Toyota Harrier/Venza Plug-In Hybrid

Launched in the summer of 2020, the fourth-generation Toyota Harrier is back to being a world-class luxury crossover after making its rounds not just in the ASEAN region but also in China and North America as the Venza. It's proof that this luxury SUV was built for the new normal. However, those who are demanding more from the Harrier got what they desired as the plug-in hybrid version of the fourth-generation Harrier made the rounds.

2023 Toyota Harrier Plug-in Hybrid

Priced at 6,200,000 Japanese Yen (around $62,000) plus additional costs, the first-ever Harrier Plug-in Hybrid offers the same level of luxury as the other variants but with the added PHEV powertrain to deliver its true form.

Based on the high-end Z variant of the Harrier, you can expect similar high-end styling and interior as expected on the most luxurious Harrier offered but with the specially-made 19-inch wheels, PLUG-IN HYBRID badging, and the complimentary charging cables, this ultimate version truly separates the businessman's Harrier to the commoner's Harrier.

Just like its RAV4 PHV brother, it uses the same 2.5L Atkinson-cycle gas engine from the normal Harrier Hybrid but combined with powerful electric motor generators, the new Li-ion battery mounted under the floor, and the enhanced heat pump HVAC system, it delivers 306PS of total power output. With the CVT gearbox, it has 20.5km/L of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards and 93km of EV driving range.

Despite being a plug-in hybrid, it behaves like a Harrier, because of the TNGA platform, reworked dynamics, the same E-Four as the normal hybrid, and the next-generation Toyota Safety Sense. It's a real all-rounder fit for all walks of life.

Despite being the most expensive Harrier offered, the Harrier Plug-in Hybrid is the least expensive luxury PHV to buy compared to expensive European imports. A real bargain of the new normal, as some say. For a PHEV that drives like a Harrier, it truly is the leader of the pack.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Fourth-generation Toyota Harrier

Launched in December 1997, the Toyota Harrier spearheaded the luxury crossover craze by storm and known the world over. The first two generations were known as the Lexus RX but despite the introduction of the RX in Japan in 2009, the Harrier still remains in the Toyota lineup until in 2013, the Harrier is now on its own, running on the same bits and bobs as the RAV4. With the arrival of the fourth-generation Harrier, looks like the smugglers' favorite luxury crossover has some change of plans.

2021 Toyota Harrier

The fourth-generation Toyota Harrier, priced at 2,990,000 Japanese Yen, is all-new from the ground-up with its new look, new interior, new platform, hybrid powertrain, and cutting-edge safety tech. Because being a crossover with a global potential, the fourth-generation Harrier managed to made its mark on North American soil as the Venza. It's a poor man's Lexus RX if you know what I mean.

Time to get a quick dive on the new Harrier by looking at its new design. At first glance, it looks almost similar to the previous model, making it difficult to tell from the real thing, but one thing's for sure; the new model ditched the Harrier emblem from the previous generations in favor of the Toyota logo. Talk about a change of plans, right? But anyway, the sharpened styling really made the new Harrier as good looking as its former relative and from every angle, it leaves a huge first impression.

2021 Toyota Harrier interior

2021 Toyota Harrier interior

On the interior, the new Harrier has a lot of explaining for the middle-aged businessman toying around with it because the dashboard went to a slightly minimalist approach but don't worry, it still functions like every crossover should. From its 12.3-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, T-Connect, premium leather seats, all the way to its JBL Premium Audio System, the new Harrier really means dramatic business for anyone can't wait to relax themselves on the go. On the passenger side, thanks to the TNGA platform it dons, it's surprisingly roomier than the previous one, making the CEO sitting behind you very pleasing while on the move. As for the boot space, it's surprisingly spacious as well. Now that really means business to you.

2021 Toyota Harrier

In addition to the 2.0L Dynamic Force petrol engine, the cream of the crop of the new Harrier is the hybrid system where the 2.5L Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine is connected with electric motors and a li-ion battery mounted behind the rear seats. In its E-Four guise, this will produce a system power output of 222PS of power, that means modest for a hybrid crossover of this size. As for fuel economy, the front-wheel drive hybrid Harrier can get up to about 22.3km/L by WLTC standards.

