The all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Harrier will be launched in Malaysia very, very soon. Seeing as this is one SUV that is bound to get a lot of attention from Malaysians, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Harrier such a popular car here in Malaysia, shall we?
It all started with the first-generation model over 20 years ago. Back then, it was a shared model with the Lexus RX, so it was designed from the ground up to be a premium SUV. Fun fact – the original Harrier and RX came about even before the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes ML and Volvo XC90, so it really was ahead of its time.
The second-generation Harrier and RX appeared in 2003, and it continued the premium SUV formula of the original, but with a more matured and classy appearance inside and out. By the way, the Harrier name is taken from a bird local to Japan’s Hokkaido island, which explains the bird logos you see around the car.
By the time the third-generation model came out in 2013, the Toyota Harrier and Lexus RX models were split up. While the RX continued on, the Harrier was effectively downgraded into a less premium SUV, slotting in just above the RAV4 model. Also gone are the V6 engine options, replaced by 2.0 litre four-cylinder units. Still, it remained a good-looking large SUV with some premium touches to elevate it above the mainstream SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and the like.
Now on to the all-new, fourth-generation Harrier. It’s a huge leap forward for the model – it rides on the latest Toyota TNGA-K platform for a more sophisticated and dynamic ride and handling package, and it’s dressed up in a very sleek and modern exterior. It’s longer, yet lower than the third-gen model, giving it a sportier, more coupe-like profile. Nice.
Up front, the slim LED headlights and closed-off upper grille are unique, while the rear gets distinctive full-width LED taillights. It looks significantly more expensive than the RAV4 and CR-V, especially so from the back (where it can pass off as a Lexus!). It’s also now sold in the US, badged as the Venza.
Under the hood is where it starts to disappoint. In Japan, the Harrier is available with either a 2.0 litre petrol or a 2.5 litre hybrid engine. Here in Malaysia, since we no longer have any special tax breaks for CBU hybrids, we’re only getting the base 2.0 litre mill. That puts it in a unique, or rather weird situation where it has a smaller, less powerful engine than the cheaper RAV4, which gets a 2.5 litre engine.
Adding salt to wound is that, unlike the third-gen Harrier, the 2.0 litre engine is now naturally aspirated instead of turbocharged. Yes, it’s Toyota’s latest Dynamic Force engine with direct injection, but 173 PS and 203 Nm of torque is still a major downgrade compared to the older Harrier Turbo‘s 231 PS and 350 Nm. The transmission has also changed from a six-speed auto to a Direct-Shift CVT, which drives the front wheels.
Fuel economy is clearly the focus this time around. Toyota claims a combined figure of 15.3 km per litre (or 6.5 litres per 100 km) for an SUV of this size, and an engine thermal efficiency of 40%. It’s said that a typical petrol engine is closer to only 20%.
Beyond what’s under the bonnet, the new Harrier features quite a few highlights, including a plush leather-covered interior, a digital rear view mirror that uses a camera feed for a clearer view out, and a fancy electrochromic panoramic moonroof that can be dimmed on demand. That’s something usually reserved for high-end Mercedes-Benz models only.
On the safety front, the Harrier gets the full Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), dynamic cruise control (able to go to a complete stop), lane tracing assist, adaptive high beam assist and even rear cross-traffic alert with braking assist. The first three features enable what is known as Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Price-wise, the new Harrier is expected to be priced around the RM250k mark, similar to the third-gen model. That’s about 20% more than the RAV4, which is priced from RM197k to RM216k. However, the Harrier doesn’t really have any direct competitors here in Malaysia, unless you consider more expensive premium models like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3.
More details on the Toyota Harrier will be revealed very soon, so remember to watch this space for full details as soon as the car is launched. Now, what do you think of the new Toyota Harrier? Sound off, below.
GALLERY: First-generation XU10 Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier
GALLERY: Second-generation XU30 Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier
GALLERY: Third-generation XU60 Toyota Harrier
GALLERY: Fourth-generation XU80 Toyota Harrier
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Booked one already. My dream car
2.0 NA dynamic force is just too under power
Rav4, Harrier
Both Dynamic Force TNGA
Different Taste, Style
in Sinkie, this Toyota Harrier is same segment and price with Honda CRV Turbo… so great choice all CRV owners!
overpriced at sinkie
I have been thinking about when stingyT can provide a hybrid version of the Dynamic Force engine to our market.
But I have the answer now, because those top engines are reserved for Lesuck only. At the same time, especially European and American countries are enjoying the best engines at lower prices.
Here, stingyT forced our beloved Malaysians to choose Lesuck in order to have the best engine they produce.
stingy: We have TNGA, SafeT, 360T and WarranT!
we: Where is the hybrid version of the dynamic power engine?
stingy: We can’t provide it.
we: Why?
stingy: If you do this, no one will buy Lesuck, because the two already share the same platform.
Bring hybrid, cost expensive. What can we do. This is CBU unit. In here, we only can assemble B, C, pick up trucks, 7 seater SUV and cheaper MPV but not others as it will be more expensive D segment, K segment and premium cars if assemble here
Toyota can be less greedy and lower profit margins that way they can price hybrid competitively.
What a beauty
Harrier is rubbish
Better looking and quality. But horsepower reduced back using normal engine that slight disadvantage but fuel efficiency improves. Better than nothing
I prefer something else in that case
Yawn
Great back lamp
Good informative
Overall looks good but except eagle logo removed
If RM250k, price will be reasonable
Toyota is going backwards lately. Probably Malaysia is no longer their strong market anymore so they are not putting much effort
Looks so mini lexus
Level 2 Automonous Driving, thats interesting!
Looks fierce
Matt, pls be detailed. This is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
Love the looks but sadly it isn’t for me due to its engine option. If they had included the previous gen turbo engine then it would be really good but Toyota somehow wants to drop the turbo setup for good as the upcoming Lexus NX does not have a turbo engine either.
Feel comfort and better
Handsome car
Better look and fabulous
Rather pay a bit more and get far better XC90.
wow.. your pay a bit more was actually 50% more… what an interesting mindset…
the design are very nice, very sleek
Better than 3rd gen UX60 Harrier
UMW realises the SUV trend is getting stronger and bigger and doesnt want to miss the boat. BMW has X series among others.. merc has its GL series while Honda has HRV and CRV In its batallion.
Its a testbed now.. to see what direction iin the next 2-3 years.
This is reason we see the launch of CHR, Rav4, corolla cross and now This. .. along with Lexus X series.
CHR was the one first to go. Being too small and pricey.
When they downgrade the engine like this, the price should be comparable with CRV.
what a water fish spec…
The perfect car for Hari Raya Balik Kampung!
Premium look, but average engine and cheap-looking 8″ infotainment system fitted to a frame that’s meant for 12″.
Will it be the “most stolen” car in Malaysia again?