After spending over a decade as one of the key products at premium used car dealers, the Toyota Harrier was officially sold (and thus inclusive of warranty and aftersales support) by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) in late 2017. Demand was so strong that many only received their vehicles much later into 2018.
After its premiere in Japan in June 2020, UMWT was able to quickly launch the all-new fourth generation Toyota Harrier in April 2021, priced from RM249,707. This fourth-generation model has also turned into a more global product, with the North American market using this vehicle as their all-new Venza.
The biggest change, for us with right-hand drive vehicles, is the change in the powertrain, moving from a downsized turbocharged 2.0-litre engine to just a regular 2.0-litre engine. Singapore meanwhile gets the powerful 2.5-litre hybrid system (with 215 hp) thanks to generous incentives for emission of low CO2 figures.
Let’s check out what else has been added in the latest Toyota Harrier.
POWERTRAIN
Headlining the biggest change moving from the third-gen (ASU60) to the fourth-gen (MXUA80) Toyota Harrier is the drastic reduction in output from the powertrain. The all-new Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury, as UMWT assigns it, is powered by the new M20A-FKS 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine.
Maximum output is rated at 173 hp and 203 Nm, a huge deficit compared to the turbocharged 8AR-FTS 2.0-litre turbo engine, with 58 hp and 147 Nm extra.
Straight-line performance as such has taken a hit; taking up to 2.4 seconds longer from 0 to 100 km/h at 9.7 seconds. However, thanks to a lighter CVT gearbox with better ratios, the new Toyota Harrier returns a 14% better fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km (or 15.3 km/L).
The new Toyota Harrier continues to be a front-wheel drive luxury SUV, with the transmission featuring the latest Direct Shift CVT that features a mechanical launch gear for better low-speed performance and response. It also offers the drivers up to 10 virtual ratios or “gears” when in Manual mode. This powertrain is also used in the Lexus UX 200 we reviewed.
EXTERIOR
The latest Toyota Harrier certainly looks more dynamic and imposing than its predecessor with slimmer headlamps and a steeply raked rear quarter profile. Dimensionally, the all-new Toyota Harrier gains a longer wheelbase measuring 2.69 metres, up 30 mm compared to its predecessor. Presence on the road is also strengthened through a wider (increase by 20 mm) and lower stance (overall height decrease by 30 mm).
The golden Harrier emblem on the grille has also been replaced with the oval Toyota emblem, in line with a unified global look. Wheel size is still 18-inches, but the tyres are of less sporty profile, moving from 235/55 to 225/60. These should provide lower noise levels together with a plusher ride.
Other new exterior features include a hands-free function (foot sensor) on the powered tailgate, exquisite full-width signature lighting for the rear, dual exhaust tips and tiny LED signal lamps that are placed at the corners of the rear bumper.
INTERIOR
Inside, the all-new Toyota Harrier oozes a more premium and sportier ambience thanks to the use of high-quality, soft touch materials, and strategic placement of satin finishing. Toyota says the tall and wide lower console takes styling cues from a horse’s saddle.
In line with the vision to offer better cars to drive, the front seats feature a sportier mould as well, with increased support for the shoulders and hips. The ergonomics such as the position of the seat and steering wheel has also been optimised for better comfort and minimising fatigue.
While key comfort and convenience features such as air-conditioned seats with memory function and Nanoe X air purifier are maintained, the all-new Toyota Harrier gets more gadgets such as a digital rearview mirror for unobstructed back view, full content head-up display and an integrated wireless smartphone charger.
Thanks to the large 7-inch multi-information display (MID), individual tyre pressure readout can also be displayed, plus other detailed information on the Toyota Safety Sense.
Transparent to…
Frosted, immediately
The most apparent upgrade in the all-new Toyota Harrier has to be the full-sized panoramic moonroof with electrochromic technology. At a touch of a button, the entire glass panel can either be fully transparent or frosted to reduce light into the cabin. A powered shade is also provided to keep the heat away plus full opacity.
Sharing the TNGA-K platform with the Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4, the development team has ensured that the interior of the all-new Toyota Harrier is a lot quieter than its siblings as well as the predecessor.
Apart from high levels of sound insulation and damping materials plus placement locations, the shock absorbers also feature ultra-low velocity valves for a supple ride.
Unlike its predecessor that has the head unit locally fitted, the new 8-inch unit in the all-new Toyota Harrier comes with the vehicle as a whole unit, thus integrating the driving information and better overall user experience.
SAFETY
In terms of safety systems, both the previous generation model and the latest one features the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite that includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.
The all-new Toyota Harrier also comes with seven airbags which include a driver’s knee airbag.
The current model stands out sith the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that operates at all speeds (coming to a full stop and proceed when set), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic auto braking plus intelligent parking sensors.
The last feature is especially useful to those who aren’t very good with an estimation of distance during parking. The parking sensors will automatically apply the brakes if it senses that the all-new Harrier is getting too close to obstacles or objects, saving the bumpers from scratches and impact damages.
Additional visual aid for parking is however still limited to just a reverse camera in the all-new Toyota Harrier.
PRICING
From its launch in April until December 31st 2021, the all-new Toyota Harrier is priced at RM249,707, benefitting from the 50% exemption on the sales tax. Compared to the latest pricing details for the outgoing model, the new model is roughly RM10,000 cheaper than its predecessor.
Based on the additional feature level inside the vehicle as well as the claimed refinement, the lower pricing is certainly a good trade-off for the lower straight-line performance level.
So there you have it – a quick rundown on what’s new on the all-new Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury.
GALLERY
