The small-sized crossover RAV 4 of the 1995 model year was positioned as a car for outdoor activities. The number in the designation indicated the system of permanent all-wheel drive, which allowed to overcome light off-road. Increased ground clearance prevented damage to the underside and suspension elements from the rough road surface.
About the 1995 model year
The first-generation RAV4 crossovers, code XA10, were based on the original platform. Components from the Corolla and Carina passenger cars were used in the creation of the chassis. Development of the project under the codename 153T began in 1989, in 1991 the decision was made to release a 3-door modification, 2 years later the 5-door version was introduced.
First modification with shortened body was produced, since March 1995, a 5-door version equipped with front airbags was produced for the US market.
Restyling
In 1997, the crossovers were modernized. The changes affected the lighting and bumpers, which slightly changed the outline. Separate bulbs for low and high beam appeared in the headlights, but the interior remained unchanged.
Car design
The look of the car shows the spirit of the biodesign popular in the first half of the 1990s. The hood with integrated mesh grille had cutouts for headlights. The side of the doors had a stiffening rib, and the underside was covered with unpainted plastic covers. A spare tire was mounted on the hinged trunk lid. The Softtop version was available in 3-door versions with a soft-top roof over the rear seats.
Interior and roominess of the interior
The interior of the car was original and did not echo the design of other Toyota models. In front of the driver was a massive dashboard with a central section in which, in addition to the ventilation deflectors, there were controls for the climate system and a socket for the radio. The version without a passenger airbag had a shelf for small items and a cup holder.
The driver's and passenger's seats could be adjusted in length and angle of recline, and the space allow for the comfort of taller people. The rear sofa on the 3-door version was suitable for teenagers, adult passengers were cramped. The problem was partially solved with the 5-door version with an extended wheelbase, but the lack of interior width remained a drawback of the XA10 generation.
The 1995 Toyota RAV 4 features
The basic equipment of the cars included an airbag in the steering wheel and inertia belts for the driver and passengers. The instrument cluster included a tachometer and a block of control lights. Speaker system was installed on request, but all produced RAV4 had preparation for the installation of a turntable and speakers. In addition to the base heater with electric fan, manual air conditioning was available. The interior had a fabric interior, with several types of material, while leather was not available in the XA10.
Disc brakes were standard on the front, with drum brakes on the rear. ABS with electronic balance distribution could be installed. As an option, power windows and heated and remotely adjustable mirrors could be installed.
Vehicle Specifications
The 1995 model year cars had a load-bearing body that had undergone a corrosion treatment cycle. The thick paint coating protects the metal well, but there are pockets of rust where sheets are chipped or broken after an accident. The structure was up to the safety standards of the early 90's, but the body does not provide good protection for driver and passengers by the standards of 2021.
The cars were powered by a 2L 3S-FE inline four-cylinder engine, which produced between 128 and 135 horsepower (depending on the market). The engine had a 16-valve gas valve timing system and electronically controlled fuel injection. The base version was equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, but could also be equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Torque is symmetrically distributed between the axles, the transmission includes an inter-axle differential (a hydromechanical lockup is used when using manual transmission).
The fuel tank was retracted into the wheelbase and held 58 liters. The base 3-door had a trunk with a capacity of only 175 liters, but when the rear sofa was assembled, it could hold up to 520 liters. Steering was rack and pinion type with hydraulic power steering (included in base). The front suspension was equipped with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension was an independent wishbone, which worsened the ride height.
Technical parameters (for the version with a 3-door body and automatic transmission):
length (with spare wheel) - 3965 mm;
width - 1695 mm
height - 1650 mm;
ground clearance - 200 mm;
wheelbase - 2200 mm;
Number of seats (including driver) - 4;
curb weight - 1265 kg;
permissible gross weight - 1630 kg;
top speed - up to 170 km/h;
acceleration time from a place up to 100 km/h - 11.2 seconds.
Pros and cons of the car
The main advantages noted by the owners:
high ground clearance;
reliable engine and transmission units;
durable trim materials;
simplicity of service and repair;
suitability for re-equipment into an expedition vehicle.
Disadvantages of the 1995 model year RAV4 crossover:
high mileage;
Lower rear suspension arms break when driving off-road;
corrosion of body elements;
small luggage compartment capacity;
cramped rear row of seats;
poor noise isolation;
high fuel consumption.
Toyota RAV 4 1995 test drive
Since 27 years have passed since the 1995 model year cars were produced, it is impossible to test the SUV without mileage. There are videos made by crossover owners, which show the condition of the cars and demonstrate the cross-country capability of the vehicles. The reviews mention the lack of capacity of the cabin, listing possible problems with nodes and units.
