1998 RAV4: PERENNIAL FUN WITH A NEW LOOK

The Toyota RAV4 wraps fun and sportiness together to fit any lifestyle. And for 1998, the RAV4 comes with a new look, new safety features and new amenities as well. All RAV4 models receive notable exterior design changes this year, including a new grille and front fascia that emphasize its rugged and aggressive style. Quad multireflector headlamps and a redesigned rear combination lamp configuration give the RAV4 added prominence. All-new steel and aluminum alloy wheel treatments provide the right finishing touches to RAV4's bold new look. Two-door models now are available with a swing open window on the rear driver's side, while all RAV4 models offer optional privacy glass.

ENGINE - Buy The Rav4 Here

The RAV4's performance is worthy of its aggressive exterior. This mini-sport utility vehicle is powered by an improved 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam, four-cylinder engine. Horsepower is increased by two to 127 horsepower at 5,400 rpm while torque jumps to 132 lb.lft. at 4,600 rpm, an increase of two from last year (California Emissions: 125 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 130 lb./ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm). Not only does RAV4's engine have more spunk in `98, but it's also quieter. Both the two- and four-door RAV4 models are outfitted with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. An optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission also is available. Both transmissions include transmission coolers; an air-cooled system supplements the five-speed manual while a water-cooled system accompanies the four-speed automatic.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE - Buy The Rav4 Here

The RAV4's four-wheel drive system works full time for ultimate light off-road performance. Models equipped with a five-speed manual transmission also feature a center differential lock for improved low-end four-wheel drive performance. Four-wheel independent suspension with a front stabilizer bar keeps the ride smooth while power .a assisted rack and pinion steering offers optimum road handling and control.

SAFETY FEATURES - Buy The Rav4 Here

RAV4's list of safety features is enhanced with front seat belt pretensioners and force-limiters for 1998. Pretensioners reduce seat belt slack at impact while forcelimiters allow the belt to "give" a certain amount after impact to reduce the risk of shock to the body. This technology is supplemented by a dual front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS), which meets the latest federal safety standards. Additional safety equipment includes side-door impact beams, three-point seat belts in all outboard positions, and automatic locking retractors on all seat belts except the driver's.

INTERIOR - Buy The Rav4 Here

Numerous upgrades make RAV4's interior both attractive and easy to use. A new three-spoke steering wheel adds a sporty look to all RAV4 models. Four-door models feature a new auxiliary power outlet in the rear cargo area for extra electronic devices. Power windows are new for 1998 and include jam protection, a feature which interrupts the window if fingers or other obstacles are in the way. A revised instrument cluster incorporates a digital odometer and dual trip meter for easy reference. Additional amenities include coat hooks on the rear assist grips, dual cup holders integrated into the lower instrument panel and revised door panels.

INTERIOR ROOM - Buy The Rav4 Here

The RAV4 makes good use of its available interior space. Two-door models can seat four passengers while four-door models offer seating for five. Passengers in the front seat can enjoy 39.5 inches of legroom, while those in the rear seat have 33.9 inches. All RAV4 models include 50/50 split rear seats. The back rests can be folded forward or backward, or the entire seat can be folded forward, leaving 34.7 cubic feet of storage space in two-door models and 57.9 in four-door models. Storage space with the seats upright is 9.3 cubic feet in the two-door, 26.8 in the four-door. Removing the front seat headrests and folding both the front and rear seat backs down converts the seats into a bed, adding another dimension to RAV4's versatility.

COLOR AND TRIM - Buy The Rav4 Here

RAV4's door trim panels have been revised for 1998 for a fresher, bolder look. Four-door models receive upgraded fabric trim while fabric headrests are now included with the optional upgrade package. The RAV4 sounds better as well, due to a new audio lineup including revised faceplate designs and upgraded deluxe radio features. It also comes equipped with front fabric bucket seats, rear fabric reclining split bench seats, full cut-pile carpeting with driver's side footrest, full door trim with a cloth insert dual door pockets, intermittent front and rear wipers, rear window defogger, and a tilt steering wheel.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT - Buy The Rav4 Here

Optional equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, air conditioning and cruise control. RAV4's audio systems have been upgraded and feature a revised faceplate for 1998. Four-door models also offer a power moonroof and a selection of value packages to best fit individual tastes. A bright and aggressive color selection complements RAV4's youthful design. Four new colors - Radiant Red, Sedona Sunset Metallic, Deep Jewel Green Metallic and Royal Sapphire Pearl - make their debut in 1998. All exterior colors are coordinated with gray interiors and bright-patterned fabric trim.

LIMITED WARRANTY - Buy The Rav4 Here

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties are available and cover powertrain components for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

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