Speaking of E-Four, the addition of rear-mounted electric motor really spells good, honest, handling feel for the new Harrier, meaning it can split up to 80% of driving force to the rear wheels, reducing the risk of understeer. Couple that with its TNGA platform and some refined chassis and you got yourself a crossover that does everything that comes out from your mouth. In partial terms of comfort, yes, the new Harrier is surprisingly comfortable to live with and surprisingly quiet as well. You can rest easy, moguls.

In terms of safety, the new Harrier is loaded with the latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems which includes Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. There's even tons of other safety stuff you will notice such as the Panoramic View Monitor, where you can check everything around you before setting off.

And there you have it. The new Harrier may not be the most enjoyable crossover to live with but its tech, hybrid powertrain, design, and interior made it as smooth as a fistful of rum at nighttime. Although I was pleased that Toyota made the new Harrier available across North America as the Venza, I had concerns that like the previous model, will it end up being targeted by smugglers across Southeast Asia? I mean come on, some parts of the ASEAN bloc did have the previous Harrier by official ways and means rather than getting smuggled but for the new one? That's a whole different ball game my friend.

Anyway, with chances of getting smuggled by luxury JDM fanatics in the ASEAN neighborhood, looks like the new Harrier is prepared for the brave new world it lives in. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. This is what this new model wants everyone to believe in.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Slate Gray Metallic, Black, Precious Black Pearl, Sensual Red Mica, Steel Blonde Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota's GR SPORT lineup

Toyota Motor Corporation introduces the all new GR sports lineup of cars tweaked courtesy of GAZOO Racing. Renaming their sporty lineup from G's to GR, the new sports lineup consists of three hierarchies ranging from the GR Sport line of custom cars, the GR line of moderately tuned cars, and GRMN-tuned cars.

First, let's take a look at the first batch of Toyota GAZOO Racing's GR Sport line of cars, which are basically customized versions of your everyday Toyotas such as the Vitz, the all-new Prius PHV, the Harrier, the Mark X, and the twin vans Noah and Voxy.

2018 Toyota Vitz GR Sport

2018 Toyota Vitz GR Sport interior

The Vitz GR Sport will be based on variants, petrol or hybrid, with the 1.5L engine on it. Starting at 2,087,640 Yen for petrol and 2,329,560 for the hybrid, the GR Sport variant not only comes with special aerodynamic design and special interior, it comes with the improved welding spot of the body as well as a sport tuned suspension. for the GR variant, it comes with Sachs low-down suspension and with the CVT, it was sportly tuned to engage a 10-speed manual mode on it. It comes with the limited slip differential to give a hot hatch feeling on a normal Vitz.

2018 Toyota Prius PHV GR Sport

2018 Toyota Prius PHV GR Sport interior

Using the recently-launched Prius PHV as the base, the GR Sport variant, starting at 3,711,960 Yen, features a low-down suspension and reinforced brace to the under floor, not to mention special Gazoo Racing cosmetic treatments inside and out to add some sportiness on this eco car.

2018 Toyota Harrier GR Sport

2018 Toyota Harrier GR Sport interior

Based on the recently facelifted Harrier crossover, the GR Sport variant is available only for variants with a 2.0L petrol engine, NA or turbo, and apart from the sporty treatment on the exterior and the interior, the number of spot welds have increased on the body as well as a reinforced brace to the under floor, not to mention the use of sport-tuned suspension. Prices start at 3,398,760 Yen.

2018 Toyota Mark X GR Sport

2018 Toyota Mark X GR Sport interior

The GR Sport variant of the recently facelifted Mark X saloon is available to order starting at 3,809,160 Yen and based on the 250S and 350RDS variants, it comes with added spot welds on the body, reinforced brace to the under floor, and sport-tuned suspension.

2018 Toyota Noah GR Sport

2018 Toyota Noah GR Sport interior

2018 Toyota Voxy GR Sport

2018 Toyota Voxy GR Sport interior

Adding sportiness to the recently facelifted Noah and Voxy minivans, the GR Sport variants, starting at 3,257,280 Yen, uses only the normal 2.0L FF variants and apart from the cosmetic treatments to make minivans look great on the roads, it comes with sport-tuned suspension and reinforced brace to the under floor.

