The term "cute ute" was born when Toyota released the original RAV4, an acronym for Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4WD. Suzuki had the small off-roader market pretty well sewn up with the Vitara but the car-based RAV really shook up a few complacent manufacturers - Land Rover included.

For 2001, Toyota has redesigned the RAV4. Available in five-door configuration, the new RAV is taller, wider, longer and heavier than the original. To offset the weight gain, a new, all-aluminum, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is under the hood, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

With 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, a front-wheel-drive Manual RAV4 takes just 10.5 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph. Adding weight, in the form of 4WD, passengers, cargo or an automatic transmission, will slow it quite considerably. Despite the inclusion of variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the new, larger, and heavier RAV4 has difficulty getting to speed.

Exterior styling resembles the original RAV4. Inside, overtones of Celica can be seen in the gauge cluster, steering wheel, and metallic trim pieces. Overall, the RAV has been nicely tidied up, while still adhering to the tenets of the cute ute philosophy.

Standard equipment is basic, with most of the 'essentials' like antilock brakes, aluminum wheels, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and an electric sunroof only available as pricey options. A limited-slip differential is a stand-alone option on 4WD versions.

New whiplash-preventing seats, combined with added passenger room, make the RAV more comfortable and the load space has also grown.

Five new colors are available: Titanium, Impulse Red, Vintage Gold, Rainforest Mica, and Spectra Blue Mica along with existing colors Natural White and Black.

Performance Data

* Acceleration (0-60 mph): NA
* Braking Distance (60-0 mph): NA
* Roadholding Index: NA
* Base Number of Cylinders: 4
* Base Engine Size: 2 liters
* Base Engine Type: Inline
* Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm
* Torque: 142 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
* Maximum Cargo Capacity: 67 cu.ft.
* Maximum Payload: 1113 lbs.
* Maximum Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions

* Length: 165.4 in.
* Width: 68.3 in.
* Height: 66.1 in.
* Weight: 2877 lbs.
* Wheelbase: 98 in.
* Turning Circle: 35.4 ft.
* Ground Clearance: 8.3 in.