Hybrid electric variant of Toyota Harrier joins electrified range

Quick look

• UMW Toyota is accelerating its electrification push with yet another model added to the hybrid electric range, bringing the number to six.

• The 4th generation Toyota Hybrid System in the Harrier uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine and motor which can achieve fuel consumption up to 21.3 kms/litre.

2026 sees UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) accelerating the electrification of its Toyota models as it adds more hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) variants. Having been the pioneer in HEV technology for mass production cars, Toyota had progressively added HEV variants to its range while also advancing the technology which provides one of the multiple paths towards carbon neutrality.

In Malaysia, although Toyota HEV models were on sale 13 years ago, the big push began in 2022 when UMWT’s new assembly plant set up for HEVs began operations. The first HEV model from the plant, located in Bukit Raja, Selangor, was the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric, followed by the Vios HEV more recently.

Harrier has been around since 1990s
Alongside the locally-assembled models, UMWT has also offered CBU (completed built-up) imported HEV versions of the Vellfire, Camry and Innova. Joining these is the new Harrier 2.5 Hybrid Electric which officially goes on sale today. The Harrier is no stranger to Malaysian roads, having been sold in the late 1990s as a sister model to the Lexus RX which was the first premium SUV in the world.

4th generation Toyota Hybrid System
Priced from RM289,000, the electrified Harrier provides enhanced performance as well as fuel efficiency with the 4th Generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS). In place of the previous 2-litre turbo and the current 2-litre Dynamic Force engines is a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine. Similar to the one used in the Camry HEV, it is tuned to operate with an electric motor.

While the engine produces maximum output of 178 ps/221 Nm, the electric motor provides an additional 88 kW/202 Nm, with total system output available being 217 ps. Characteristic of electric motors, the torque generated is at its peak from standstill so acceleration is very strong the moment the Harrier leaves the line.

In the past, such output was at the sacrifice of fuel consumption. However, with a HEV powertrain, fuel consumption is lower as the electric motor shares the workload, especially when moving off. At times, it is even possible to travel on just electric power, depending on the amount of energy in the battery pack.

Best electrification solution for Malaysia
UMWT is focussing on HEVs because it sees them as being the best of Toyota’s multi-pathway solutions to carbon neutrality in the longer term. Given the present state of the public charging infrastructure, it is more practical and convenience for motorists to have the HEV which is self-charging. As the vehicle moves or brakes, recharging takes place to maintain the battery level.

Therefore, to the driver, there is no need to think about finding a charging station and the Harrier can be driven like a normal car. It needs petrol, of course, but has to be refuelled less often because the consumption is much lower. Factory tests have shown a consumption of 21.3 kms/litre which means a range of around 1,100 kms with the 55-litre fuel tank.

The Harrier continues to sit on the TNGA-K platform, which is also used for the latest RAV4 and Lexus NX. This foundation is known for its high structural rigidity and low centre of gravity, contributing to agile handling as well as a ride quality that prioritizes cabin quietness. This is enhanced during the times when the Harrier runs on just electricity, giving the near silence of an EV.

Dignified Elegance styling
Visually, the Harrier HEV is distinguished by ‘Beyond Zero’ blue-accented badges. It retains the clean, ‘Dignified Elegance’ styling that was chosen by the designers for this generation popular, avoiding the aggressive, over-styled grilles seen on some of its contemporaries. It is a design that aims for longevity – typical of Toyota styling – rather than immediate head-turning.

Functional cabin with luxury
Inside, the cabin is focused on functionality but without losing its touch of luxury. Drivers get a 12.3-inch TFT colour digital display, and the instrument panel is supplemented by a head-up display (HUD) to allow the forward view to be maintained. Road Sign Assist, which scans speed limit signs, will show the speed limit applicable on the Multi-Information Display and HUD.

Connectivity for the 8-inch Display Audio has Wireless Apple CarPlay & Wired Android Auto, while the air-conditioning system has nanoe X purification technology. Other standard features include front and rear digital videorecorders, tyre pressure monitoring system, panoramic view monitor, and a Vehicle Telematics System which can track the vehicle.

The rearview mirror is a high-tech unit which does not rely on a reflective surface. Instead, it uses a small camera at the back of the vehicle to show the view behind. This eliminates the obstructions to the view by headrests or heads inside the cabin and gives a clearer image in low-light conditions as well. A fixed panoramic moonroof is standard, brightening the predominantly black interior.

Toyota’s Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 is the brand’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite. With integrated active safety systems, the latest version has improved sensors for better detection of pedestrians and cyclists. The Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist are some of the semi-autonomous systems that help the driver avoid collisions as well as reduce fatigue on long journeys along the highway.

8-year warranty for hybrid battery
As with all models distributed by UMWT and sold through the extensive dealer network, there is a comprehensive 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the vehicle. Additionally, for those who have concerns about HEV powertrains, the lithium-ion battery as well as the inverter and ECU are covered by a separate 8-year warranty, also with unlimited mileage (can be optionally extended for another 2 years).

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