1997 Toyota RAV4 EV I (BEA11) 3-door Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Toyota RAV4 EV I (BEA11) 3-door is 1460 kg (3219 lbs), which represents the vehicle's weight including all standard equipment and a full tank of energy. Its maximum weight capacity, which includes passengers and cargo, is 1720 kg (3792 lbs). These weight specifications are important for understanding load capacity and vehicle stability, especially considering its electric powertrain and compact size.

Yes, the Toyota RAV4 EV I's dimensions make it suitable for a standard residential garage. With a length of 3695 mm (145.5 in), width of 1695 mm (66.7 in), and a height of 1620 mm (63.8 in), it fits comfortably into typical garage spaces, which often accommodate vehicles up to around 6 meters (approximately 236 inches) in length. This makes the RAV4 EV I practical for everyday use, with ease of parking and storage in home garages.

The Toyota RAV4 EV I 3-door uses rims sized at 6.5J x 16 coupled with 195/80 R16 tires. These tires provide a balance of comfort and durability, supporting the vehicle’s weight and maintaining traction on various road surfaces. The 16-inch rim size is relatively standard for SUVs of this era, ensuring compatibility with many available tires while offering a smooth ride and stable handling.

With a height of 1620 mm (63.8 inches), the Toyota RAV4 EV I sits higher than typical sedans, offering a commanding driving position characteristic of SUVs. This height improves visibility on the road, facilitates easier entry and exit, and supports better ground clearance for mild off-road conditions or rough terrain. However, the relatively modest height compared to larger SUVs helps maintain good aerodynamic efficiency and stability, important for an electric vehicle’s range and handling.

The Toyota RAV4 EV I has a width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches), which is compact for an SUV and supports nimble urban driving and parking. This relatively narrow width helps the vehicle fit into tighter spaces and congested streets while still providing reasonable shoulder room for passengers inside. The narrower stance makes it easier to navigate through heavy traffic and tight obstacles, enhancing its usability as a city-friendly electric SUV.

Compared to its gasoline-powered predecessor, the Toyota RAV4 EV I maintains a similar compact 3-door SUV body style. Both share close exterior dimensions, with the EV version measuring 3695 mm (145.5 in) in length and roughly similar width and height. The electric variant typically has a slightly higher curb weight due to its battery pack but preserves the agile and compact footprint that made the first-generation RAV4 popular, ensuring no sacrifice in practicality despite the powertrain change.

During its production period (1997-2003), electric SUVs were a rarity, making the Toyota RAV4 EV I a pioneering model in the compact electric SUV segment. Its compact dimensions—3695 mm (145.5 in) length, 1695 mm (66.7 in) width, and 1620 mm (63.8 in) height—position it as one of the smaller SUVs available, favoring urban practicality over off-road capability. Compared to contemporary electric vehicles, its SUV body style offered more utility and passenger space than many electric hatchbacks or sedans, providing an early option combining zero emissions with versatility.

While specific cargo volume figures for the RAV4 EV I 3-door are not widely documented, its compact 3-door SUV footprint suggests moderate cargo space typical of small SUVs from the era. The layout balances passenger seating with practical rear storage, suitable for daily errands and moderate luggage loads. The compact size limits rear cargo capacity somewhat compared to larger SUVs, but the versatile 3-door design still allows folding rear seats to increase usable space for larger items.

The relatively compact and aerodynamic dimensions of the Toyota RAV4 EV I (length 3695 mm, width 1695 mm, height 1620 mm) contribute positively to its electric efficiency by reducing drag and weight. A smaller frontal area and streamlined shape help lower energy consumption, extending the vehicle’s battery range. However, the SUV design means slightly higher wind resistance than a sedan or hatchback, but the trade-off is greater passenger and cargo versatility. Its curb weight of 1460 kg (3219 lbs) is moderate, supporting reasonable acceleration and energy usage for an electric SUV of its time.