Toyota Harrier: Luxury Ride Without the Roughness

In December 1997, the automobile maker Toyota introduced the first-generation Toyota Harrier into the Japanese market, where it was sold exclusively through the Toyopet Store dealership network. The Harrier entered the market as a premium crossover SUV, offering a blend of refinement, comfort, and high-end features that quickly distinguished it from conventional SUVs. The base models of the first generation are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2163cc 5S-FE inline-four engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Over the years, the Harrier has evolved through three generations: the first from 1997 to 2003, the second from 2003 to 2013, and the third generation spanning from 2013 to the present.
From March 1998 to July 2013, the Harrier was rebadged as the Lexus RX for export markets. This relationship with Lexus explains much of the Harrier’s premium feel and upscale approach. The Harrier takes its name from the eastern marsh harrier—chūki in Japanese—a bird of prey native to Hokkaidō and northern Honshū. A stylized emblem of the bird can be found on the front grille, becoming one of the model’s most recognizable visual trademarks.
The Toyota Harrier is available with optional all-wheel drive, giving it excellent performance in poor weather and on slippery surfaces. Combined with its premium finish, high-quality materials, and wide selection of convenience features, the Harrier stands out as a refined yet practical SUV. As expected of a Toyota, it is extremely reliable, easy to maintain, and cost-efficient to own. For many, these qualities position the Harrier as the ultimate high-end SUV in its class.
Unlike many other vehicles that require entirely new engineering platforms, the Toyota Harrier initially made use of proven technologies. Early models shared engine and transmission options with Toyota’s well-established vehicles such as the Camry, Alphard, Kluger, Ipsum, and RAV4. By relying on these tried-and-tested components, Toyota engineers were able to focus on perfecting other aspects of the Harrier’s luxurious design.
One of the defining characteristics that sets the Toyota Harrier apart from other luxury crossover SUVs is its exceptional attention to NVH—Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. Many drivers conclude that NVH may as well stand for “No Vibration or Harshness,” because Toyota’s engineers did an outstanding job in minimizing road noise, engine vibration, and harsh impacts. The Harrier employs more insulation, sound-deadening materials, and vibration dampers than typical SUVs—or even most crossover SUVs—resulting in one of the quietest rides on the road. When compared with similarly sized competitors, the Harrier consistently stands out for its serene cabin and smooth driving experience.
A distinctive feature of the Harrier is the raptor-style badge on the front grille, replacing Toyota’s conventional oval emblem. In the facelift versions, the stylized bird of prey appears flanked by what look like flying birds beneath the clear grille cover, enhancing the vehicle’s premium and unique appearance. Additional exterior upgrades in official Harrier models include redesigned bi-LED headlamps with an Adaptive High Beam System, sequential turn signals, vertical daytime running light strips, cornering lamps, LED fog lamps, and a hexagonal lower grille. At the rear, LED tail lamp clusters are connected by a striking red trim strip across the tailgate.

Toyota Harrier Interior
The interior of the Harrier is designed to be both luxurious and functional. The higher-end Luxury variants receive brushed aluminum trim, premium leather upholstery, and bold red stitching for added sophistication. Ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and an automatically retracting steering wheel enhance comfort and convenience. As expected of a luxury vehicle, power-adjustable seats, leather interiors, power windows, central locking, and a sunroof are available. Safety and convenience features are abundant as well, including multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, vehicle skid control, a multi-information display, GPS navigation, rear-seat entertainment, and a rearview camera.
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What’s Underneath?
The Toyota Harrier comes with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines paired with five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on model year. The Harrier Hybrid is powered by a 2493cc inline-four gasoline engine that works with Toyota’s Kumiawara electric drive system, achieving an impressive fuel efficiency rating of 21.8 km/l. All third-generation hybrid models carry the Japan model code DAA-AVU65W and come in trim packages such as Grand, Elegance, Premium, and Premium Advanced. While all-wheel-drive models may sacrifice a bit of fuel economy, they deliver superior stability and safety on rough or slippery road surfaces.
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