Toyota Harrier I generation is a comfortable, elegant and interesting car. Better known as the Lexus RS, this car always attracts attention with its unique body features. When you first meet her, this is exactly the impression she gets. And yet, before you buy it, you should take a closer look. A spectacular spoiler on the tailgate, tires, dimensions, color - all this can be a trick. In order not to be left upset after the purchase, before purchasing this car you should thoroughly study all its main faults and weaknesses of the 1st generation Toyota Harrier.
Toyota Harrier 2017-2018. Specifications
The following engines will be installed under the hood of the “Japanese”:
- a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated unit with an output of 151 hp;
- turbocharged unit with identical volume and power of 231 hp;
- a hybrid complex, which consists of two electric units, as well as a 2.5-liter unit. Engine power - 152 horses.
The weakest engine is equipped with a modern CVT. The new engine with a turbine is paired only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. By the way, two more Japanese cars are equipped with the same turbocharged unit - Lexus NX and Lexus RX. The hybrid version is paired with a continuously variable transmission.
All versions of the crossover received front-axle drive, except for the hybrid version, which, in turn, comes only in an all-wheel drive version.
The most popular engine for Harrier cars
More often than others, in more than 30 different configurations each, two engines were installed:
- 1MZ-FE.
The first engine of the MZ series was designed as a 3-liter V6 with two camshafts. This was a replacement for the outdated VZ series units. In 1996, the development team was awarded Ward's 10 Best Engines. The engine produces 220 hp. A two-body throttle valve is used. The one-piece intake manifold is made of aluminum.
Engine 1MZ-FE
Two versions of the power unit are used. The first is with a VVTi valve timing control installed on the intake. The second version uses electronic type chokes.
The transition to more economical and modern engines in the late 90s of the 20th century was initiated by the Toyota Corporation due to a fairly impressive list of user complaints:
- after running 200 thousand km. oil consumption increases sharply;
- low reliability of knock sensors;
- “floating” speed due to rapid contamination of the phase regulator;
- the formation of a significant layer of carbon deposits on the walls of the intake and exhaust manifolds.
However, even taking into account such a long list of shortcomings, the engine was among the ten best in the world in its class. One of its main advantages is noiselessness and reliability of operation.
- 3ZR-FAE.
The second most frequently used engine for the all-wheel drive Harrier crossover model. It was installed in 30 different configurations. One of the most advanced units for cars of the second decade of the new century was designed in 2008. A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of two different variable valve timing systems - Valtematic and DualVVTi. The purpose of using the new design is to increase the service life of the intake manifold and optimize fuel consumption.
Toyota Vatematic system design
With the help of a new design electronic unit, engineers planned to make the process of changing the height of the engine valves smoother. Another area of improving engine performance was improving the design of the crankshaft and hydraulic compensator.
Despite the advanced design, the short list of engine malfunctions is replete with the frequency of complaints:
- traditional “zhor” of butter. On the forums, drivers held a competition to see who had the highest figure per 1000 km. mileage;
- frequent failures of the Valtematic electronic unit;
- failure of the pump after fifty thousand kilometers wound on the speedometer;
- rapid coking of the walls of the intake manifold, the appearance of “floating” speed.
But the reliability of operation with the appropriate quality and frequency of preventive inspections is not satisfactory. 300 thousand km. it passes completely calmly.
Options and electronic assistants
Since the Harrier in Japan essentially took the place of Lexus, the range of options and electronic assistants matches the high status of the car. The car contains:
- Automatic high beam switching system with light sensor;
- AFS cornering light system;
- Dual-zone climate control;
- JBL audio system;
- Electrically adjustable front seats;
- Heated front seats;
- Front seats with ventilation;
- Front seat position memory system;
- Keyless entry system;
- Electrically heated windshield;
- ABS;
- EBD brake force distribution system;
- Brake Assist System BAS;
- Road marking control system LKA;
- Intelligent cruise control with ACCS radar;
- System that controls vehicle stability ESP;
- System that prevents wheel slip TCS;
- Hill start assist system HAC;
- All-round cameras;
- Parking assistance system;
- Automatic windshield wiper system with rain sensor.
