In North America, the Toyota Harrier mid-size crossover is sold as the ‘Venza’
Japanese automaker Toyota introduced its latest mid-size crossover, 2021MY Harrier back in April 2020. The same later debuted in North America as the Toyota Venza. Since its debut, the crossover has received an overwhelming response in its prime markets.
In fact, Toyota has garnered more than 45,000 units in bookings for its new five-seater ‘urban SUV’ — roughly 15 times more than the initially-fixed monthly target of 3,100 units. This unprecedented demand has caused some constraints in the delivery timeline. Depending on the market, customers might have to way up to five months.
The Toyota Harrier has been on sale in Japan since 1997 and is currently in its fourth generation. So far, Toyota has sold over 6,80,000 Harrier units across the globe.
Toyota Harrier Design & Features
The 2021MY Toyota Harrier is based on the brand’s TNGA (GA-K) platform that also underpins the Toyota RAV-4 and Lexus RX line. ‘TNGA’ expands to Toyota New Global Architecture while ‘GA-K’ implies its transverse front-engine FWD/AWD powertrain layout.
It sports a sharp yet elegant design philosophy, completely different from its previous version. The US-spec Toyota Venza comes only in a hybrid AWD format. Apart from being left-hand-drive, the Venza does not carry any major changes compared to its base Harrier avatar. Notable highlights and features include a panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch touchscreen, powered tailgate, 19-inch wheels (highest option) and a host of safety and driver-assist equipment.
There are two Dynamic Force petrol four-cylinder engine choices: 2.0-litre NA GDI and 2.5-litre NA hybrid. The 2.0-litre motor churns out 169bhp and 207Nm while mated to a Direct Shift-CVT automatic. On the other hand, the Toyota Harrier hybrid model (or North American Toyota Venza) utilises the latest THS II (Toyota Hybrid System II) configuration that incorporates a 176bhp ICE mill with an 88kW (118bhp) electric motor. Combined, output figures stand at 215bhp and 219bhp in FWD and AWD formats, respectively.
One cannot deny that the Harrier or Venza is a good-looking product. Yet Toyota is also offering two ‘Modellista’ styling packs for the 2021MY Harrier: Gran Blaze and Avant Emotional. The options apply only to its exterior design. We have already shared an exclusive Harrier/Venza aftermarket styling kit from its home market.
Pricing
The new Toyota Harrier is priced from 2,990,000 yen (about Rs 21.25 lakh). Figures go up to 5,040,000 yen (about Rs 35.83 lakh) for the range-topping 2.5L E-Four Z Hybrid trim with Leather package.
