Vehicle: 2002 Toyota RAV4 with optional package B and 4-speed auto transmission

Performance: The RAV4 is powered by a 2.0L 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Toyota’s VVT-i, which is basically their version of variable valve timing. Toyota has upgraded the hp to 145hp and 142 lb/ft of torque. This engine feels adequate, to say the least. The throttle response is about average, same goes for the acceleration. With one person, its adequate. If it comes loaded with all passengers and cargo, this engine will feel more sluggish. The 4-speed auto has Toyota’s typical smooth upshift and downshifting. Despite the slugglishness of this engine, the tranny still feels responsive through the powerband. However, it needs a proper stick shift in order to squeeze a bit more power from this little motor.

Handling: The driving dynamics is probably the best attribute of the RAV4. The steering response is quick, the off and on-center feel are decent. There’s a certain sporty feel in terms of RAV4′s suspension tuning. There are certain amount of body rolls and understeer, however, the chassis has kept them very well-behaved without some of the nervousness of its predecessor.

Interior: The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. With tachometer in the center and white gauges, it has a somewhat sporty feel. The seats are comfortable with proper driving position. Toyota has smartly placed stereo on the top of the climate control. The 3 large dials of climate control are easily adjusted and very ergonomically friendly. They also have put the aluminum trim to break the beige or black color interior norm.. However, there’s a drawback. You still can find Toyota has gone through cost-cutting from the feel and texture of some of the switchgears. There are cheap plastic around glovebox, center console and climate control areas.

The back seats are comfortable with adjustable aft and seatback angles. The cargo space is large with proper storage spaces on each corners. However, the door opens on the wrong side. When you open the back door, you are looking at the traffic instead of the sidewalk. Toyota should redesign the tailgate in order to reflect the LHD instead of RHD traffic condition. Lastly, there are some cheap, cracky noise when closing the tailgate. This noise should not happened in any Toyota products considered its typical build quality standard.

Brakes: The front discs/rear drums provide better than average pedal feel. However, ABS is an option. For a car that costs 28 large grand, ABS should be standard. Its ridiculous Toyota wants you to upgrade 2 grand more for another package in order to get ABS.

Conclusion: RAV4 is no longer the benchmark of mini-ute it used to be. There are competitors which offer better value, better performance and higher safety feature at around the same price.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2002 TOYOTA RAV4
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness/feel-good factor: 2.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.75/5
Value-for-money: 1/5

Overall rating: 2.75/5