cabin of all models installs twin bucket seats up front, followed by a split-folding bench for three in back. With rear seat folded out of the way, the wagon's cargo space, accessed through rear hatch, expands vastly.
Interior conveniences include assist grips, full carpeting, various cupholders, door pockets and remote releases for fuel door and hood. Instruments bring a tachometer, and for safety all RAV4 models get dual airbags.
Options range from air conditioning to deluxe sound systems, cruise control, power windows and sunroofs. Also, packages of add-on items group by usage: Convenience, style, active, rugged, upgrade.
The price chart begins with RAV4's base 2-door front-wheel-drive edition, listing for around $15,000. The 4WD 2-door starts at $16,500, with 4-door FWD versions for less than $16,000 and the 4x4 4-door at $17,000.
1996 TOYOTA RAV4
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| 1996 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact SUV |
| Model Options: |
Compact SUV |
| Wheelbase: |
2D: 86.1 inches
4D: 94.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
2D: 145.9 inches
4D: 162.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.0-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
FWD, 4WD |
| Braking: |
Disc/drum,
opt. 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
22/27 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 15,000 to $ 24,000 |
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