Toyota’s popular SUV, the Harrier, is scheduled to undergo a full model change in 2027. The current model is the fourth generation, released in June 2020, and if it undergoes a full model change in 2027, it will be the first update in about seven years.
The highlight of this full model change is undoubtedly the installation of the latest 1.5L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine. This engine is one of the new generation engines suitable for electrification, jointly announced by Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda in May 2024. Characterized by its compact size, high efficiency, and high output, it delivers power on a par with that of a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, while also significantly improving fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.
This new engine is expected to provide the Harrier with both improved fuel efficiency and powerful driving. It also complies with Europe’s strict Euro 7 emissions regulations, making it an engine that will play an important role from a global perspective.
Harrier full model change article summary
Announcement and release date:
- There is a high possibility of a full model change in 2027
The highlight is the newly developed 1.5L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine:
- Power equivalent to a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine
- Significant improvement in fuel efficiency and environmental performance
- Compliant with European exhaust gas regulations “Euro 7”
Interior and exterior changes:
- The exterior inherits the urban and sophisticated design, enhancing the sense of luxury.
- The interior combines high-quality materials with the latest technology
- Equipped with an AI-enabled infotainment system
- Adoption of the improved TNGA-K platform improves body rigidity and ride comfort
- The latest preventive safety package, “Toyota Safety Sense,” is standard equipment.
- Expectations are high for the inclusion of advanced driver assistance technologies
Three powertrains:
- gasoline turbo
- hybrid
- Plug-in hybrid
Expected specifications
- Engine: 1.5L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Maximum output: 180ps (gasoline turbo)
- Total system output: 230ps (hybrid), 315ps (plug-in hybrid)
- Drive system: FF/4WD
- Fuel economy: 15.5km/L (gasoline), 23.5km/L (hybrid), 21.5km/L (plug-in hybrid)
Estimated Price
- 3.5 million yen and up
Release date
- Around 2027
Toyota New Harrier Full Model Change Exterior
Harrier full model change prediction CG
The exterior is expected to evolve further from the current model’s urban and sophisticated design, with a more luxurious design. The body size is expected to be 4750mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1640mm high, making it 10mm longer, 5mm wider, and 20mm lower than the current model. A lower hood position may improve aerodynamic performance and give the car a sharper, sportier look.
Toyota New Harrier Fully Redesigned Interior
Toyota Harrier interior
The interior will also combine high-quality materials with the latest technology to improve comfort and convenience. Like the current model, the 12.3-inch full digital LCD meter and next-generation infotainment system will be equipped with the latest AI-enabled infotainment system, which could significantly improve convenience with features such as voice recognition operation and a wide range of connected services.
Toyota’s new Harrier full model change platform
The new Harrier will also use the improved TNGA-K platform, which will also be used in the new RAV4 , improving body rigidity and providing a more comfortable ride.
TNGA
Toyota’s new Harrier full model change will feature the latest inline-four engine, just announced
The new Harrier, scheduled to be released in 2027, will be equipped with a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine that brings together Toyota’s latest technology. This is expected to achieve both better fuel economy and stronger acceleration than the previous model.
On May 28, 2024, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), Subaru Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) jointly declared that they would develop new engines compatible with electrification in order to achieve carbon neutrality through multiple pathways.
The engines announced at this time were small, highly efficient, and powerful in-line 4-cylinder engines with displacements of 1.5L and 2.0L, designed for electrification. The 1.5L engine comes in two types: a naturally aspirated model and a turbocharged model.
Surprisingly, the 1.5L turbo engine is explained to cover the range of a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, meaning that all 2.5L engines currently in widespread use could be replaced with a 1.5L turbo engine.
The new engine will be able to meet the strict emissions regulations that are scheduled to be introduced in Europe and the US, which would require a 30% reduction in power output for existing engines, without reducing power output, and will also be able to reduce volume by 20% and overall height by 15%.
Toyota’s 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine under development
Reference: Toyota
In other words, by using a motor as the main component, it is possible to downsize the engine and further improve combustion efficiency, which will lead to even lower fuel consumption. For users, this is an advantage not only in terms of fuel efficiency, but also in terms of lower maintenance costs in terms of taxes.
What is the European exhaust gas regulation Euro 7?
