1997 Toyota RAV4 EV I (BEA11) 5-door Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Toyota RAV4 EV I (BEA11) ranges around 1540 kg (3395 lbs), which is the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but with necessary operating consumables like fuel (in this case battery charge) and fluids. The maximum gross weight, including passengers and cargo, is about 1935 kg (4267 lbs). This weight reflects the electric vehicle's battery pack weight and components, making it heavier than comparable internal combustion engine versions, but this affects driving dynamics and efficiency in specific ways unique to electric vehicles.

Most standard single-car garages have interior dimensions around 2400 mm (8 feet) wide and 4800 mm (16 feet) deep. The Toyota RAV4 EV I’s width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches) and length of 3980 mm (156.7 inches) comfortably fit within these dimensions, allowing room to open doors and maneuver around the vehicle. The height of 1675 mm (65.9 inches) also poses no issue for standard garages, which usually have ceiling heights over 2100 mm (7 feet), ensuring the RAV4 EV I can be parked safely indoors.

The RAV4 EV I is based on the compact RAV4 platform of the same generation, so overall external dimensions remain quite similar to the gasoline-powered RAV4: about 3980 mm length, 1695 mm width, and 1675 mm height. However, the electric variant is generally heavier due to its large battery pack, with a curb weight of 1540 kg compared to lighter gasoline models. Interior space and footprint remain comparable, but the EV’s battery placement may slightly affect cargo and rear-floor space usability.

With a width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches), the RAV4 EV I is relatively narrow for an SUV, making it easier to navigate through tight city streets, crowded parking lots, and narrow lanes than wider larger SUVs. This compact width aids in reducing blind spots and allows for easier parallel parking. The moderate width combined with a relatively short length provides agility uncommon to larger SUVs while still offering higher seating positions.

The Toyota RAV4 EV I is equipped with 16-inch rims sized at 6.5J x 16, paired with tires measuring 195/80 R16 97S. This tire size contributes to a balanced ride quality, offering a good combination of comfort, traction, and handling stability characteristic for compact SUVs of its generation.

The RAV4 EV I stands 1675 mm (65.9 inches) tall, giving drivers a commanding view of the road typical of SUVs while maintaining a relatively low center of gravity compared to taller models. This height ensures adequate headroom for driver and passengers, enhancing comfort during longer drives. At the same time, this dimensional height supports vehicle stability and ease of entry and exit.

The maximum allowed weight of the RAV4 EV I is 1935 kg (4267 lbs). Considering its curb weight of 1540 kg (3395 lbs), this translates to about 395 kg (872 lbs) of payload capacity, which covers passengers, cargo, and additional equipment. This capacity is reasonable for a compact electric SUV, supporting daily needs and moderate cargo without compromising performance or safety.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, electric SUVs were rare. The RAV4 EV I, with its compact size — 3980 mm long and 1540 kg in curb weight — was relatively light and manageable compared to other heavier early EV SUVs like the Ford Ranger EV or the GM EV1 (which was smaller but in a different vehicle category). Its dimensions allowed it to remain practical for everyday use while pioneering the electric SUV concept that would become mainstream decades later.

Thanks to its moderate size of 3980 mm length and 1695 mm width, the RAV4 EV I is easier to park in standard parking spaces compared to larger SUVs often exceeding 4.5 meters in length or 2 meters in width. Its smaller footprint requires less space and permits easier maneuvering into tight spots, garages, and urban environments. Its curb weight and height also make it practical to store in residential garages without special modifications.