Toyota Harrier

Overview

Out of all the conventionally born cars in Toyota Malaysia lineup, the Harrier holds a special place. Originally sold as a Lexus RX in the Japanese market since March 1998, the Harrier was positioned as a premium car over the regular midsize SUVs and crossovers. However, since the independence of Lexus as a different brand from Toyota, the Harrier began to sell with a different nameplate and Toyota badging.

Currently, in its third generation, the Toyota Harrier was given a mild makeover, which made it in line with the current refreshed Toyota lineup. Sold in two different variants – Premium and Luxury, the Toyota Harrier gets a sole powertrain of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a CVT transmission. While the lower spec Premium variant is priced at RM 224,572, the range-topping Luxury variant will set you back by RM 245,233. Color options available for the Toyota Harrier are Dark Blue Mica Metallic, Sparkling Black Pearl, Silver Metallic, and White Pearl.

Interior & Features

Step into the cabin of the Toyota Harrier, and you will mistake it for a cabin of a Lexus car. The choice of materials and the layout of different components indeed is something which is in line with other Lexus offerings like the RX series.

The three-spoke steering wheel of the Harrier has a simple design, but the buttons and steering wheel have a solid feel while holding it. The instrument console lacks the flair of the rest of the design, though, however, the rectangular TFT MID screen in between the analogue dials is very comprehensive in terms of the data on offer.

The layout of the centre console as well as the design of the AC vents is asymmetrical, something which we have seen on the Lexus vehicles and the Toyota offerings of the modern generation. While the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system has an excellent display and very responsive touch, the lack of essentials in this segment such as navigation, Android Auto and Apple Carplay is a shame.

However, when it comes to other features, the Toyota Harrier complies to its status of being the flagship Toyota SUV. It comes with some premium features like a panoramic moonroof, memory seat with front seat ventilation, premium Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering, push-button start with keyless entry, touchscreen panel for dual-zone automatic climate control and rain sensing wipers. Even in terms of overall cabin space, the Toyota Harrier provides ample room for five passengers with the option of 60:40 split rear seats to maximise the cabin space.

Exterior

Being a flagship SUV means that it has to take the bars higher in terms of the way its presence is felt. In that perception, the Toyota Harrier fulfils the expectations, considering the fact that it is derived from a Lexus, which is already believed to be a more luxurious form of a Toyota product.

At the front, the Toyota Harrier is nothing like any other conventional Toyota SUV, as it welcomes one with its aerodynamic profile much similar to its sedans. One does get a full trapezoidal chrome grille with an individualistic looking bird logo at the centre. This logo depicts the Japanese Marsh Harrier, a bird of prey, based on which the name of this crossover has been kept. Flanking this thick chrome grille are two sleek and curvy looking full Bi-LED headlamps with daytime running LEDs and sequential turn indicators. The large honeycomb grille on the front bumper adds some visual heft to the front fascia.

Moving towards the side view, and the Harrier looks like no other traditional SUV. The rounded profile and the slightly sloping roofline are unmistakably crossover-ish. However, the lack of any prominent sharp line on the side doors of the Harrier makes it look a bit bland. Nevertheless, the large 18-inch machined alloy wheels and chrome garnish on the window waistline makes the side profile feel premium, if not outright sporty like the front.

After moving over the side profile, at the rear, the Harrier once again ensures you that it has a futuristic essence to its design. The sleek LED tail lamps have a thin strip joining both of them, just like in any modern Porsche, making the rear profile look extremely good. The large looking design for the rear bumper, along with the lifted stance, makes the Harrier look like an SUV and not a low-slung crossover, which is a good thing.

Ride & Handling

Unlike other traditional Toyota SUVs, the Harrier is built on a monocoque frame, which makes it very agile to drive and handle. The Harrier gets Macpherson struts at the front and double wishbone at the rear, which are set slightly on a stiffer side to add some agility in its overall driving experience. However, the suspension is supple enough to absorb all the undulations of the road surface with ease.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

For the Harrier, Toyota has employed its tried and tested, 2.0-litre four cylinder VVT-I turbocharged petrol engine, which we have already seen on proven cars like Camry. Mated to a CVT transmission, the engine is good enough to pump out a maximum power output of 170 PS and a peak torque output of 350 Nm. For a turbocharged petrol engine, the turbo lag is almost negligible in this engine, making it as rev happy, if not more than as a naturally aspirated engine. The engine does impress you with its sheer refinement and power delivery.

Braking & Safety

Toyota has a very keen focus on the aspect of safety, and considering the fact the Harrier is a flagship crossover in Malaysia, the vehicle is quite loaded with safety features. The Toyota Harrier gets a total of seven airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, reverse parking camera, electronic parking brake, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-crash warning system, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

Verdict

For a flagship SUV, the Toyota Harrier has the sense of luxury and individualistic presence which is commendable. Sure, the rounded car like stance and the slightly bland side profile may not satisfy the traditional SUV buyers. However, the flashy front and rear exteriors, as well as plush and luxurious feature-rich interiors, look premium enough to call it a premium crossover. Apart from it, the Toyota Harrier performs decently on all the other parameters, such as engine performance, ride quality and handling, thus making it a well rounded practical package.