Toyota Harrier 2021 Review: Luxury SUV Features, Specifications, and Performance Analysis

The 2021 Toyota Harrier is a luxury midsize crossover SUV that blends robustness, simplicity, and elegance with advanced technology. Known for its sleek, coupe-like silhouette and sophisticated design, the SUV offers a refined driving experience. This Harrier is powered by either a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force petrol engine or a 2.5-liter hybrid system, both paired with a Direct Shift-CVT/eCVT transmission for smooth performance.

Its premium interior features upscale materials and a minimalist design, providing comfort and tranquility on the road.
Additionally, the 2021 Harrier comes with Toyota Safety Sense as standard, ensuring top-tier safety with advanced driver-assistance systems.

What’s New?

The 2021 Toyota Harrier introduces several key updates compared to the outgoing model. Its width and wheelbase grew by 20 mm and 30 mm respectively, while its height was reduced by 30 mm. Safety-wise, Toyota Safety Sense became standard, with two optional powerplants a 2.0-liter petrol engine or a 2.5-liter hybrid system, with a third plug-in hybrid introduced later.

Other new features include a front view with sharp and fearless styling, a Digital Inner Mirror that functions as a dash cam for recording front and rear events, and the availability of seven muted colors.

Interior & Exterior

The 2021 Toyota Harrier impresses with its elegant design, inside and out.

On the Interior

The interior of the 2021 Toyota Harrier offers a luxurious and comfortable experience. It features synthetic leather upholstery with bentwood-inspired wood accents for a refined feel.

The cabin is spacious and designed for a premium atmosphere, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and electro-chromatic windows, the first of its kind for a Toyota vehicle. Its unique diamond-shaped center console inspired by a horse’s saddle, adds to the elegant design.

Other features include a standard 12.3-inch TFT wide touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SmartDeviceLink integration, and a JBL premium sound system with nine speakers.

On the Exterior

The 2021 Toyota Harrier’s exterior design showcases a sleek, coupe-like silhouette with a sharp, fearless, and modern styling. Its bold front grille and signature LED headlamps, give it a unique, futuristic, and refined look. The sleek lines from the grille to the rear add elegance and aerodynamic feel. The roofline is smooth, complementing its overall sophisticated profile.

The thin wraparound LED tail lights and a subtle spoiler, enhance its sporty appeal while providing a sense of presence. The availability of seven muted colors and the exterior styling provide a balance of luxury and athleticism, with the colors showing off the beautifully changing shades making the Harrier stand out among other SUVs.

FAQ: how much is toyota harrier in kenya
The price of a 2021 Toyota Harrier in Kenya varies depending on the condition (new or used), model year, and features. New Toyota Harrier models typically range from KSh 4,800,000 to KSh 7,200,000 for different trims and configurations. For a used or reconditioned 2021 Toyota Harrier, prices might vary depending on mileage and location, ranging around KSh 4,800,000 for a used unit.

*Note: Only some cars can be imported to Kenya. There are specific rules and regulations that must be followed:

1. Age Limit: The vehicle must not be more than 8 years old from the year of manufacture or first registration.
2. Right-Hand Drive: All imported cars must be right-hand drive unless exempted (e.g., ambulances, fire engines).
3. Roadworthiness Inspection: Vehicles must pass a roadworthiness inspection before shipping.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2021 Toyota Harrier boasts an advanced infotainment system for enhanced driving pleasure. It features a 12.3-inch TFT wide touchscreen display that supports smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SmartDeviceLink enabling seamless smartphone integration for navigation and media access.

This system is embedded with the T-Connect SD navigation system with advanced functionalities, such as real-time traffic updates and multimedia options, livening up the whole driving experience.

The Harrier also provides a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot feature, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet and keeping its occupants connected while traveling.
Additionally, a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system creates an advanced and lively acoustic space.

Price Range

Here is the price range for the Toyota Harrier 2021 across different countries:

India: Approximately ₹55,00,000 – ₹65,00,000.
United States: Around US$36,000 – US$42,000.
United Kingdom: Between £30,000 – £40,000.
Malaysia: Approximately RM 240,000 – RM 260,000.
Uganda: Prices range from UGX 50,000,000 – UGX 60,000,000 for the hybrid model.
Germany: Approximately €38,000 – €50,000.
These prices can vary based on car condition, mileage, and location.

“BE FORWARD FOB Price of 2021 Toyota Harrier starts around $14,600 as of November 2024”
“Also starts around $2,190 for the 2005 Harrier as of November 2024”

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The 2021 Toyota Harrier is powered by one of two engine options: a 2.0-liter M20-FKS naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 2.5-liter A25A-FXS hybrid powertrain. The petrol variant delivers an average fuel consumption rating of approximately 15.7 km/L for the FWD models and 14.7 km/L for the 4WD models, the hybrid model excels with an impressive average of around 21.6 km/L for the E-Four 4WD variant and 22.3 km/L for the 2WD variant.

