The Toyota Harrier is a mid-size crossover SUV that has gained a strong reputation for its stylish design, premium feel, and comfort. Initially introduced in 1997, the Harrier has evolved significantly over the years and is now considered a luxury-oriented SUV with features that make it a great choice for those seeking a blend of practicality and refinement.
The Toyota Harrier is often regarded as a more upmarket alternative to other Toyota SUVs, combining elegant styling with modern technology, a comfortable ride, and impressive fuel efficiency—especially in its hybrid variants.
1. Exterior Design
- Elegant and Sporty Styling:
- The Toyota Harrier has a sleek, modern look with smooth lines and a bold front design. The latest generations of the Harrier feature a more premium, upscale aesthetic, aligning it with competitors like the Lexus RX.
- It offers a dynamic, coupe-like silhouette with a sloping roofline, a sharp front fascia with a wide grille, and sharp, angular LED headlights. The rear features wrap-around tail lights that give it a more sporty appearance.
- Dimensions (depending on the generation):
- Length: Approximately 4,720 mm to 4,735 mm.
- Width: Around 1,855 mm to 1,870 mm.
- Height: About 1,690 mm to 1,705 mm.
- Wheelbase: Typically around 2,660 mm.
- Design Highlights:
- The Harrier’s front grille and air intake design provide a strong visual presence, making it stand out among other SUVs in its segment.
- The vehicle sits on large 18-20 inch wheels depending on the trim level, which enhances its sporty yet elegant stance.
- The exterior color options are typically vibrant and modern, with a choice of bold hues or more sophisticated neutral tones like white, silver, black, or deep blues.
2. Interior and Comfort
Luxurious and Spacious Cabin:
- The interior of the Toyota Harrier is designed to feel premium and comfortable, with high-quality materials used throughout, such as soft-touch plastics, leather upholstery, and wood or metal accents (depending on the trim).
- The cockpit is driver-focused, with an intuitive layout of controls and a large touchscreen central to the dashboard for easy access to infotainment and climate controls.
Seating:
- Front Seats: Comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heated or ventilated seat options in higher trims. The Harrier offers good legroom and adjustable lumbar support for long-distance comfort.
- Second Row: The rear seats are spacious enough for two to three adults, with ample legroom and headroom. The seats are comfortable, and in higher trims, they may have reclining capabilities and even heated options.
- Cargo Space: The Harrier offers a reasonable amount of cargo space for a vehicle in this class. With the rear seats in place, it provides around 430-500 liters of luggage capacity. The foldable rear seats allow for more storage when needed, which is ideal for larger items.
Tech and Features:
- The latest Toyota Harrier is equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system (8-12 inches, depending on the trim) that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.
- Higher trims may offer an upgraded audio system (JBL or premium brand options), satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, and a heads-up display.
- Dual-zone climate control and ambient lighting add to the premium experience.
3. Engine and Performance
The Toyota Harrier is available with both gasoline and hybrid powertrains, providing options for different driving needs and preferences.
Hybrid Powertrain (Most popular option):
- The Toyota Harrier Hybrid combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a smooth driving experience while improving fuel efficiency.
- Total output of the hybrid system is around 218 horsepower, providing a balance of adequate power for highway cruising while maintaining excellent fuel economy.
- The system uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for smooth and efficient power delivery. The hybrid powertrain is designed to prioritize fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort or driving performance.
- Fuel efficiency is impressive, with figures in the range of 20-22 km/l (4.5-5.0 L/100 km) in real-world conditions, depending on the driving style and specific model.
Gasoline Engine (Available in certain markets):
- The gasoline-powered Harrier usually comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing around 171-180 horsepower, which offers enough power for everyday driving.
- This engine is typically paired with a CVT or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the generation and trim level.
- The fuel economy is generally lower than the hybrid version, offering around 12-14 km/l (7.0-8.0 L/100 km), though it is still competitive for an SUV in this class.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vs. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):
- The Harrier is typically available with both FWD and AWD configurations, allowing buyers to choose based on their driving needs. The AWD version is especially useful for rainy or snowy climates, while the FWD option is generally more fuel-efficient.
4. Technology and Infotainment
The Toyota Harrier is equipped with a wide range of advanced tech features, which enhance both the driving experience and safety.
Infotainment System:
- The Harrier’s infotainment system includes an 8-12 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features in most markets. Higher trims may also offer premium sound systems, like JBL audio.
- Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports are standard, and wireless phone charging is available in some trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
- The Toyota Harrier comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) as standard, including features like:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian detection.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA).
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for smooth highway driving.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB) for better night visibility.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available in higher trims for added convenience and safety.
- The Panoramic View Monitor (available on higher trims) helps with parking and tight maneuvers by providing a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.
5. Safety
The Toyota Harrier is equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features designed to protect both passengers and pedestrians.
Safety Features Include:
- Multiple airbags: Front, side, curtain, and knee airbags for front passengers.
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) to help prevent skidding in adverse conditions.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for stable braking in all conditions.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to alert the driver when tire pressure is low.
- Rearview Camera and parking sensors for ease of parking and avoiding obstacles.
- Radar sensors and other advanced driver-assist technologies further improve safety in various driving conditions.
6. Ride and Handling
- The Toyota Harrier is designed for a comfortable, refined ride with an emphasis on smoothness and quietness. It is not a performance SUV, but it delivers a composed and relaxed driving experience.
- The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. Handling is responsive, though the Harrier prioritizes comfort over agility or sportiness.
- Steering is light, making the Harrier easy to maneuver, especially in urban environments. It also features drive modes that allow you to adjust the vehicle’s response to match road conditions or personal preference.
7. Pricing and Availability
The Toyota Harrier is available in select markets, particularly in Asia, Australia, and some Middle Eastern regions. Pricing varies depending on the market, trim level, and configuration, but it generally starts around $35,000 to $40,000 for the base trims and can go up to $45,000+ for higher-end trims or hybrid models.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish and Premium Design: A refined SUV that offers a premium look and feel.
- Hybrid Option: Excellent fuel economy with the hybrid model.
- Comfortable and Quiet Ride: Focuses on comfort, making it ideal for long trips or daily commuting.
- Advanced Safety Features
TOYOTA HARRIER Specification:
