Toyota has revealed the first images of the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier to replace the one we reviewed two years ago. It’s set to debut around June this year, and boy does it look stunning.
The biggest eye-popper in the new Harrier has to be in the “manhood department”, as the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has been axed. Instead, what you get now is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine paired to the new Direct Shift CVT.
With only 171 hp and 207 Nm to move the 1.6-tonne SUV, the front-wheel drive variant would be the one to go for as performance should be quite uninspiring in the all-wheel drive model. From our prior experience, 207 Nm has never felt adequate for an SUV of this size.
The hybrid variant gets a larger 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine paired to an electric CVT, with 178 hp and 221 Nm. The front-wheel drive hybrid model has a combined output of 218 hp although it has to contend with the extra 100 kg (1,710 kg to 1,770 kg) of weight compared to the non-hybrid models.
On the other hand, the all-wheel drive hybrid model with E-Four technology gets a combined 222 hp with the aid of a rear-mounted electric motor.
Inside the new 4th generation Harrier that’s built on the TNGA (GA-K) platform – the same platform used to build the new Camry that we reviewed and RAV4 to name a few – is a centre console with a wide and imposing impression of a horse’s saddle, according to Toyota.
Toyota also said they’ve improved the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) of the new Harrier with highly efficient sound-absorbing windows. Other modern necessities available include a JBL sound system with nine speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and something Toyota calls the “Digital Inner Mirror”.
It enables recording of images at the front and rear of the vehicle while on the move – a first in a Toyota. Speaking of firsts, the new Harrier also get a panoramic roof, with electric sunshades and electrochromatic glass. As for the hybrid models, Toyota has equipped them with a 100-volt/1,500 watt power outlet that allows owners to plug in various electrical appliances.
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