As a result, Wearing says, Highlander "rides on a platform similar to Camry's and prioritizes car-like ride and handling in a package that offers the SUV advantages of full-time, 4-wheel drive, ground clearance, ride height, suspension travel and off-road durability."
The new 5-door RAV4, on the other hand, "is the ideal choice for first-time SUV buyers who don't want to give up the ride of a car."
Re-designed and re-engineered for 2001, RAV4 is taller and wider, and because of that greater width comes with a broader track -- 1579 mm up front and 1570 mm in back. Wearing says, "The wider stance, combined with the more rigid unibody construction, offers greater strength, improved handling and ride comfort, and reduced overall noise, vibration and harshness."
The longer wheelbase allows more room for both passengers and cargo, Wearing points out, and a new seating configuration increases interior comfort and versatility.
RAV4's 2.0-litre VVT-i engine is the first of an all-new family of 4-cylinderToyota powerplants that Wearing says are designed for exceptional lightness, power, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. "The all-aluminum unit weighs significantly less than the engine in the current RAV4," he says, "yet produces 21 more horsepower and 10 additional pound-feet of torque."
This new engine's preliminary numbers are 148 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 142 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm, and 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions will be offered.