Fourth-generation Toyota Harrier

Launched in December 1997, the Toyota Harrier spearheaded the luxury crossover craze by storm and is 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 remained in the Toyota lineup until 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 it was a crossover with global potential, the fourth-generation Harrier managed to make 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 into 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, and premium leather seats, all the way to its JBL Premium Audio System, the new Harrier really means dramatic business for anyone who can't wait to relax 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 lithium-ion battery mounted behind the rear seats. In its E-Four guise, this will produce a system power output of 222PS of power, which is 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 a rear-mounted electric motor really spells a 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 of 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 include a 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, 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