Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD
Toyota RAV4 2000 1.8 petrol description
Crossover / SUV Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD has been produced from July, 2000 to October, 2003. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 1.8 litres, which produces power of 125 horsepower on 6000 rpm and torque 161 Nm (Newton metres) on 4200 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system without turbocharger. The engine meets the Euro 3 emissions standard. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 180 000 to 300 000 kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The 1ZZ-FE engine is more advanced, lighter, and simpler than its predecessor, emphasizing fuel efficiency and output. However, these improvements have come at the cost of reduced durability compared to earlier cast-iron engines. The engine block ...
This Toyota RAV4 1.8 engine oil type is 5W-20, 5W-30 and oil capacity is 4.2 litres.
Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD has front wheel drive (FWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.
Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 12.2 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 175 km/h.
The fuel consumption of this Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD in combined mode (combining urban and highway driving) is 7.4 litres per 100km (13.5 km/l) - this is one of most fuel efficient Toyota RAV4 2000 - 2003 versions, city fuel economy - 9.4 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 6.2 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 57 litres or 15.06 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 760 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 900 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, the real everyday fuel consumption of this Toyota is in line with the figure specified by the manufacturer. More - Real Toyota RAV4 fuel consumption.

Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD technical data
Model: | Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD | ||
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Body style: | Crossover / SUV | ||
Production period: | 2000. July ... 2003. October | ||
Engine: | 1794 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 175 g/km |
Power: | 125 HP ON 6000 RPM | Torque: | 161 NM ON 4200 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
Maximum speed: | 175 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12.2 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.4 (combined) 9.4 (urban) 6.2 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 7.4 l/100km (31.8 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 57 litres (15.1 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.20m (length) 1.74m (width) 1.68m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 10.6 meters | ||
Trunk capacity: | 400 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 1150 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 1730 kg |
Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD engine 1ZZ-FE
Engine reliability and common problems:
The 1ZZ-FE engine is more advanced, lighter, and simpler than its predecessor, emphasizing fuel efficiency and output. However, these improvements have come at the cost of reduced durability compared to earlier cast-iron engines. The engine block features an open-deck cooling design for easier production and lower costs, but this has reduced its structural rigidity.A significant issue with the 1ZZ-FE engine is excessive oil consumption, especially in models manufactured before 2005. The problem lies in the lightweight pistons with suboptimal oil control rings, which coke up and seize. The oil drainage holes in the rings are limited and clog easily. In 2005, Toyota introduced revised pistons with improved oil drainage channels, which significantly mitigated the issue. Failure to address oil consumption can lead to improper combustion, carbon deposits on exhaust valves, damaged valve seats, reduced compression, and contamination of the oil with fuel and combustion byproducts, ultimately harming the catalytic converter and lambda sensor.
The timing chain on the 1ZZ-FE engine is another weak point, with limited longevity. It can stretch and start to rattle as early as 150,000 km, although some cases occur at higher mileage. Hydraulic lifters are not included in the engine design, requiring more frequent valve adjustments.
While the cast-iron liners in the cylinder block retain honing for a long time, their thermal conductivity is poor. This can lead to deformation when paired with issues like stuck oil rings and improper combustion. Neglecting oil levels or oil dilution with fuel and combustion products can result in severe wear on the camshaft bearings and, in extreme cases, engine seizure.
To address oil consumption, replacing the original pistons with the revised 2005 versions, along with new valve seals, is recommended. Early intervention reduces repair costs and prevents long-term damage. Regular maintenance, high-quality oil, and timely inspection of the timing chain and cooling system are essential to ensure the longevity and performance of the 1ZZ-FE engine.
Overall, this engine can last around 180,000 to 300,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
Engine displacement | 1794 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 4 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 79 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 91.5 mm |
Compression ratio | 10 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 150,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Injection |
Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD oil type | 5W-20, 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 4.2 litres (4.4 quarts) More service info |
Power | 120 - 145 HP ON 6000 RPM |
Torque | 160 - 175 NM ON 4200 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 1997 |
Duration of production | 12 years |
Engine also used on | Toyota Avensis Toyota Corolla Toyota Corolla Verso and 2 other models |
Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design. |
Most often compared to
All Toyota RAV4 crossover [2000 - 2003] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
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Toyota RAV-4 1.8 16v VVT-i 2WD
Jul 2000 — Oct 2003 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.8 Petrol | 125 HP | 7.4 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Toyota RAV-4 2.0 16v VVT-i 4WD
Jul 2000 — Oct 2003 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds |
2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.8 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
Toyota RAV-4 2.0 16v VVT-i 4WD
Jul 2000 — Oct 2003 Only version with automatic transmission |
2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 9.3 l/100km | Automatic (4) | All wheel |
Toyota RAV-4 2.0 D4-D 4WD Jun 2001 — Oct 2003 | 2.0 Diesel | 116 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
Toyota RAV4 2000 2.4i
Most powerfull petrol version (161 HP) |
2.4 Petrol | 161 HP | 8.5 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |