The styling of the 2003 Toyota RAV4 is dynamic, striking and aggressive. It avoids the cuteness of the original (pre-2001) RAV4s.Without the Sport Package, a 2003 RAV4 looks pretty much like a 2002 RAV4, which hadn't changed from the all-new 2001 model. Compared to pre-2001 models, the current RAV4 is larger in length, width, height, wheelbase, and track. The track was widened by nearly two inches but the height increased by just half an inch. The current RAV4 hugs the earth closer than the earlier generation as well, with about one inch less ground clearance. That sounds more stable to us.
At just 166.2 inches long, the RAV4 is still 9 inches shorter than a Subaru Forester and 12.4 inches shorter than a Honda CR-V. (Opt for the hard spare tire cover, and the RAV4 grows an inch.)
The styling suggests a vector or wedge shape, which is pretty hard to do with what is basically a tall, small box. This is mostly accomplished by a sloping hood and downward cant from the rear quarter panels forward, under the side windows. When the arched roofline ends with the optional spoiler, the result is cool looking.