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April 14, 2020
Toyota's urban SUV, the Harrier, undergoes a full model change | TOYOTA
Toyota Harrier | TOYOTA HARRIER
Toyota's Urban SUV, the Harrier, Undergoes a Full Model Change
On April 13, TOYOTA announced that the new Harrier, a completely redesigned SUV now in its fourth generation, will be released around June of this year. First introduced in 1997, the original model carved out a new genre as an "urban SUV" that defied conventional categorization. The second and third generations continued this pioneering spirit. The new model emphasizes "emotional quality" that resonates from the moment you see it, step inside, or start driving, aiming to present a new value proposition as a "partner that enriches your life."
Text by Akira Hara
Graceful Proportions and a Refined Interior Space
The new Harrier adopts the TNGA "GA-K" platform. Its body, measuring 4,740mm in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,660mm in height, boasts a sleek and well-proportioned stance.
The exterior is characterized by a sharp, commanding front end with signature lamps that make the new Harrier recognizable even from afar, a dynamic side profile where the body's cross-section changes, and a rear view that exudes strength with its narrowed coupe cabin and flared wheel arches. A distinctive horizontal tail and stop lamp completes the look. The color palette includes seven subdued shades, such as Precious Black Pearl.
The interior features a wide, commanding center console inspired by a horse's saddle. Throughout the cabin, materials such as leather-like textures with natural silhouettes formed by bending thick leather, wood-grain accents inspired by "bent wood" (magaki), and piping details are used.
The panoramic roof with an electric sunshade, featuring electrochromic glass – a first for TOYOTA – is said to create a refined atmosphere with soft light filtering through, reminiscent of light passing through shoji screens. The color options are a sophisticated trio of brown, gray, and black, with subdued contrast.


Two Powertrain Options: Gasoline and Hybrid (THS-II)
The powertrain options include a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 Dynamic Force gasoline engine (M20A-FKS) and a hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter inline-4 Dynamic Force engine with the THS-II system featuring a reduction gear (A25A-FXS).
The gasoline model uses a Direct Shift-CVT with a launch gear. The hybrid model is available in both 2WD (FF) and 4WD configurations with a rear motor.
In terms of safety, the vehicle is equipped with the "Toyota Safety Sense" pre-collision safety package, which now includes detection of pedestrians and cyclists (during the daytime). It also features "Parking Support Brake (Stationary Object)" to help mitigate collisions and reduce damage in parking lots, and a digital rearview mirror (a first for TOYOTA) capable of recording front and rear camera footage while driving.
Both the gasoline and hybrid versions are available in three grades: S, G, and Z. A leather package can be selected for the G and Z grades.
Inquiries
TOYOTA Customer Contact Center
Tel. 0800-700-7700 (9:00-18:00)
https://toyota.jp