2021 Toyota Harrier

Toyota Harrier 2021 Review

While there are numerous high-performance cars and rally homologation specials that dot Toyota’s long and storied history and arguably define it, it is the Toyota Harrier that helped Toyota to break into markets and change market perception radically – providing a luxury SUV that became hugely popular, especially in our Malaysian market.

It’s amazing to think that the particular model line has been around since the late 1990s, with the fourth-generation model being launched just last year. Over time the positioning of the Harrier has been adjusted and it eventually diverged from the Lexus RX SUV, not continuing to expand and grow in size. Instead, it became the sister car to the Lexus NX mid-sized crossover SUV.

This current generation Toyota Harrier is only available officially in one variant for Malaysia, which is in contrast to the two variants offered with the previous generation model. Also in larger contrast is that there is a singular naturally-aspirated petrol powertrain on offer, as opposed to the turbocharged motor from the generation before.

In other markets, there is a hybrid variant of the Toyota Harrier that packs a larger 2.5-litre engine and a hybrid motor, although this isn’t offered here because pricing would make it highly uncompetitive. Hybrid variants are some of the most expensive offerings in other countries, and without any incentives in place it can be difficult to make them competitive in our market.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Specifications

The sole engine powering the sole variant of the Toyota Harrier in the Malaysian market is known as the M20A-FKS. Toyota’s engine designations have come a long way, but in essence this a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes a healthy 173 PS and 203 Nm of torque.

It also happens to be a Dynamic Force Engine, which is something that we had hoped to get with the Toyota Camry but was unfortunately not made available due to Malaysia being a lower priority. In contrast to the previous generation model, this current generation Toyota Harrier comes with a CVT-type automatic transmission that sends power solely to the front wheels.

Dimensions of the Toyota Harrier have not changed radically since the previous generation Harrier. The wheelbase has grown 30 mm to 2,690 mm, while the length is maintained at a nominal 4,740 mm. The width is a little wider at 1,855 mm, but surprisingly the height has shrunk at 1,660 mm. This is most likely due to the sportier, sleeker nature of this new Harrier.

Other elements of the Toyota Harrier have not changed drastically, although it is worth noting that the platform on which it is based is the TNGA GA-K that underpins the Toyota Camry and RAV4, as well as the next generation Lexus NX. It’s a fantastic platform that provides amazing ride comfort and handling capabilities.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Exterior

The styling of the Toyota Harrier hasn’t changed as dramatically between the previous generation and the current, although that’s a good thing because the previous generation Harrier still looks good even to this day. The more obvious changes are in the headlights and tail-lights that look sharper and sleeker, blending more effortlessly with the bodywork.

There is also less emphasis on the front grille element that’s immediately below the bonnet, and a larger front apron to accommodate better airflow. At each corner is an 18-inch alloy wheel, wrapped in 225/60 R18 tyres. Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED turn signals flank the front grille, in tandem with LED daytime running lights, LED front and rear fog lamps, and LED rear lamps.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Interior

Black is still very much in style for interiors, and the Toyota Harrier capitalizes on this with darker, muted tones. The seat material is a combination leather in black, with power adjustable seats for both front occupants – 12-way adjustment for the driver, and 4-way adjustment for the passenger. There is also front seat ventilation – a nice touch on a hot day, which is most days in Malaysia.

Sitting in the middle of the dashboard is an 8-inch capacitive touch screen that functions as the infotainment for the vehicle, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity when it is made officially available in the future. Bluetooth functionality goes without saying.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Safety Features

Being the most expensive Toyota model on sale, the Toyota Harrier is bound to come with the most extensive list of safety features. Active safety is available in the form of the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including the Pre-Crash System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

There’s also the Adaptive High-beam System that rounds out the suite. Vehicle Stability Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Signal are also present, as is Traction Control and Hill-start Assist Control. Seven airbags protect occupants around the cabin, while a Blind Spot Monitor helps you to make sure there isn’t a car lurking out of your periphery, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System alerts you if your tyres are beginning to misbehave.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Strengths and Weaknesses

There are plenty of things to love about the Toyota Harrier: it’s the most sophisticated Toyota model available, with class and elements derived from Lexus, and a fit and finish that really forces other Japanese manufacturers to keep up. Both the design and refinement are able to match the ride and handling, resulting in a holistic mid-sized crossover SUV.

Unfortunately, pricing for Toyota has never been on their side. The Harrier also happens to be the most expensive Toyota model available, and depending on your particular priorities you may find that the RAV4 is a better fit for your needs. It also is a little disappointing that we no longer get the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine as that made the Harrier a surprisingly fun car on the highway, although it isn’t an option anywhere in the world either.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Price

Being available in one variant, the Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury goes for RM 249,706.50. This is a little cheaper than the previous generation model which was RM 238,000 for the Toyota Harrier 2.0T Premium, and RM 259,900 for the Toyota Harrier 2.0T Luxury. That being said, the new model obviously doesn’t have the more complex turbocharged engine powering it.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Features

Features are aplenty with the Toyota Harrier. Items like keyless entry and start are expected, but a 7-inch colour TFT display for the instrument cluster is a nice touch. Nanoe X air purification is also provided as standard, as is dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation. The rear view mirror is both conventional and digital, allowing you a better view of what’s behind you. All the interior lights, from the dome to the map lights, glove box and courtesy lights in the door, are all LED elements too.

Toyota Harrier 2021 Fuel Consumption

While Toyota doesn’t officially quote a fuel consumption figure in Malaysia, the rated combined fuel consumption for the variant that we get here stands at roughly 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres. This translates to 15.3 kilometres per litre, depending on the conditions in which you drive. The CVT-type automatic gearbox helps a lot in this regard, keeping engine speeds low when cruising.