Toyota introduced the second generation of its RAV4 in 2000 in five- or three-door versions as its main contender in the compact-segment SUV segment.
The designers worked hard to give the car a proper image and did not make the vehicle look like a station wagon on stilts. To cut the production costs, the Japanese engineers build the Rav4 on top of the Corolla/Carina platform.

With its swept-back headlights and angular design, the second generation of the Rav4 showed a new-edge design with curved lines and sharp angles. Its sculptured door panels formed a wave-like shape that stretched across the car’s side, over the rear quarter panels, toward the rear corner-mounted taillights. Like its three-door sibling, the five-door version featured a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Inside, the Rav 4’s interior featured a two-tone design for the dashboard, with a black upper part and a light-gray lower side. Its instrument cluster was inspired by the Corolla hatchback’s sporty version, with three dials on a white background. Toyota’s designers installed a center stack with the audio controls above the climate control unit. In the rear, there was enough room for three passengers.

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