1998 Toyota RAV4 Soft Top 2WD 2.0L

Overview

The 1998 Toyota RAV4 represents the early years of the compact crossover segment, a category Toyota helped define with the introduction of the XA10 generation. By utilizing a unibody platform derived from the Corolla and Celica, the RAV4 offered a driving experience that prioritized car-like handling and fuel efficiency over the traditional truck-based architecture of contemporary SUVs. The Soft Top variant, specifically, catered to a niche demographic seeking an open-air experience, blending the utility of a small utility vehicle with the recreational appeal of a convertible.

Engineered for versatility, the 1998 model featured a 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with a manual transmission in this configuration. Its front-wheel-drive layout emphasized urban maneuverability and weight reduction, making it a popular choice for city dwellers and light-duty recreational users. The design language of the late 1990s RAV4 was characterized by its compact footprint, short overhangs, and a side-hinged rear door, which became a hallmark of the model’s first generation. Throughout its production run, the RAV4 established a reputation for mechanical longevity, cementing Toyota’s presence in a market segment that would eventually become the most competitive in the industry.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Toyota
Model	RAV4 Soft Top 2WD
Model Year	1998
Generation	1st Generation (XA10)
Trim	Base
Body Style	2-Door Soft Top Convertible
Vehicle Segment	Compact Crossover
Vehicle Class	Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Market	USA
Platform	Toyota MC Platform
Assembly Plant	Toyota City, Japan
Country of Origin	Japan
Production Start	1994
Production End	2000
VIN Identifier	JT2
Base MSRP	$15,500
Destination Charge	$420
Total MSRP	$15,920
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	Toyota S Engine
Engine Name	3S-FE
Engine Code	3S-FE
Engine Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	2.0 Liters
Bore x Stroke	86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Electronic Fuel Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	4.0 qt
Oil Specification / Viscosity	5W-30
Horsepower	120 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Torque	125 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
Redline	6,200 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Manual 5-spd
Final Drive Ratio	4.10:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	21
EPA Highway MPG	27
EPA Combined MPG	23
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	10.2 L/100 km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	15.3
Estimated Driving Range	380 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,650
CO₂ Emissions	–
Greenhouse Gas Score	–
Smog Rating	–
Performance
0-30 mph	3.8 s
0-60 mph	10.2 s
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	17.8 s
Top Speed	105 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	145 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.72g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.045 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	161.8
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	66.7
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	–
Height (in)	65.4
Wheelbase (in)	86.6
Front Track (in)	57.5
Rear Track (in)	57.1
Ground Clearance (in)	7.5
Curb Weight (lbs)	2,600
GVWR (lbs)	3,500
Towing Capacity (lbs)	1,500
Payload Capacity (lbs)	900
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	88.0
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	9.6
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	35.0
Turning Circle	33.5 ft
Approach Angle	29°
Departure Angle	32°
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	–
Side Impact	–
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	None
Instrument Cluster	Analog
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	No
Audio System	AM/FM Cassette
Speaker Count	4
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	36 months / 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	60 months / 60,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	60 months / unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	–
Complimentary Maintenance	–
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Kamigo Plant, Japan
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	1st: 3.54, 2nd: 1.90, 3rd: 1.31, 4th: 0.97, 5th: 0.82
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	6.5 qt
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	100
Safety Recall Count	3
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 1998 Toyota RAV4 Soft Top is widely regarded for its exceptional mechanical reliability and straightforward engineering, making it a sought-after vehicle for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese utility cars. While the powertrain is robust, prospective owners should inspect the timing belt, which requires periodic replacement, and check for signs of rust in the rear wheel arches and rocker panels, as these are common areas of concern for this generation. The soft top mechanism also warrants careful inspection for leaks or degradation of the fabric and seals. Today, the vehicle holds appeal as a simple, engaging, and highly maneuverable runabout, offering a unique open-air experience that is increasingly rare in the modern crossover market.