All-new 2020 Toyota Harrier debuts – TNGA (GA-K) platform, 2.0L petrol, Direct Shift-CVT, no more turbo

The fourth-generation XU80 Toyota Harrier is set to premiere in June this year, and the TNGA (GA-K) platform-based SUV will debut with petrol and petrol-hybrid variants. Unfortunately, it appears that the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine have been dropped from the new model’s line-up.

Toyota’s range of Dynamic Force engines is deployed here, with the entry-level model receiving the 2.0 litre four-cylinder direct-injection engine that produces 171 PS at 6,600 rpm and 207 Nm at 4,800 rpm. This engine is mated with the company’s latest Direct-Shift CVT.

Meanwhile, the Harrier Hybrid’s primary propulsion comes from the A25A-FXS 2.5 litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol, which works together with a 120 PS/202 Nm front-axle mounted motor. An all-wheel drive Harrier Hybrid E-Four is also available, which adds on a rear axle-mounted electric motor producing 54 PS and 121 Nm of torque. The standard hybrid’s output is rated at 218 PS, while the E-Four variant is up slightly at 222 PS. Both versions share the same CVT.

In terms of size, the GA-K based Harrier is larger than the previous XU60 Harrier, which rode on the smaller MC platform. The latest five-seater SUV measures 4,740 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,660 mm tall (-30 mm) with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm (+30 mm). The front suspension features a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear gets a double-wishbone layout, with ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the back. Both 2.0L and 2.5L models sit on massive 19-inch multispoke alloy wheels, shod with 225/55R19 tyres.

On the outside, the Harrier takes on a rather evolutionary styling approach, and features such as the blanked-off upper grille and slim LED headlights (with dual-branched LED DRLs) remain present. The massive lower intake is also carried over, albeit styled in a somewhat subtler fashion. At the back sees the most change, with a new reverse-rake rump and continuous LED tail lights.

Inside, the fourth-gen Harrier looks much neater than before. Dominating features include the new freestanding 12.3-inch wide touchscreen head unit with SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as a T-Connect SD GPS navigation system. Below that are multimedia and HVAC controls, push-start button, and USB port for smart device mirroring.

The driver gets a leather-wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and the new instrument panel sports a dual analogue metre that’s separated by a centrally-positioned TFT digital display. Just in front of the gear lever you’ll find the drive mode button, as well as the electronic parking switch. Behind the stick are two cubby bins, and further back is the leather-wrapped centre armrest.

Unique features here, according to Toyota, are the Digital Inner Mirror (basically a front- and rear-facing dashcam recorder), as well as a panoramic sunroof with integrated electrochromatic function. Both technologies are new to Toyota, and the Harrier is the first to receive them.

Additional niceties include sound-absorbing windows, more extensive use of sound deadening and “vibration-controlling” materials, standard leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker JBL sound system. Hybrid models get an additional 1,500-watt, 100-volt AC socket which can power household electrical items, and can also double as a power generator during an emergency or blackout.

For safety, the Harrier comes with Toyota’s latest Toyota Safety Sense suite, comprised of a pre-collision safety system that detects pedestrians both during daytime and at night, as well as cyclists during the day.

There’s also Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes which prevents or mitigate low-speed collisions, as well as Active Cornering Assist (ACA), a function that helps reduce understeer when taking corners.

At launch, the new Toyota Harrier will be available in seven exterior colours, and with three flavours to choose from – Z, G and S. These apply for both hybrid and non-hybrid models. So, what do you think?