Later in the winter, the Prius α hybrid MPV and the recently facelifted Aqua hybrid compact will receive the GR Sport treatment using the same stuff mentioned above. The Toyota 86 will receive a GR variant later in the end of the year as well with improved dynamics, Sachs suspension and Torsen-type LSD. Later in the spring, the Vitz will gain a more powerful 3-door GRMN variant with a supercharged 1.8L petrol engine producing 212PS of power.

Enjoy with these new Toyota Gazoo Racing lineup of cars at your nearest Toyota dealerships across Japan!

Toyota Harrier (XU60) - 2018MY Facelift

Toyota's luxurious midsize crossover, the Harrier, is now offered with additional luxury but you won't find it on its newly revised exterior, more luxurious interior, refined dynamics, and a suite of safety tech because what you will find now in the new Harrier is its new turbo power.

2018 Toyota Harrier

2018 Toyota Harrier

At first glance, you may see some minimal changes on the front and back as well as the inside but rest assured that with the 2018 Toyota Harrier retained the similar choice of 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine with VALVEMATIC and Toyota Stop&Start System mated to a Super CVT-i, as well as the the same 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine from a Toyota Camry connected with two electric motors for the Hybrid variant, the new turbocharged variant makes a surprising addition to the new Harrier, making this the first luxury turbo crossover from Toyota.

2018 Toyota Harrier

It comes with the 8AR-FTS 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder D-4S engine which produces 231PS of power and 350Nm of torque and with the 6-speed Super ECT, fuel economy is expected at around 13km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. Although not as good as any expensive European imports, the turbocharged variant is expected to swoon most drivers by the way it performs, which isn't so bad for a Toyota, and while on the subject of having Toyota's first ever turbocharged luxury crossover, you can even get one in with Dynamic Torque Control 4WD system that works very well in any road and weather conditions. Plus, it comes with performance dampers exclusive to this model, which improves roll rigidity and suppressing body deformation, maintaining straight-line stability at high speeds. 

Other noteworthy driving stuff you can find not just in the turbocharged model include Steering-Assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Electric Power Steering, Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control. and Frequency Adaptive Damping shock absorbers, Overall, the driving performance for the Harrier makes it an inch close to those European imports and that is a good thing they done it right to ensure its satisfactory for the drivers of today.

2018 Toyota Harrier interior

2018 Toyota Harrier interior

Speaking of drivers of today, the 2018MY Toyota Harrier now offers Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring a more high-tech millimeter wave radar which detects pedestrians and vehicles alike, and Radar Cruise Control which detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. Couple that with other driving assists including the Panoramic View Monitor, and the new Harrier is a more senseful luxury crossover that fits to the urban climate.

The new 2018MY Toyota Harrier starts at 2,949,480 Yen up to 4,604,040 Yen (around $30,000 to $47,000), ranging from ELEGANCE, PREMIUM, and the new top-of-the-line PROGRESS; in non-turbo, hybrid, and the new turbo. With such choices to choose from, there's no doubt that Toyota's luxury crossover is on a roll due to the increasingly strong demand and a long waiting list for some variants. Although available only to the Japanese market, the new 2018 Harrier, with its turbocharged engine added, promises to deliver world-class luxury and performance to the motoring public, if it can.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Toyota Harrier (XU60)

The Toyota Harrier. When this first showed up on the Japanese market since December 1997, this crossover combines ruggedness of an SUV with the comfort of the luxury sedan, hence giving the title "Wild But Formal" and it was exported worldwide as the Lexus RX. However, with the Lexus RX arrived in Japan since the January of 2009, Toyota continues producing the Harrier, which in its second generation, until July 2013.

Shockingly, the unexpected thing happened because when Toyota throw a curve to the motoring press when they first showcase its brand new, third-generation Harrier, the whole world think that this new Harrier previews the next-generation Lexus RX because in the past, there were cars conceived as a Lexus but sold in Japan as a Toyota such as the Celsior, the Altezza, the Aristo, and the Soarer. They were born under the "Flagship One" initiative to create a luxury car that can challenge Europe's finest. There were also Toyotas rebadged as Lexus for export like the Windom and the Land Cruiser Cygnus. The first ES was essentially a Toyota Vista V20 but later it spawned into a Toyota Windom equivalent. The Land Cruiser Cygnus, which is a Land Cruiser 100 with a different flavor, was exported as the Lexus LX.

