Following on Toyota's five-year cycle for car redesign, the 2001 Toyota Rav4 was almost completely revised. Perhaps the biggest improvement was in the engine: a new 2.0-liter 4I engine added more horses, bringing the total to 128 horsepower and standard towing capacity to 1500 pounds.

The little SUV also grew a little, adding inches in height, width, and length. Reviewers were happy with the improved size, as it provided a little more elbow room for passengers, storage capacity for bags, while not making the vehicle too bulky or unwieldy.

Some reviewers noted a significant drop in gas mileage as the car aged, going from 23/27 to around 18/23.