Euro 7 is a new automobile emission standard proposed by the European Commission. This standard aims to reduce air pollution and environmental impact in Europe, and sets even stricter standards than the previous Euro 6.
In November 2022, the European Commission proposed that Euro 7 would be applied to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from July 1, 2025, and to heavy vehicles from July 1, 2027. However, the implementation date was postponed from the 2025 date proposed by the European Commission, and passenger cars and vans will now be introduced from January 2028. Furthermore, it was suggested that NOx restrictions for trucks should be relaxed further than proposed.
Toyota’s new Harrier undergoes a full model change. Safety features include the next-generation Toyota Safety Sense.
The latest safety technology will also be installed, and the latest version of the preventive safety package “Toyota Safety Sense” will be introduced . This will further strengthen functions such as collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, and Toyota teammates “Advanced Park” and “Advanced Drive” will be installed to support safe driving. Furthermore, “Panoramic View Monitor” will be adopted in higher grades to support the safety of the driver and passengers.
The next-generation Toyota Safety Sense will be standard on all vehicles. This system includes Pre-Collision Safety, which can detect cyclists during the day and pedestrians at night, and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), which assists with steering to keep the vehicle in its lane when radar cruise control is activated.
The latest “Pre-crash Safety with Collision Avoidance Assist” offers further enhancements, including intersection detection, low-speed acceleration suppression, and emergency steering assistance. This system, equipped with pedestrian detection, uses millimeter-wave radar and a camera to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and provides collision avoidance and damage mitigation through alerts, brake assist, and automatic braking. Automatic braking activates for pedestrians at speeds between 10 and 80 km/h, slowing the vehicle appropriately depending on the speed difference. It also activates for vehicles at a wide speed range, from 10 km/h to maximum speed, and can decelerate at high speeds even when facing stopped vehicles. Additional features include low-speed acceleration suppression, detection of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when turning right at an intersection, and emergency steering assistance.
- A low-speed acceleration suppression function that detects pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles directly in front of the vehicle at low speeds and suppresses acceleration.
- It can also detect oncoming vehicles going straight when turning right at an intersection, as well as pedestrians crossing from the opposite direction when turning right or left.
- Emergency steering avoidance support function that assists steering when the driver makes an evasive maneuver in an emergency.
The Road Sign Assist (RSA) has expanded its detection targets, and now also reads major roadside traffic signs such as “speed limit,” “stop sign,” “no entry,” and “no crossing” and displays them on the instrument panel.
The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) camera recognizes the white and yellow lines in the driving lane, and if it detects the possibility of lane departure, it alerts the driver with a buzzer and a visual display, helping to avoid collisions caused by lane departure.
Leading vehicle departure notification function If you are stopped behind a vehicle in front of you at a traffic light or in a traffic jam and do not notice the vehicle in front of you starting to move, a buzzer will sound and a message will appear on the display to notify you.
The Automatic High Beam (AHB) camera detects the headlights of oncoming vehicles or the taillights of vehicles ahead and automatically switches between high and low beams, reducing glare for drivers of other vehicles and helping to ensure forward visibility at night.
Radar Cruise Control : This vehicle employs radar cruise control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the distance between vehicles and the vehicle ahead, and adjusts its speed to match the speed of the vehicle ahead within a set speed range, allowing it to maintain a certain distance while following. Millimeter-wave radar and a camera detect lane changes by the vehicle ahead, allowing for smoother acceleration and deceleration control. Toyota aims for the ultimate goal of a mobility society: zero traffic fatalities and injuries. Toyota is researching and developing various safety equipment and systems based on its “Integrated Safety Concept,” striving to “develop safer vehicles and technologies,” and strengthening a wide range of traffic safety initiatives through “participation in traffic environment improvement” and “traffic safety awareness activities for people.”
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), featured in the new Lexus LS series, is being adopted for the first time in the next-generation Toyota Safety Sense P. When driving on a highway or expressway and radar cruise control is activated, turning on the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) switch provides steering assistance necessary to keep the vehicle in its lane.
