Toyota Harrier

Having owned the Harrier Turbo for seven months, I feel that it is the right time to give a review of the car from a user's point of view. It is a very competent car - powerful, spacious, easy to handle and with a decently premium feel to it.

I was drawn to the car because of its 8AR-FTS engine, which it shares with the Lexus NX. It is a twin-scroll turbo, reputed to provide a smooth swell of pulling power without turbo lag. Having driven a turbo-charged SUV before the Harrier, I totally agree that turbo lag is the most irritating feeling to have when a car is picking up. This is totally absent in the Harrier - or at least you don't feel it at all. Under normal driving conditions, the normal driving mode is more than adequate to pull the 1.7 tonne SUV along. When push comes to shove, the Sports mode does a fantastic job in overtaking or merging into the expressway lanes.

The Harrier is big and comfortable. Japanese built quality all-around without the heavy teutonic feel of German marques. Piloting it is quite hassle free. The only complaint is that being a fairly tall SUV, it suffers from a little body roll when cornering. The steering is well-weighted and responsive. Driving controls are well-placed at where they should be. The cabin is well insulated from the hum of normal traffic.

Perhaps I am rather heavy with my right foot, or because I drive in almost 100% City conditions, average consumption is about 10 km/litre. Not too impressive when compared to its claimed consumption figures.

Maintenance and reliability wise - it's a Toyota, so I would expect it to last. What remains to be seen is its running cost when the 50k free servicing and 5 year warranty are up.

I bought this car in Jan 2019, after previously having driven a 2012 Touareg. Took a test drive with the missus, and has never looked back. Price point was impossible to beat in its class, given the 2.0 turbo engine that is basically a slightly detuned Lexus turbo engine (227bhp vs. 234 bhp), and its interior quietness.

I was taken aback by the quietness in the interior. This quietness level is very similar to a Lexus, and surprisingly beats VW and BMW that I have previously owned. You almost cant hear any road noise from the outside. Very impressive!

The handling is not the best, but the power is more than sufficient for Singapore traffic or the occasional Malaysian highways. It picks up really quickly, and feels like any typical European SUVs. The ride quality is also really good. It handles bumps like a big cushy sofa.

I have decided to write this review as I see there are a lot of unfair review in this forum. Having owned the Harrier, and test driven the TNGA Rav4, I can attest that the Rav4 is no match in terms of power, ride quality and handling to the Harrier. Just because somebody decided to save money to buy the cheaper but newer Rav4, doesnt give you the right to chime in subjective view to patronize the Harrier by having driven it for 2 mins.

My objective conclusion after 18 mths of ownership is the Harrier is a less sporty version of the Lexus NX, but it offers a bigger second row space and trunks, while at the same time saves you $30k. I love how roomy it is, how reliable it has been for me (zero issue so far), the acceleration, and how clean the design is. This car exterior design grows on you overtime - at least it did to me.

Same engine and platform as Lexus NX, but at a lower price.

The difference does not stop there, however this is not a comparison report, so let's get to the good and bad about the new harrier turbo.

Finally a turbo car from toyota a different shift in mindset at last. The suv looks pretty good looking, if it's mod with after market body kit would look nice.

Interior is pretty standepard Toyota laid out, nothing fancy, typical head unit. It could do better on the interior if it wants to win the competition.

2 liter engine is good enough for the size and weight, but don't exepct a rocket pocket. On the roads it can hold its own when it needs to over take.

Comes with safety sensing features, which is common on days with Honda also.

What I do t like is the shift stick which seems seems too tall, should make it lower and sportier.

Test drove the Harrier back to back against the new Rav4. Although the engine is more powerful then the 2.0NA Rav4, it lacks the punch from the 2.0T engine. On paper, the harrier looks impressive, but when driving, the car does not really matches up. Both the interior and exterior starts to look dated when comparing to the other newer models in the market. Infotainment system is also starting to look old.

However, if you are looking for a reliable workhorse that will last the entire COE period without the need for major repairs, this car is definitely suitable for you.

I've started to get bored with saloon car after driving it for the last 20 years. So was hunting for a SUV or MPV for a change and also to give more space for my children who are growing.

I personally prefer Mercedes GLC 250 which is more stylish but I do not wish to spend more than $200k for a car again. Also, although conti cars are better in terms of performance but they are so unreliable after driving 2 different German brands. So back to basic, Japanese car (although I did consider Korean)

Was contemplating between Subaru Forester and Toyota Harrier (although I test drove Honda Odyssey but wasn't impressed by its price $170k+ and its features). Also, consider Skoda Kodiaq but the mark up for profit was about 34% And unsure about its resale value in the future. Also tried Kia Sorrento but it was powered by 2.2l diesel. I still could not get used to the rattle sound of diesel engine although it is pleasant and smooth during my test drive. Chose Harrier over Forrester because Turbo version for Forrester was no longer available and the mark up was something over 30% (info. From Sgcarmart) which I thought was high. Since Agent is now carrying this model and with Turbo and having drove my friend's P.I. Harrier for a week, I thought it was decent for me to consider it. Also, mark up over cost at the time of buying (Apr 18) was 13% Which I believe is more reasonable compared with other brands.

So having drove for about 9 months, I would say it is a decent ride.

When down to test this car.Indeed it was well worth the time.Only downside was that the SE that served us was..Well..Slightly unprofessional.

Having driven a Suzuki Swift (hatchback), Chevrolet Cruze (Sedan) and now the Harrier (SUV), it was a natural upgrade due to my burgeoning family size which required more space.