In the Summer of 2005, Lexus arrived in Japan, replacing the Celsior, Aristo, Soarer, and Altezza into LS, GS, SC (discontinued in 2010), and IS but the Windom and the Cygnus were discontinued in 2007 with their Lexus equivalents not sold in Japan.

2014 Toyota Harrier

So, here we are, the last remaining Toyota-to-Lexus model. Once previewed in the form of the SLV Concept since the 1997 Chicago Motor Show, the Harrier was launched in December 1997, just three months before exported to the world market as the RX. In 2003, the second-generation Harrier was launched under the banner "All Round Winner". With the Lexus RX launched in Japan since January 2009, the Harrier remains and now, we're looking into the successor of the last remaining Toyota-to-Lexus model and the truth is...and we're going to highlight this in bold letters...it’s NOT a preview of the 4th-gen Lexus RX. I repeat, it’s NOT a preview of the 4th-gen Lexus RX.

The brand new Toyota Harrier now shares its underpinnings from its little brother, the not-yet-sold-in-Japan Toyota RAV4, and if by means necessary, the new Harrier not only replaces its Lexus-based predecessor but also the Vanguard, which is based on the currently-sold-in-Japan third-generation RAV4. The exterior design uses the concept "Elegant velocity" thanks to its bizarre looks which Toyota Motor Corporation claims to give a sleek, speedy look that is instantly recognizable. Once more the new model makes use of LED lamps, standard in all models, and the optional clearance lamps (in a row of three) and rear combination lamps with gradient brightness.

2014 Toyota Harrier interior

2014 Toyota Harrier interior

While the new exterior isn't all about being a RAV4 with a fancy name and a sharp flair, the interior is pretty much more regular but since this is a luxury crossover in its own right, it's pretty much well-crafted here. I was expecting that the new Harrier will have the same interior as the current Lexus RX but they're not. It seats five, it has air conditioning, it has wooden trim, it has central heating, it has USB connectivity, nanoe, and then there's the Harrier-exclusive JBL Premium Sound System with 11 speakers and GreenEdge Technology.

What is GreenEdge Technology anyway? GreenEdge use less power while increasing audio output and improving both the accuracy and clarity of the sound. They're 90% efficient compared to conventional amplifiers, they typically play 6dB louder with increased audio fidelity, and across all listening volumes, clarity is greater than distortion.

The new Harrier is also available with Panoramic View Monitor, like the ones from Toyota's luxury minivans, the Alphard and the Vellfire, which shows around the car from the top to provide enhanced parking safety and it has four views; "Moving View", "Panoramic View and Wide View Front", "Side View", and "Panoramic View & Back View".

2014 Toyota Harrier

And now, the specs, but this time it's for real. The petrol version of the new Harrier comes with the 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine with VALVEMATIC and Toyota Stop&Start System which produces a moderate 151PS of power, 193Nm of torque, and fuel economy of 16.0km/L calculated via JC08 Mode standards. It's mated with a Super CVT-i that helps sustain low RPM, even when during acceleration.

For the top-of-the-line Harrier Hybrid of let's call it H.H. because we're in a middle of "Message From H.H." right now, here's the official specs because the hybrid Harrier is powered by the same 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine from a Toyota Camry connected with two electric motors, because it has an E-Four hybrid 4WD system, and a traditional nickel metal battery. Combined power output is 197PS, which is two less than the Honda Accord Hybrid, and fuel economy is 21.8km/L. The CVT gearbox comes with a 6-speed sequential shift mode which is a bit of a meh rather than an ahh...

For a disclaimer about fuel economy; even though this was told by Toyota, your actual fuel consumption may vary so do please, think before you write to them.

2014 Toyota Harrier

The new Harrier is loaded with numerous safety features that you will notice such as Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, Clearance Sonar and Back Sonar, Drive Start Control, Automatic High Beam, Pre-Crash Safety System, and Radar Cruise Control. Some of the features were fine but the Lane Departure and the Automatic High Beam were just loser features. Sometimes, they just can't work in a cold light of day. HEY! DON'T SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL, MAKE NOISE, AND FLASH YOUR INSTRUMENTS! I'M DRIVING!!! Sorry about that but sometimes newer technology isn't always better.

