Toyota Harrier
Image Credit: Car Database
Image Credit: Car Database
If you live outside Japan, you might not be familiar with the Toyota Harrier. If you look at the Harrier you would probably say to yourself, “But that’s a Lexus RX!” and you are correct. It may be known as the Lexus now, but because the Lexus brand had yet to be launched in Japan, the model went by the Harrier name. So if you’re looking for the Lexus RX in Japan, try using its Japanese name! Here are other fun facts about this crossover sport utility vehicle.
• The first generation Harrier had 2.2-liter inline-four V6 engine. It was soon upgraded to 2.4 liters, which was also sold alongside a larger 3.0 V6.
• In 2005, the Harrier Hybrid made its debut in Japan, a gasoline and electric version of the second generation model.
• The Harrier was the product of a concept about making a vehicle that’s between a luxury sedan and an SUV. It was in 1993 when the idea came to Toyota executives. In 1994 the idea was officially proposed in the company and it was soon developed.
• The head designer of the Harrier is Makoto Oshima. The final design was approved for production in December 1995. The prototypes were tested in the first months of the year 1997, and in December of that year the Harrier was finally introduced to the Japanese domestic market.
• The Toyota Harrier was a success in Japan and it was also shipped in other right-hand drive countries in Asia (as grey imports, of course).
• The first-generation Harrier was given a facelift in 2000; the 2.2 engine was also replaced with a 2.4-liter one, producing greater horsepower.
• The second generation release of the Japanese-market Harrier had codenames: ACU30 and MCU30 (front-wheel drive), and ACU35 and MCU35 (all-wheel drive). This generation has an optional Pre-Collision System!
• The Harrier’s second-generation release has been equipped with either a 2.4-liter or 3.0-liter V6 engine, and buyers can choose to have all-wheel-drive.
• In 2003, the Harrier was launched as the Lexus RX 300 in Europe, Singapore (following the previous Harrier), Taiwan, and South Korea. It was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive.
• You can find pre-owned Toyota Harriers from online used-car marketplaces like tradecarview at affordable prices.
• The first generation Harrier had 2.2-liter inline-four V6 engine. It was soon upgraded to 2.4 liters, which was also sold alongside a larger 3.0 V6.
• In 2005, the Harrier Hybrid made its debut in Japan, a gasoline and electric version of the second generation model.
• The Harrier was the product of a concept about making a vehicle that’s between a luxury sedan and an SUV. It was in 1993 when the idea came to Toyota executives. In 1994 the idea was officially proposed in the company and it was soon developed.
• The head designer of the Harrier is Makoto Oshima. The final design was approved for production in December 1995. The prototypes were tested in the first months of the year 1997, and in December of that year the Harrier was finally introduced to the Japanese domestic market.
• The Toyota Harrier was a success in Japan and it was also shipped in other right-hand drive countries in Asia (as grey imports, of course).
• The first-generation Harrier was given a facelift in 2000; the 2.2 engine was also replaced with a 2.4-liter one, producing greater horsepower.
• The second generation release of the Japanese-market Harrier had codenames: ACU30 and MCU30 (front-wheel drive), and ACU35 and MCU35 (all-wheel drive). This generation has an optional Pre-Collision System!
• The Harrier’s second-generation release has been equipped with either a 2.4-liter or 3.0-liter V6 engine, and buyers can choose to have all-wheel-drive.
• In 2003, the Harrier was launched as the Lexus RX 300 in Europe, Singapore (following the previous Harrier), Taiwan, and South Korea. It was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive.
• You can find pre-owned Toyota Harriers from online used-car marketplaces like tradecarview at affordable prices.
RSS Feed