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Toyota RAV4's Younger Brother Has Been Updated and Is Now a Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota RAV4's young brother, Toyota Harrier just got some good news. The local RAV4-related SUV debuts electrified powertrain. Let's see what's under the hood.

Toyota Harrier is a compact SUV that the brand sells locally in Japan, and you may not know that it's already completed four generations. The last one was presented in 2020 and this would be its first facelift. The highlight is the new plug-in hybrid powertrain .

With the Toyota RAV4 Harrier shares the GA-K platform and in certain features of its exterior there are certain similarities with the RAV4. That's why it's sometimes called "the younger brother of the Toyota RAV4). New for this update Toyota has made some cosmetic tweaks ike a new radiator grille with new mesh lattice.

The wheels were also restyled, but the rest of the elements are the same as its predecessor, being characteristic the bulging hood, main headlights in the form of 'boomerang,' high beltline and spoiler on the roof. Inside the new plug-in hybrid Harrier, black leather was chosen for the clothing.

What's New Under the Hood: 2023 Toyota Harrier
It must be said that the update focused this time is a renewal of the mechanical aspects of the Toyota Harrier. Premiering a PHEV plug-in hybrid propulsion system, this version arrives to be located at the top of the range.

The new set integrates a 177 hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine together with a 182 hp electric motor that is integrated into the electromechanical variator, adding another 54 hp electric motor located on the rear axle.

This being the case, the PHEV system delivers a maximum power of 306 hp and has an 18.1 kWh battery that allows autonomy in 100% electric mode of 93 km. Power is sent to all four wheels. In addition, a conventional hybrid version is offered.

The latter is based on the same 2.5-liter engine, equipped with a Direct Shift-CVT variator that can send power to the front wheels or to all four wheels. It is offered with two power levels: 218 and 222 hp. Add the option of a 171 hp 2.0 aspirated engine.

Do you think it would be great if Toyota brings the PHEV Harrier to the United States, just like it sells the RAV4 Prime? Please, let me know your thoughts in the comments section about the Harrier PHEV vs the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: El Carro.

Comments

bucklee (not verified)    October 6, 2022 - 6:27AM

Confused why there was no mention in the article that the harrier is rebadged as Venza in North America. Guess this was a copy and paste from a Japanese article.

Bob (not verified)    October 6, 2022 - 1:34PM

So, I feel this is all bait and switch by Toyota to move their regular hybrids. If you are in the Midwest, no dealer will even put you on a waitlist for a 2022 Rav 4 Prime, let alone a 2023. They say supply chain, the few Primes go to west or east coast and sell higher than MSRP. I have literally walked in with cash in hand and no possibilities. Volvo's PHEV is a few month wait and moreexpensive obviosly, but why advertise the hell out of a vehicle that's impossible to even order?

Jessica (not verified)    October 7, 2022 - 12:34AM

Yes absolutely! My mom would buy the Harrier in a second if they brought it to the USA. I’m waiting for my RAV4 prime and she’s already asking what compact SUVs come as PHEVs!