Anyway, I hope the whole Harrier dilemma is finally answered...sort of. The quick summary is that the new Toyota Harrier (XU60) DOES NOT preview an upcoming Lexus RX, judging the fact that the Toyota Harrier and the Lexus RX have gone into separate ways, it replaces not only the old Lexus RX-based derivative but also the Vanguard, and it comes with a 2.0L petrol engine and a Camry-derived 2.5L hybrid powerplant. Questions on that?

Petrol or hybrid, it starts with the entry-level GRAND, mid-ranged ELEGANCE, and the top-of-the-line PREMIUM with the optional Advanced Package. Prices start from 2,909,000 Japanese Yen for the 2.0L GRAND up to 4,470,000 Japanese Yen for the Hybrid PREMIUM Advanced Package. The petrol model will be on sale in Japan on December 2 with a hybrid model scheduled for January 15 at Toyopet dealerships across Japan.

Yes, Toyota said it. The new Harrier is available ONLY in Japan.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Black, Sparking Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Blackish Red Mica, and Dark Brown Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

2014 Toyota Harrier sparks international media confusion

2014 Toyota Harrier

Back in the summer, Toyota Motor Corporation teased the world with its upcoming 2014 Harrier luxury crossover, which will be on sale at the end of 2013. However, although it's going to be a Japan-only model, the international motoring press often think that the 2014 Harrier hints at the next-generation Lexus RX or perhaps based on the Lexus RX. Oh great, there goes mass hysteria in the pressing issues right now. Reports said that the model's hybrid model will have the same powerplant as the Lexus RX450h. Is this true? Some say, the next generation Harrier hybrid may sport the 2.5L hybrid powerplant inherited from the Toyota Camry saloon. Others say that the 2014 Harrier is essentially based on the latest-generation RAV4, the crossover that the Japanese market hasn't got one until now.

Come on, the 2014 Harrier DOES NOT hint a future Lexus RX, it's now based on the new RAV4, and some say, it will have either a 2.0L petrol engine or a 2.5L hybrid engine.

The 2014 Harrier will be making its world premiere at November's 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and the truth will set out...

Story: Carview.yahoo.co.jp

BARRAGE OF SPECIALS!

2012 Toyota Harrier 240G L Package ALCANTARA Selection

2012 Toyota Premio 1.5F L Package Prime Green Selection

2012 Toyota Allion A18 G Package Limited Power-Seat Edition

2012 Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED

There's been a barrage of special edition models hit the Japanese streets and these were the 2012 Toyota Harrier 240G L Package ALCANTARA Selection, 2012 Toyota Premio Prime Green Selection, 2012 Toyota Allion Limited Power-Seat Edition, and the 2012 Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED.

First off, the special Toyota Harrier 240G ALCANTARA Selection offers Alacantara leather seats for the best comfort on the dated crossover that was been here since 2003 but remains in production even if there was a new Lexus RX in Japan. That's not all, the ALCANTARA Selection offers a three-spoke steering wheel wood grain, leather shift lever, power back door, 8-way multi-adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels which are chrome coated, and Adaptive Front Lighting System.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/866712/

Second, the Premio Prime Green Selection offers a special "green tint" on the Premio's headlights. Meanwhile, the Limited Power Seat edition on the Toyota Allion offers an 8-way multi-adjustable driver's seat with special fabric seat coverings.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/866689/

Finally, the Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED offers a Brilliant Black retractable hard top, 17-inch aluminum wheels painted in Gunmetal, black leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and choice of three colors; Spirited Green Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Mica, and Velocity Red Mica.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/866673/

Lion Man parked near Westfield South Center

First generation Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX 300

While we are looking to find some available parking spots at the Westfield South Center on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Seattle (since a lot of people visiting Westfield on Saturdays), I saw a parked Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX on the parking areas of Westfield.

I saw a lot of "lion men" roaming around Seattle...

Uh huh, no doubt that this first-generation Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX is truly the Harrier I will never forget because of the Japanese TV ads showing the "Lion Man" driving the first-gen Harrier, which is a pre-facelift model lasted from 1997 to 2000. The year 2000 marks the first-generation minor change with a new grille, new rear lamps, new interior. There was a Japanese TV commercial on that but instead of the "Lion Man", the commercial shows more on "Team Harrier", a group of elite people driving Harriers.

It's true that this car is "Wild but formal" indeed.

Japanese TV Commercial (1997):

PR Video:

Japanese TV Commercial (2000):