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 engine 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, 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.