The hybrid engine utilizes Toyota’s Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) advanced hybrid technology, which boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, making it an eco-friendly choice. The 2.5-liter hybrid engine produces 218 hp, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

FAQ: how many ccs is a Toyota Harrier?
The 2021 Toyota Harrier is available in one of two powerplants. The 1986 cc petrol engine or the 2487 cc hybrid system.

Engine Specifications

The 2021 Toyota Harrier has two engine configurations: a 2.0-liter petrol engine and a 2.5-liter hybrid engine.

• Petrol Engine:
  Displacement: 1986 cc
  Power Output: 170 hp
  Torque: 203 Nm
  Fuel Consumption: Approximately 15.7 km/L.
• Hybrid Engine: 
  Displacement: 2487 cc
  Power Output: 215 hp
  Torque: 221 Nm
  Fuel Consumption: 22.3 km/L

Fuel Consumption: Officially rated at about 22.3 km/l in WLTC mode, with real-world figures around 16.7 km/l.

The hybrid variant is particularly noted for its efficiency, leveraging Toyota’s advanced hybrid technology to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions while delivering a responsive driving experience.

Popular Facts

Here are some popular facts about the Toyota Harrier SUV, along with a specific highlight regarding the 2021 model:

• Heritage and Evolution: The Toyota Harrier was first introduced in 1997 and has undergone several generations, evolving from a compact SUV to a mid-size crossover SUV. It is known for its sleek design and luxurious features, appealing to a wide clientele.
• Hybrid Technology: The 2021 Toyota Harrier is notable for its advanced hybrid technology, featuring the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine combined with an electric motor. This system enhances fuel efficiency while providing strong performance. In 2022 a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model joined the lineup.

The 2021 Harrier boasts a sophisticated and elegant design emphasizing style and functionality.

It’s Competitors

Mazda CX-5 ≫	Lexus UX ≫	Volvo XC40 ≫
Infiniti QX50 ≫	Audi Q3 ≫

1. Mazda CX-5 Comparison:
   The CX-5 offers a more engaging driving experience and a stylish interior. However, the Harrier excels in fuel efficiency and offers more advanced safety features, making it a better choice for those prioritizing economy and safety.
2. Lexus UX Comparison:
   While the UX is a luxury SUV with premium finishes, the Harrier provides similar powertrains at a more affordable price, making it a better value proposition for buyers seeking luxury without the high cost.
3. Volvo XC40 Comparison:
   The XC40 is known for its safety and tech features. The Harrier competes well but typically offers a more spacious interior and better fuel efficiency, which could sway family-oriented buyers.
4. Infiniti QX50 Comparison:
   The QX50 features a luxurious cabin and strong performance. However, the Harrier’s lower price and reputation for reliability might appeal more to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing quality.
5. Audi Q3 Comparison:
   The Q3 offers a premium feel and high-end features. The Harrier, while not as luxurious, compensates with a more affordable price tag and comparable safety technologies, making it a sensible choice for practical buyers.

Overall, the Toyota Harrier often excels in fuel efficiency, safety, and value, making it a competitive option against its peers, especially for those looking for reliability and practicality.

Safety Features

The 2021 Toyota Harrier features advanced safety systems designed to protect its occupants and other road users. It includes Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which offers a Pre-Collision System (PCS) to detect pedestrians and cyclists, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control for maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

Additionally, the Harrier features a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, boosting occupant safety in case of an accident. Its solidly built body structure plus Active Cornering Assist contributes to its stability during turns and adverse conditions. Integrating a rearview camera and parking sensors simplifies maneuvering making it safe. These features make the 2021 Harrier a reliable choice for families and safety-conscious drivers.

Final Verdict

For buyers who seek a stylish and well-rounded midsize SUV, the 2021 Toyota Harrier will make a great choice.
Its sleek design, premium and spacious interior, advanced safety features, and reliability give it an edge in its segment. The availability of a hybrid powertrain adds efficiency alongside sufficient performance, catering to eco-conscious drivers. The plush interior materials and advanced features enhance the overall driving experience, making it suitable for city commuting and long journeys.
However, its high MSRP compared to some competitors may deter budget-conscious consumers. Overall, the Harrier is best suited for customers who value safety, comfort, and modernity in a reliable SUV.

Best Suited For

• Families: Spacious interior with ample cargo space and safety features for children.
• Eco-conscious owners: The hybrid option offers fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
• Urban dwellers: Compact size simplifies navigating city streets and parking.
• Tech-savvy users: Advanced infotainment system and driver-assistance technologies.
• Style-focused buyers: Sleek design and premium materials appeal to those prioritizing aesthetics

Writer’s Perspective

The Toyota Harrier is a mid-size SUV that has always set standards in its segment and keeps improving with each release. This 2021 model did just that, it has bettered the previous model in many ways technology-wise there are several improvements, safety-wise new safety features have been added, and styling is way better. Under the hood, initially, there were only two options a 2.0L petrol and a 2.5L hybrid system, but later a third plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option was added. With all these improvements you are indeed guaranteed plenty of peace and pleasure while on the road, and still, this SUV is very reliable. If you are contemplating investing in one, and wondering if it’s a worthy decision, I guarantee you it is, just go ahead and buy one.