Appearance
The car is absolutely beautiful, you can immediately stand out in the traffic. The Harrier's radiator grille is replaced by a beautiful glossy element made to look like polished carbon fiber. The absence of a radiator grille is compensated by a huge air intake in the front bumper. On the sides of the front bumper, Japanese designers placed developed ventilation channels for the brake discs. And the ensemble of the front of the car is completed by clever slanted headlights, which, by the way, are LED.
Photo of the front part of the new Toyota Harrier body
It is in the front part that the greatest differences are observed that appeared as a result of restyling. Previously, the front air intake was much smaller, and there were no ventilation channels for the wheel rims at all.
- Model range "Toyota" (jeep). Which Toyota Jeep is the best to use?
The front part of the pre-styling Harrier
The side view of the car is still as close as possible to the appearance of the Lexus. Here, the designers probably decided to keep this element in order to retain the loyalty of buyers who previously bought the Ferret only because it was a Japanese Lexus.
The new Toyota Harrier alloy wheels, which, by the way, are 17 inches in diameter, look very nice.
Toyota Harrier 2021 side view
At the back, the designers tried to achieve maximum originality. Now the rear lights are united into a single whole by a thin reflective strip. True, the lights protrude slightly forward, as is done on the RAV 4. But this is rather not an imitation, but rather a feature of the current style of the Japanese corporation; they use this move on different models.
Rear body of Toyota Harrier
In conclusion, it remains to talk about the dimensions of the Toyota Harrier:
- Length – 4720 mm;
- Width – 1835 mm;
- Height – 1690 mm;
- Ground clearance – 190 mm;
- Wheelbase – 2660 mm.
A little history
The Toyota Harrier SUV appeared on the market in 1997. The manufacturer immediately offered the buyer the opportunity to choose from three modifications. These were cars with an engine capacity of 2.2 liters and a power of 140 hp, 2.4 liters and a power of 160 hp. and 3.0 l and 220 hp.
Among other Toyota crossovers, one cannot fail to mention the Toyota Highlander. This car is perfect not only for the city, but also for trips into nature.
You will find the characteristics and review of the top-end Mercedes GLK crossover in this article.
Despite the fact that the car immediately became a bestseller, the designers did not stop there, and after 7 years the second generation Toyota Harrier was released. The car has undergone significant changes: the distance between the axles of the body has increased by 100 mm, which made it possible to increase the area and volume of the rear row of seats, the front optics have changed their geometry and become triangular in shape with sharp corners.
Significant changes also affected the engines. In their line, Harrier acquired 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines. The car went into production in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Both variants received a 5-speed automatic transmission.
A little later, in 2005, the Toyota Harrier was equipped with a 3.3 Hibrid 4WD hybrid engine with a volume of 3.3 liters and a power of 211 hp. The engine range has become as follows: 3.3 Hibrid 4WD, Harrier 3.5 V6 with 2870 hp. and a volume of 3.5 liters and a Harrier 3.5 V6 4WD with a power of 280 hp. and volume 3.5 l.
Toyota Harrier configurations
Formally, the Japanese crossover has 29 trim levels. But in reality there are only 6 of them:
- Elegance;
- Premium;
- Elegance GR Sport;
- Premium Metal and Leather Package;
- Progress;
- Progress Metal and Leather Package.
The fact is that all these Toyota Harrier configurations are available for each engine and for each transmission option. And Harrier has 5 of them:
- Option with a 2-liter 3ZR-FAE naturally aspirated gasoline engine and front-wheel drive;
- With the same engine, but with all-wheel drive transmission;
- With a 2-liter turbocharged Toyota 8AR-FTS engine and front-wheel drive;
- Same thing, but with all-wheel drive;
- Option with a hybrid powertrain and E-Four all-wheel drive transmission.
True, the hybrid version of the car does not have the Elegance GR Spor t configuration; only 5 trim levels can be found on hybrid cars.
Next, let's look at each of the configurations in more detail.
Elegance package
This is the basic equipment of the Harrier. Already in this configuration the car will be equipped with LED optics at the rear and front. Electrically heated rear-view mirrors, which, by the way, are electrically adjustable.
