Toyota RAV4 1996

Toyota RAV4 LWB

The RAV4 is Toyota's baby four wheel drive. It has independent suspension all round and one wonders how robust those rear radius arms are bouncing over rocks. The engine is transverse mounted - more than a little reminiscent of Toyota's four wheel drive Corolla. Drive to the rear axle goes through a centre differential; the centre diff' lock is automatic on automatic transmission models. Suzuki have been quick to point out that the RAV4 does not have a "proper" 2-speed transfer case while their Vitara does.

Life-Guards at Noosa (right) take up the Babe-Watch (sp?) stance after adopting Toyota RAV4s for beach cruising - Toyota publicity photo.

Toyota RAV4 1996

Short Wheel Base, SWB:

HT/ST 2+2 3dr
transverse 1988cc petrol 4 cyls Efi 4v/cyl dohc
transmission: 5m/4a full-time 4WD (no hi/lo ratio)
suspension: indep/indep, brakes: disc/drum
27,800 (Aus) (3dr man') ...

Long Wheel Base, LWB:

station wagon 5 seats 5 doors
tranverse 1988cc petrol 4 cyls Efi 4v/cyl dohc
transmission: 5m or 4a, full-time 4WD (no hi/lo ratio), centre diff' lock: manual with 5m, auto with 4a
suspension: indep/indep, brakes: disc/drum
tyres: 215/70R16 (28" oad), fuel-tank: 58L
30,000 (Aus) (5m)
Contemporary competition: Suzuki Vitara

Go to the current RAV4, 1999, 1998 and Toyota pages