2002 Toyota RAV4 L 4x4

In today's SUV market, bigger-is-better has become an all-too-familiar rallying cry. Spurred on by profit margins that rise in tantalizing lockstep with the physical scale of these super-utes, manufacturers have been only too happy to indulge the whims of customers who believe that the road to true happiness can only be negotiated in a vehicle whose curb weight and footprint dimension rivals those of a small condominium. Thankfully, saner minds do prevail in certain parts of the realm. For those who feel that form really should follow function when it comes to right-sizing a sport utility—and things like gasoline prices and garageability really do matter—Toyota offers its petite yet practical RAV4.

Redesigned last year, the RAV4's interior is roomier while exterior is still sized to be maneuverable and parkable. L trim includes body-colored bumpers and a spare cover.

Completely redone for the 2001 model year, the RAV4 grew both in stature and sophistication compared to its first-generation forebear. It returns for 2002 with only minor cosmetic tweaks, carrying on with one basic trim level and one body style (4-door). Sole engine remains a 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 that can be matched with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can also opt for front-drive or what Toyota calls "automatic 4-wheel drive," a single-range system we'd classify as full-time all-wheel drive.


RAV4 pricing starts at $16,525 for a 2WD version and $17,975 for an AWD model, both plus $510 in freight charges. Stepping up to an autoshifter adds an additional $1,050 in either case. As might be expected, those relatively diminutive base stickers do reflect the absence of several comfort and convenience touches found on several of its competitors. However, the RAV4 is far from Spartan, boasting power disc/drum brakes, front/rear intermittent wipers and washers, dual 12V powerpoints, a tilt steering column, dual remote-control mirrors, an AM/FM/cassette radio, a cargo net, 215/70SR16 all-season tires on styled-steel wheels, and an illuminated entry system as part of its roster of standards. Toyota further encourages buyers to personalize their RAV4s as budget allows by offering loads of single-item options—from faux burlwood or carbon-fiber dash inserts to real leather upholstery in place of the normal cloth—as well as a handful of multi-item packages.


RAV4 extras culminate in the extremely popular L—as in luxury—package. Included in its $3,100 tariff, this comprehensive aggregation of goodies brings air conditioning, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, an in-dash CD player, rear privacy glass, fog lights, a tonneau cover, floormats, a spare-tire cover, color-keyed bumpers and the requisite badging to the mix. In addition to the L package, our 4WD/AWD, autoshifted test vehicle also was fitted with alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, a power moonroof, keyless remote entry, a rear spoiler, tube steps, a roof rack, a limited-slip differential, and front/rear mudguards—a magnum load of extras that elevated its out-the-door total from $18,975 to $25,724.

Lone powerplant is an all-aluminum 2.0-liter four that produces 148 horsepower and 142 ft.-lb. of torque, 21 and 10 more, respectively, than the previous-generation engine.

Constructed from lightweight aluminum alloy and endowed with a free-revving spirit, the RAV4's 2.0-liter twincam four is augmented by Toyota's VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) technology. Developing 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 142 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 revs, it's clearly at its best when propelling a front-drive RAV4 with a manual transmission. Forced to contend with an autoshifted AWD variant that's saddled with an extra 231 pounds of curb weight (2,943 versus 2,711), it simply ends up being pressed to the max far too often.