1987 Toyota Sprinter Carib Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Toyota Sprinter Carib varies between 1655 mm and 1690 mm (65.2 to 66.5 inches). This moderately compact width makes the vehicle relatively easy to navigate and park in narrow urban settings. While not as narrow as some subcompact cars, the Sprinter Carib strikes a balance, offering a wider interior cabin for passenger comfort without being too bulky. For city parking, drivers should find it manageable, but they still need to be mindful of tight spaces and narrow parking spots typical in densely populated areas.

The height of the Toyota Sprinter Carib ranges between 1450 mm and 1490 mm (57.1 to 58.7 inches). This height is typical for compact station wagons of its time, providing a good balance between headroom inside the cabin and aerodynamic efficiency. The elevated roofline compared to sedans contributes to increased interior passenger comfort, especially for taller occupants, as well as more cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded. Aerodynamically, the height does not significantly compromise fuel efficiency, maintaining good stability and handling.

The Toyota Sprinter Carib weighs between 1090 kg and 1200 kg (2403 to 2645 lbs) depending on the model and equipment. This relatively light curb weight for a station wagon translates to nimble driving dynamics, making it responsive and easy to handle. The lighter weight also positively impacts fuel efficiency and braking performance, while still offering enough heft for a stable ride. Overall, the weight helps the Sprinter Carib maintain good balance between performance and practicality, contributing to its reputation as a reliable and user-friendly vehicle.

The Toyota Sprinter Carib came equipped with rims sized between 5J x 13 and 5.5J x 14, accommodating tire sizes of 185/70 R13 and 185/60 R14. These sizes reflect a focus on providing a comfortable ride with good grip and control suited for everyday driving conditions. The selection of smaller rims and relatively narrow tires also supports durability and cost-effectiveness in tire replacement, while maintaining adequate performance on paved roads and light off-road driving. This setup was quite conventional for compact wagons of the late 1980s through the early 2000s.

Yes, the Toyota Sprinter Carib fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Given its length of approximately 4360-4380 mm (171.7-172.4 inches), width of 1655-1690 mm (65.2-66.5 inches), and height of 1450-1490 mm (57.1-58.7 inches), it is well within the typical dimensions of a single-car garage which usually accommodates vehicles up to around 5400 mm (213 inches) in length and 2400 mm (94 inches) in width. Owners should ensure there is enough clearance around the vehicle for easy exit and entry, but overall the Sprinter Carib's dimensions make it very garage-friendly.

The Toyota Sprinter Carib introduced in 1987 showed evolutionary improvements over its predecessors, mainly in its slightly increased overall size and improved weight distribution. Dimensionally, it was longer and marginally wider, offering more interior space and cargo versatility compared to earlier Sprinter wagons which were often more compact. Performance-wise, refinements in engine tuning and chassis development enhanced driving dynamics and fuel economy. The curb weight remained competitive, allowing for nimble handling. These updates made the Sprinter Carib a practical and modernized choice in the compact station wagon segment compared to its forebears.

When compared to contemporaries like the Subaru Legacy wagon, Nissan Avenir, and Mazda Familia wagon, the Toyota Sprinter Carib holds a solid position in terms of both size and usability. Its length of about 4360-4380 mm, width around 1655-1690 mm, and height of 1450-1490 mm place it squarely in the compact station wagon bracket but with a practical interior space that often matches or exceeds competitors. The lighter curb weight contributes to easy handling, while the well-considered tire and rim sizes ensure good ride comfort. Overall, the Sprinter Carib is recognized for being a reliable, practical, and user-oriented wagon that suits daily family and cargo needs effectively.

The Toyota Sprinter Carib employs a classic station wagon body style, characterized by an extended rear cargo area accessible via a rear hatch door. This design maximizes interior volume for both passengers and cargo, enhancing versatility. The wagon form allows folding rear seats to expand the luggage compartment significantly, a key benefit for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those needing extra space for hauling goods. Its body style strikes a great balance between passenger comfort and cargo capability, making it a practical choice for everyday use and longer trips alike.

The Toyota Sprinter Carib typically uses rim sizes ranging from 5J x 13 to 5.5J x 14, paired with tires sized 185/70 R13 or 185/60 R14. The relatively narrow 185 mm width tires promote good fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride by absorbing road imperfections effectively. The smaller rim diameters keep unsprung weight low, enhancing ride quality and vehicle agility, which is a notable advantage for a compact station wagon. Together, these tire and rim dimensions provide a balanced ride with reliable cornering grip, ideal for daily commuting and moderate-speed cruising.