The Harrier was a car that was highly recommended by a colleague who had driven 3 different editions previously and he had nothing but good things to say about the car. As such, I decided to test drive the car and fell in love immediately.

Might be a personal thing, but I preferred the Harrier looks over Mazda CX5 and even Mercedes GLC as it looks sleeker and less cumbersome.

The Turbo (227bhp) is powerful enough to let you overtake and accelerate with ease, and you won't even hear the engine roar as you speed past the other vehicles on the road. Mind you, I am a family man and appreciate the silence and ease of acceleration while my kids play and rest in the back seat. If you are looking for a car with stronger acceleration and more bite, this might not be the car for you.

Based on a normal driving pattern, I am usually able to hit 100km/hr with revs at approx 1500 to 1800. This usually takes me about 10 secs from standstill (Normal mode, I haven't tried Sports mode yet).

Eco mode, on the other hand, is meant to save fuel and you can feel the significant lag in pick up speed. I had only used this mode once when I was in no real hurry to get to my destination. Otherwise, 99% Of the time, Normal mode will suffice.

Steering is light as compared to my previous "Continental" Ride (Cruze) but in a way, I am starting to appreciate being able to turn the wheel with ease (sometimes with one hand).

There are more and more Harriers on the roads and there is a good reason why. I simply love this car for all that it is worth

Driven the Harrier 2.0T for the past 6 months.

Comfort wise, it beats a lot of more expensive cars hands down.

Interior space wise, it is top of its class.

Drive wise, it is good. This car is heavy due to lots of safety features. The pick up is not bad. During turning, do note it is a SUV.

Almost a buy but the quality feels tin-like and expensive for a Toyota. The interior is the not a selling point, it does try to be premium but feels a bit boring and drab. It feels like no change from the Toyota SUVs of the mid 2000s. Another issue is that its very hard to find any global agency crash test ratings which puts a question mark on safety as its now the same platform as the RAV4 and away from the Lexus platform. The engine package however is pretty decent but the exterior body doesn't seem to match the short wheelbase, which creates unbalanced handling. The body width is also pretty narrow for the height which compromise stability. So Toyota maybe reliable but the body structure/wheel base combo is almost deal breaker.

Why the Harrier Turbo, well simply put, its the Turbo! The new Harrier that has just become available this year in Singapore from Borneo Motors the Main agent has a different engine than all the parallel imported ones. All the PI Harriers are 149 BHP, the Turbo version, which is a totally different engine derived from the Lexus NX is 227 BHP. The Harrier is a big and long car, it needs the extra horses, and the new Harrier Turbo is just right. For the last few years in Singapore I drove a Golf GTI, so I like to have a bit of power, and the change to the Harrier Turbo was great, ok, its a bit softer, especially on the corners, but its quiet, very quiet, and super comfortable. It feels very solid and reassuring to drive, and I know there are many more expensive "More luxurious" SUV's on the market with bigger engines and more HP, but this doesn't need any more HP and feels really high quality for a lot less than a Range Rover Velar, Porsche Macan or a Jaguar F Pace. Even if I had the money, I would find it hard to justify the extra dollars for the prestige of the "European Badge" And I'm European!!! I also feel that the the Euro SUV's have become too computerized, and some of the driving positions feel like cockpits rather than car driving positions, amazingly the Toyota Harrier has lots of tech, but still feels like a car not a video game, well done Toyota!! This acr is quick enough, comfortable enough and quiet enough that when I'm at the lights between the Porsche and the Range Rover, it make me feel good that I didn't spend another $100-400K on my car for not much extra. I really don't need four wheel drive in Singapore, ever. I really don't need 400 BHP in Singapore ever. If you are in the market for a premium SUV, make sure you test drive a Harrier Turbo, its the thinking persons SUV.

Car is so popular that you will have to wait for it. Sales person was extremely pushy and make not attempt to sell me the features of the car but keep “Insulting” My current car and telling me my car trade in value is only a few thousands above the scrap value even though it’S not due for scrap until 2019. I am driving a Mercedes Benz E class. Oh by the way even if you drive a Maserati the value of the trade in is also near its scrap value according to this salesperson. A great car but a pity was marketed by a really terrible salesperson.

Went down to Leng Kee road yesterday to test drive the harrier Turbo, was mentally expecting the harrier to be laggy with the turbo, but to my surprise, the car accelerates like a violent beast. Without a warning i bitted 100km without realising it!

Don't get me wrong, my current ride is a IS250 (08) and the harrier feels more powerful and responsive than my IS250, maybe my driving pattern allows me to have full control over the full range of turbo on my feet. I felt that this harrier can deliver the power while sipping petrol. Its rare indeed.

The interior reminds me of the time when i first saw the 7 series - very classy. The moonroof is pleasantly huge and beautiful.

My original target was new the XC60, when the prerelease ads of Harrier Turbo showed up - things changed quickly.

At this price point, the interior, exterior finishing, safety features, Lexus breed engine, make the overall package absolutely convincing.

In my opinion, a safe and good buy for a premium SUV - definitely better than the non facelift/non turbo model.

Just test drive the Harrier Turbo last Sunday. Compared to FXT and Lexus RX turbo, all at 2.0T category, you will feel the harrier turbo engine does not has the turbo power. The sales man claim it uses the same model 2.0T turbo engine as Lexus, but with only slightly lower output. However, when you behind the wheel, you can not feel the turbo push. It feel like a normal SUV with around 160HP output level.