Toyota RAV4 CA20, 2 generation, restyling 08.2003 - 12.2005

In the first half of the nineties, vehicles of the “cross-country vehicle” class (an off-road passenger car) became especially popular. On this wave, a natural interest arose in compact class cars, the fashion of which captured motorists in the first half of the 90s of the last century. One of the first companies in the struggle for the right to leadership in the new class was Toyota, releasing its version of a compact SUV, called the RAV4 (Recreation Active Vehicle 4 Wheel Drive), which can be translated as follows: "four-wheel drive car for outdoor activities." In 2000, the second generation was introduced.
 When creating the new RAV4, the developers tried to take into account all the shortcomings of the previous generation. First of all, the body size has increased. Secondly, more attention was paid to the arrangement of the cabin. Yes, and the appearance has changed: in the front the car is decorated with headlights typical of Toyota of those years with an oblique shape, and when viewed from the side, the car seems very massive. In short, the designers decided to give their model more solidity. The same can be said of the interior. The lineup includes both 3- and 5-door options. To attract as many buyers as possible, a variety of trim levels was offered, including the availability of low-cost mono-drive options with a less powerful engine. In addition, a sports RAV4 Wide Sport was provided, which seems wider due to the installation of overlays on the front and rear wings. We also call a modification, the body of which carries a full aerodynamic “body kit”. Serious restyling occurred in 2003. Bumpers, optics, a radiator grill, fog lights were replaced.

 Note that the new model was made on the original platform, and the inline 4-cylinder 1ZZ-FE engine with a displacement of 1.8 liters (DOHC) was a new development of the company. However, given the increased weight, and not so much power of this power unit (125 l. c.), this version cannot boast of a good thrust-weight ratio compared to the “classic” two-liter version of the RAV4. In addition, the new generation received a fresh 2-liter 1AZ-FSE engine with a capacity of 152 hp, which is higher than that of an engine of the same volume that was placed on the previous generation. The only caveat is that, due to a number of design features, these motors are somewhat more demanding to use than engines of previous generations. RAV4 has the usual type of car body for a passenger car. The suspension design remained the same: the front rack, the rear on double wishbones, but was thoroughly modified.

 The car is perfectly adapted for driving on highways and on roads of not the best quality. All-wheel drive of the Toyota RAV4 is via a central limited slip differential, which is locked by a viscous coupling. An optional limited slip differential can also be fitted in the rear axle.

 On the rear wheels, drum brakes gave way to disc brakes. The car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, two airbags. Since 2003, side airbags have been added as an option, and a number of structural changes have also been made, the purpose of which is to improve passenger protection in side collisions. As options were also offered curtain airbags and the system of directional stability, ABS with electronic brake force distribution.

 The sporty style of the salon and its rich transformation capabilities will appeal to people who lead an active lifestyle. Permanent all-wheel drive, high driver's landing, relatively spacious interior, excellent driving performance are the main advantages of Toyota RAV4. The second-generation car definitely became much more interesting and still retained the right to be considered a leader in the class of mid-size SUVs.