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200 review: technical specifications, configurations and prices for 2021
In the cabin, buyers of a crossover in this configuration will find a combined leather and fabric interior. Among other electronic systems, this package has:
- Start/Stop button;
- Electrically adjustable driver's seat;
- Keyless entry system;
- ABS;
- EBD brake force distribution system;
- Additional braking system BAS;
- Road marking control system LKA;
- Intelligent cruise control with ACCS radar;
- ESP stability control system;
- Traction control system TCS;
- Hill start assist system HAC;
- Automatic high beam switching system;
- Dual zone climate control.
The audio system in the base is quite simple, with six speakers. The wheels on cars in the Elegance configuration will be 17 inches in diameter, measuring 225/65R17.
Premium package
This configuration will include all the options and systems of the previous one and additionally:
- LED daytime running lights;
- Electric trunk opening system;
- AFS cornering light system;
- Premium JBL audio system;
- Automatic windshield wiper system with rain sensor.
Wheels on cars in the Premium configuration are installed with a diameter of 18 inches, size 235/55R18.
Elegance GR Sport trim level
In this configuration, cars are considered sports. They have a slightly different aggressive appearance.
Toyota Harrier in Elegance GR Sport configuration
In addition, this configuration will contain all the options and systems of the previous configurations and additionally:
- Sports suspension with ground clearance lowered to 150 mm;
- Sports seats;
- Wheels size 235/50R19.
At the same time, the car does not have LED running lights, an electric trunk, or a cornering lighting system. The audio system on the car is also standard with six speakers. In essence, this is the Elegance package described above, but with sporty bells and whistles.
Premium Metal and Leather Package
This is, in fact, the Premium package, only more sophisticated. Cars in this configuration have all the options and Premium equipment systems as well as:
- Full leather interior;
- Front seat ventilation system;
- Heated front seats;
- Electrically adjustable front seats.
Progress package
In this configuration, consumers will not find a full leather interior on the cars. This set uses a combination of leather and fabric. There are also no options for the front seats. The front seats have no ventilation, heating, or electrical adjustments.
- Toyota fj Cruiser (Toyota FJ Cruiser) 2021 - 2021 video review and test drive
But the car is equipped with a premium JBL audio system and, in addition to it:
- Branded navigation system;
- Large 9.2 inch LCD display;
- Parking assistance system;
- All-round cameras - front, rear and two side.
Weaknesses of the first generation Toyota Harrier (XU10)
- Transmission;
- Cooling system;
- Electronics;
- Fuel system;
- Body;
- Suspension.
Weak gearbox
Statistics show that the gearbox in this car often breaks down due to factory defects. Automatic transmissions usually break down in the first few years of operation and can only be cured by major repairs or complete replacement. You can extend the life of the box by regular maintenance. The automatic transmission oil and filter must be changed every 40 thousand km. Another problem with this box is frequent oil leaks through the seals and pan gasket.
Cooling system
In the 1st generation Harier, at the design stage, the manufacturer made a mistake - the radiators were produced with defects. A special service program was developed specifically to solve this problem in the Russian Federation, but after a car recall campaign and replacement of this unit, the situation did not improve.
Electronics
If you buy a Kharkov, you need to prepare for the fact that failures in electronics may soon occur due to factory defects, design and programming errors. Unfortunately, factory equipment and original spare parts will not be a panacea in this case. This “sore” can only be solved by constant calls to specialists for maintenance and diagnostics of the car’s electronic systems. Fuel level and pressure sensors, display backlight, locks, power windows and other “little things” also fail.
Fuel system
The next weak spot lies in the 2.2 and 2.4 liter engines, which are very sensitive to the quality of gasoline. It is recommended to diagnose the fuel system every 20 thousand km. mileage with mandatory replacement of the fuel filter. Otherwise, you cannot avoid “floating” speed, reduced power and problems with starting the engine.
Body
The bodies of the model in question, although galvanized, are only partially galvanized. Therefore, a very common problem with used cars is through rust due to poor factory anti-corrosion treatment.
Suspension
The front suspension of the car complements the list of shortcomings of the Toyota Harrier, which, due to its excessive rigidity, greatly impairs the comfort of movement and quickly renders the front silent blocks and shock absorber struts unusable.