Advanced Safety
Intelligent Clearance Sonar (Parking Support Brake Stationary) is a system that helps mitigate collisions caused by accidentally pressing the accelerator or pressing it too hard, thereby reducing damage. The “Clearance Sonar” displays and sounds a buzzer when approaching stationary objects while parking, and now has an added function to mitigate contact with stationary objects. The sonar can also accurately detect glass at convenience stores and other locations. When driving at low speeds (below 15km/h), if a stationary object is detected in the direction of travel, the hybrid system output is reduced, and if the distance becomes even shorter, the brakes are automatically applied.
Emergency brake signal (hazard lights flashing type) When you apply the brakes suddenly, the hazard lights will automatically flash.
If the driver continues to make no changes while the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) system is in operation, it will prompt the driver to take action with sound, visual and gradual deceleration warnings, and will alert people outside the vehicle with hazard lights and a horn while slowing down and stopping the vehicle within its own lane, helping to avoid accidents involving damage to the vehicle or other parties involved and reducing the damage caused by the accident.
Digital inner mirror: Images from a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle are displayed on the rearview mirror.
Advanced Park remote function provides on-screen and voice/buzzer guidance, and assists with backing into a target parking position confirmed on the screen and exiting from parallel parking by operating the steering wheel, shift position, accelerator and brake.In addition, a dedicated smartphone app is available, allowing you to park remotely from outside the car.
Panoramic View Monitor (360° monitor) You can check hard-to-reach areas, such as diagonally behind or directly to the side of the car, so you can spot obstacles early.
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) uses radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. If a vehicle enters your blind spot, an LED indicator mounted on the door mirror will light up.
Safe Exit Assist (SEA) When exiting the vehicle, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) sensor is used to detect approaching vehicles, including bicycles, from behind. If the system determines that there is a risk of a collision with the open door or with an occupant exiting the vehicle, an indicator in the door mirror will light up to warn the driver.
Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake: Detects blind spots when reversing and alerts the driver. If there is a risk of collision, the system automatically applies the brakes to help mitigate damage from a collision with an approaching vehicle.
Remote Start (App) You can start the engine and air conditioning from the MyTOYOTA app.
Expected specs for the new Toyota Harrier full model change
The new Harrier is expected to be available with the following three powertrains, all based on a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine:
- Gasoline turbo : Maximum output 180ps, maximum torque 23.0kgm
- Hybrid : Total system output 230ps
- Plug-in hybrid : total system output 315ps, EV range 110km
The drivetrain is expected to be available in FF and 4WD.
Fuel economy is expected to be better than the current model, with the gasoline model likely to achieve 15.5km/L, the hybrid model 23.5km/L, and the plug-in hybrid model 21.5km/L (in hybrid mode).
Toyota’s new Harrier full model change price and grade forecast
For the current 2024 model, the entry-level gasoline model costs approximately 3.12 million yen, the top-grade hybrid (Z Leather Package) costs approximately 5.14 million yen, and the PHEV model costs 6.2 million yen. The 2025 Harrier annual improvement is expected to include upgraded equipment and enhanced safety features. With the full model change, the equipment is expected to become even more luxurious, so it is likely that the starting price will be around 3.5 million yen.
Why a full model change in 2027?
There are several possible reasons for the timing of a full model change.
First of all, the Harrier is developed based on the RAV4, and will be released after the RAV4 undergoes a full model change. The RAV4 is expected to undergo a full model change between 2025 and 2026, and it is highly likely that the Harrier will undergo a full model change about one and a half to two years later.
Additionally, the current Harrier has not undergone a minor change as of 2024. While popular Toyota vehicles typically undergo minor changes to extend their sales period, the Harrier maintains high popularity even as the current model. Therefore, a possible strategy would be to make a minor change in 2025, continue sales for about two years, and then perform a full model change.
Taking all these factors into consideration, a full model change is likely to occur around 2027. However, depending on Toyota’s sales strategy, it cannot be ruled out that the timing of the full model change may be brought forward.
Furthermore, as of 2024, the current fourth-generation Harrier has undergone some improvements, but has not undergone a single minor change. There have been almost no popular Toyota models in the past that have not undergone a minor change, and it is highly likely that a minor change and refresh in 2025 will allow it to continue as is for around two years. In addition, the current model remains extremely popular in the Japanese market, and even minor changes will be enough to ensure continued sales.
In other words, it is highly likely that the car will be released around 2027. If Toyota does not choose to make a minor change in 2025, it may be possible that a full model change will be brought forward.
