The Toyota Harrier is a mid-size crossover SUV sold
since December 1997 by Toyota in Japan only. From March 1998 onwards, the
Harrier was rebadged as the Lexus RX for export markets. However the new Toyota
Harrier (facelift) is now being sold in ASEAN markets through official
channels. After Singapore, the Harrier is now being previewed in Malaysia.
Power comes from a new 8AR-FTS 2.0 liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Lexus NX, producing 231 PS from
5,200 to 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1,650 and 4,000 rpm – all sent
to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota claims fuel
consumption of 13 km per liter on the Japanese JC08 cycle, and there are also
“performance” dampers to reduce roll and improve high-speed stability.
Built on the Toyota New MC platform that also
underpins the latest RAV4, the Harrier is no longer related to the Lexus RX,
which has been spun off into a completely separate model. Dimensions include a
length of 4,720 mm, a width of 1,835 mm and a height of 1,690 mm, along with a
wheelbase of 2,660 mm.
Changes to the facelift model include
triple-projector LED headlights with sequential indicators, flanking a new
upper grille design. There’s also a wider lower grille incorporating LED fog
lights, vertical LED daytime running lights, red-tinted LED tail lights, a
redesigned rear valence and a visible exhaust pipe with a chrome finisher, plus
18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with a five-spoke turbine design.
On the inside, there’s new Ultrasuede and faux
leather upholstery and carbon-weave metal trim; the Luxury variant gets Nappa
leather and brushed aluminum not seen here. There’s also an electronic parking
brake with an auto brake hold function, as well as a driver’s seat that slides
back automatically to improve ingress and egress, both of which are new on the
facelift model. Other features include a new height-adjustable
powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated power-adjustable front
seats with driver’s side memory (only available on the Luxury model).
The new Harrier also get plenty of safety equipment
onboard, such as the Toyota Safety Sense driver assists including Pre-Collision
System (autonomous emergency braking), active cruise control and auto high
beam, 7 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control
