Toyota’s latest plug-in hybrid SUV is unknown mid-size

In a short period of time, the number of crossovers and SUVs that Toyota sells in the Netherlands has expanded considerably. The most recent additions are the Highlander, the Yaris Cross and the Corolla Cross. With a little imagination, the Aygo X with its cross look also fits in the list. Toyota’s long-legged lineup also includes the C-HR, the RAV4 and of course the Hilux and Land Cruiser. In Japan, among others, Toyota sells the Harrier, an SUV with a length of 4.74 meters that falls exactly between the 4.95 meter long Highlander and the 4.57 meter long RAV4. The current Toyota Harrier – which is called Venza in the United States and China – is now about two years old and was only available with a blown 2.0 and with a conventional hybrid powertrain. From now on, the Harrier is also available in Japan as a plug-in hybrid.

The Toyota Harrier PHEV shares its GA-K platform with cars like the Avalon, Camry, Highlander and RAV4. It is therefore not surprising that the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the RAV4 also fits in the Harrier. Just like the RAV4 PHEV known here, the Harrier PHEV is 306 hp strong. The powertrain is made up of a 177 hp and 219 Nm strong 2.5 four-cylinder engine that works together with a 182 hp and 270 Nm strong electric motor that interferes with the front wheels. A smaller 54 hp and 121 Nm powerful electric motor takes care of the rear axle. The battery pack has a capacity of 18.2 kWh. The Toyota Harrier PHEV has a starting price of €44,620 in Japan.

Toyota Harrier

Although we do not know this Harrier generation in Europe and therefore also in the Netherlands, we did get to taste something from the model line. For example, the first Lexus RX was in fact a Toyota Harrier as it came on the market in Japan in 1997. The second generation Harrier also came to Europe as a Lexus RX. However, the previous generation Harrier stood on its own two feet and shared its technology with the RAV4, just like the current model.

If we look at Toyota’s Dutch model range, it can be concluded that the brand does not shy away from carrying models that overlap to a certain extent. For example, Toyota positions the C-HR and Corolla Cross as both SUV-like in the compact middle class. In turn, the Harrier – especially as a plug-in hybrid – could fill the gap between the RAV4 and the Highlander currently costing just under 68 grand. The Highlander is not available in the Netherlands with plug-in hybrid hardware, which can make the price difference between the Harrier PHEV and Highlander quite in favor of the Harrier. Since its Dutch market introduction in 2021, 188 units of the Highlander have been sold.

Do you see opportunities on the Dutch market for the Toyota Harrier PHEV and would you rather opt for it than, for example, the RAV4 or Highlander? Unlike the Highlander, it is not a seven-seater, but you do get a larger SUV than the RAV4 and a plug-in hybrid powertrain in its place.