History of the Harrier
The Toyota Harrier was developed as a “crossover SUV that combines the ride quality and comfort of a luxury saloon,” and is a pioneering model that pioneered a new genre called “luxury crossover SUV.” The first model was released in 1997.
Released in December 1997 – Discontinued in January 2003
Released in December 1997. Popular for its sophisticated design and high-quality interior.
It is based on the platform of the Camry (6th generation Camry XV20 series)
Production ended in January 2003.
February 17, 2003: Full model change – October 24, 2013: End of sales
It was released on February 17, 2003 after a full model change, further improving on the appeal of the first generation.
A hybrid model was added in 2005 and became a huge hit.
The third generation, which underwent a full model change in 2009, was transferred to Lexus dealerships in the Japanese market (RX series). However, the Harrier, which had a strong following, continued to be sold domestically. As a result, it was produced for nine years until 2012.
A partial improvement was made on January 10, 2006. Production ended in September 2013. Sales ended on October 24, 2013. Sales ended on October 24, 2013.
Full model change on November 13, 2013 – End of sales on June 16, 2020
A full model change was announced on November 13, 2013. The third-generation Harrier was released as a Japan-only model. Outside of Japan, it is actually called the new RAV4. The gasoline-powered version was released on December 2, 2013.
The hybrid model was released on January 15, 2014. The “G’s” model was released on January 30, 2015. After two and a half years, it was partially improved on June 2, 2015 .
On June 8, 2017, a major minor change was made after three and a half years. The previous grade GRAND was discontinued. A new premium model, PROGRESS, was introduced. A newly developed downsized turbo, the 2.0L turbo engine 8AR-FTS, was adopted. Furthermore, Toyota Safety Sense P was installed as standard on all vehicles, and prices were revised. The exterior was equipped with triple LED headlights and LED sequential turn signals (flowing turn signals). The front and rear bumper designs were changed. The taillight design was changed. New body colors were added. The interior featured LED interior lights and an electric parking brake. Welcome lamps were installed under the side mirrors. The size of the Toyota original navigation system was changed from 8 inches to 9.2 inches.
“GR” added on September 19, 2017. Sales ended on June 16, 2020.
Third generation Toyota Harrier
Full model change released on June 17, 2020 – Present
The full model change was officially announced on June 17, 2020, and the car went on sale on the same day.
By adopting a newly developed platform called the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) “TNGA-K platform,” it is possible to obtain a larger interior space than the previous model. By adopting the newly developed platform, it achieves high aerodynamic performance and has a “lower center of gravity” and “body rigidity increased by 1.78 times,” marking a significant evolution from the previous model. The suspension uses a ” MacPherson strut type ” in the front and a ” double wishbone type ” in the rear. “Next-generation Toyota Safety Sense” is installed as standard on all vehicles .
The gasoline engine is equipped with a ” 2.0L inline 4-cylinder direct injection Dynamic Force Engine” + “Direct Shift-CVT” that achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of over 40%, the same as the new “RAV4.” The hybrid model uses the same inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection D-4S “Dynamic Force Engine” engine as the new ” Camry ,” and a compact and lightweight hybrid system “High-Performance Multi-Stage THS II,” achieving improved fuel economy. As an option, and on the high-end “Z” grade and above, it is equipped with a “12.3-inch wide touchscreen T-Connect SD navigation system.”
A partial improvement (annual improvement) was announced on September 26, 2022, and the gasoline and hybrid models were released on October 4, 2022.
In addition to the aforementioned improvements to the pre-crash safety system, the partial improvements include a connected navigation compatible display audio as standard equipment, with some grades adopting a large 12.3-inch screen.
4th generation Toyota Harrier
A minor change will be made in March 2025, and it will be reborn as a later model.
The exterior design has been completely revamped. The exterior design, front bumper, and front grille have been given sharper shapes, and the headlights have been given a redesigned LED daytime running light, giving them a bolder impression and completely renewing the overall image.
to be decided
2027 seems like a good possibility.
A word from the editorial department
The arrival of the new Harrier will bring a breath of fresh air to the SUV market. Combining environmental friendliness and driving performance at a high level, the new Harrier is sure to capture the hearts of many users. Packed with Toyota’s latest technology, the new Harrier is sure to impress. We can’t wait for its release in 2027.
We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
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