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TOYOTA RAV4 3 Doors Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2000
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
TOYOTA RAV4 3 Doors photo gallery

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.

full description and technical specifications
TOYOTA RAV4 3 Doors photo gallery

The second generation of the Toyota Rav4 was introduced in 2000 and it was offered in a 3- or 5-doors. Despite sharing some components, the two versions were very different.

Shorter, but with the same width and height, the 3-door version was a very good urban cross-over, long before that term became mainstream. Its target-customers were women and it was based on the already proven Corolla/Carina platform.

The exterior styling was similar to the 5-door version up to the A-pillars. Its swept-back headlights over the hood and front fenders inspired agility. The front grille was trapezoidal, and complement by another air-intake in the front apron. From the side, the slightly sculptured door and rear quarter panels made the car look longer. The rear-mounted spare-wheel was good since there was limited room in the car, or underneath, to store it.

The interior featured a two-tone design for the dashboard, with a black upper part and a light-gray lower side. The instrument cluster was inspired, with three dials on a white background. The center console featured a look closer to a compact-size car than an SUV. In the back, there was limited room for adults, with not enough legroom if the driver was above the average size. The very small trunk could have been extended by folding the rear seats.

For the engine-compartment, Toyota installed two gasoline and one diesel versions. The standard transmission for all models was a 5-speed manual. On selected markets, a 4-speed automatic was offered at extra cost.

full description and technical specifications