The Toyota Harrier, a mid-size crossover SUV, has been sold in market since December 1997 by Toyota Japan only. Onwards from March 1998, for export markets, the Harrier was rebadged as the Lexus RX.Nevertheless, the new facelifted Toyota Harrier is presently being sold in Asian markets with the help of official channels. After Singapore, the Harrier is at present being previewed in Malaysia.
Power is generated by a new 8AR-FTS 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Lexus NX, giving 231 PS from 5,200 to 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque among 1,650 and 4,000 rpm – all delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota asserts fuel consumption of 13 km per liter on the Japanese JC08 cycle, and there are also “performance” dampers to lessen roll and enhance high-speed stability.
Assembled on the Toyota New MC platform that moreover puts the latest RAV4, the Harrier is no longer linked to the Lexus RX, which has been spun off into an entire separate model. Dimensions comprise of 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.
Alteration to the facelift model comprise of triple-projector LED headlights with sequential indicators, flanking a fresh upper grille design. There’s also a broader lower grille including LED fog lights, vertical LED daytime running lights, red-tinted LED tail lights, a redesigned rear valence and a noticeable exhaust pipe with a chrome finisher, plus 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with a five-spoke turbine design.
Coming to the inside, there’s a novel Ultrasuede and faux leather upholstery and carbon-weave metal trim; the Luxury variant acquires Nappa leather and brushed aluminum not seen here. There’s in addition an electronic parking brake with an auto brake hold function, and a driver’s seat that slides back automatically to perk up ingress and egress, both of which are latest on the facelifted model.
Other features consist of 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 latest Harrier too get ample of safety equipment onboard, such as the Toyota Safety Sense driver assists counting Pre-Collision System (autonomous emergency braking), active cruise control and auto high beam, 7 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control.
