This Toyota RAV4 with a Mazda Two-Rotor swap is pure humor.

      lowstandardsjay. TikTok

      This entire build is purely comedic, and you’ll soon understand why. The humor begins with the builder choosing a three-door, second-generation Toyota RAV4 as their base. Not only does this vehicle have amusing proportions, but it is usually considered an economical option, not a foundation for a performance project. The real laugh comes when you open the hood and discover that instead of the usual bland Toyota four-cylinder engine, this RAV4 is equipped with a two-rotor Mazda rotary engine.

      It’s uncertain who the builder is, but this unique creation has been shared on TikTok by “lowstandardsjay,” who seems to specialize in swapping rotary engines into various unconventional cars. What makes the two-rotor engine amusing? Primarily its incongruity. Rotary engines are typically chosen for lightweight sports cars due to their ability to rev high, compact size, and smooth power delivery. They can also produce a lot of power with large turbochargers. Additionally, their compact nature allows them to be positioned far back behind the front wheels, enhancing weight distribution, balance, handling, and steering. Therefore, seeing one installed in a RAV4 is quite funny—it's akin to seeing me in running shoes. Who are we kidding?

      Moreover, just look at it. The builder doesn’t specify what type of two-rotor engine it is, but it's incredibly small—almost comically so. With it mounted longitudinally, it’s compact enough that two adults can stand inside the engine bay on either side of the engine. The alternator appears to be directly attached to the transmission. If maintenance is needed, they could probably just unbolt it, lift the engine onto their shoulder, and move it to a workbench. Honestly, I'm a bit envious.

      @lowstandardsjay Rotary everything…#Lowstandards #Toyota #Rav4 #Rwd #Rotary #13B #Bridge ♬ Mechanic – Gmac Cash

      You have to hear it, though. Like all rotary engines, this little one emits a slow, steady burping noise, but it’s quite unrefined, making it sound as though the RAV4 has gas. This sound won’t surprise rotary enthusiasts, who are accustomed to such playful noises. But for everyone else, it’s genuinely hilarious.

      Since the engine is installed longitudinally, it drives only the rear wheels, which is a significant shift for the typically front-wheel-drive RAV4. Between the compact engine and the rear wheels is a manual transmission. This situation is reminiscent of the Mazda RX-7 hot hatch we never knew we wanted.

      I adore builds like this because they’re entertaining on various levels, and I can imagine it's a joy to drive. Rotary engines have never been the most dependable; they consume a lot of oil and require high revs to generate significant power unless heavily turbocharged. However, in project cars that aren't depended on for daily use, they can transform an ordinarily mundane car like the RAV4 into something far more exciting.

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