TOYOTA RAV4 3 Doors 2003-2006 Photos, engines & full specs

In 2000, Toyota introduced the second generation of the Rav4 SUV with 3- or 5-doors and gave it a mid-life cycle impulse in 2003.

The SUV revolution was on its ascending trend, and Toyota led the movement that left dead behind the compact-sized MPVs and the compact station-wagons. But the Japanese carmaker still had some vehicles in those segments and tried to get as much market share as it could in all the areas. While other carmakers were still trying to introduce their first SUVs, the Japanese giant was already on the second generation's facelift with the Rav4.

In the three-door version, Toyota tried to get more attention from the city customers, who asked for short vehicles to park in tight spots. The 3-doors Rav4 was a champion since it had less than four meters (13.1 ft) long. The vehicle's sporty look with angular headlights and ascending beltline sculptured on the sides transformed the SUV into a success story. On upper trim levels, it featured body-colored bumpers. For the sport-package, the 3-door Rav4 sported a mesh-grille instead of the three-slats one.

Inside, Toyota installed a revised interior with an infotainment unit on top of the center stack. In the instrument cluster, the tachometer took center stage while a larger speedometer claimed the left side. There wasn't too much legroom in the back due to the shorter wheelbase than the 5-door version.

Under the hood, Toyota offered the Rav4 3-door with a choice of three engines paired to a 5-speed manual. The base model featured a front-wheel-drive, while the other versions sported an all-wheel-drive option.