Let us begin by saying that we adore the 2021 Toyota Harrier. But as is always the case, it’s not perfect and we have to be objective about it. In this article, we’ll go through its pros and cons to help with your buying decision.

Here’s a brief overview of the 2021 Toyota Harrier’s pros and cons:

Pros

• Eye-catching looks
• High quality, premium interior
• Superbly polished driving experience
• Most comfortable SUV this side of RM 250k

Cons

• Powertrain could do with more grunt
• Not the most practical interior
• Infotainment system feels low-rent

Also read: Priced from RM 249k, turbo-less 2021 Toyota Harrier launched in Malaysia, TSS, TNGA

Pros – Eye-catching looks

While it may not look drastically different from its predecessor, the evolutionary design approach has worked wonders. Put them side-by-side and the previous-generation Harrier immediately appears dated by comparison.

The sculpture of the body, the fluidity of its design is wonderfully pleasing to the eye. Viewed from the side, there’s a distinct and sharp shoulder line that slowly dissolves into the bodywork.

And that’s not even the Harrier’s best angle, which is from the rear. The sleek taillamps and stretches the entire width of the car, the concavity of the rear tailgate and bumper, the sloping roofline that tapers to the taillamps, just makes the rear-end mesmerizing to look at.

Pros – High quality, premium interior

Stepping into the 2021 Toyota Harrier, the monotone interior might appear sombre to some, but there's no denying that the Harrier's cabin is upscale and sophisticated.

Build and material selection throughout the cabin are of high quality. Granted, the lower areas of the cabin use hard plastics, but that’s par for the course in this price range. And every touch point gets supple leather - the seats, dashboard, armrest, and door cards.

Pros – Superbly polished driving experience

Like many Toyota models underpinned by the TNGA platform, one word that best fits the driving experience would be “fluid”. Powertrain is smooth and responsive despite it not being particularly muscular, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

Steering is well-weighted and offers an ideal rate of response to the chassis, lending to a cohesive behaviour around bends. Turn in and the car just sits resolutely, soaking up whatever the road condition throws at it and whilst pivoting through corners.

Pros – Most comfortable SUV this side of RM 250k

The fluidity extends to the ride as well. The Harrier’s suspension soaks up bumps and lumps with utter composure, flowing through road imperfections. It does have a slight firm edge to it where large potholes or ruts can send a jolt to the cabin, but that’s almost nit-picking at this point.

For the most part, it will cruise along in a supple manner, cosseting the occupants in sumptuous comfort. The front seats are nicely sculpted for a comfortable seating position, hugging the passengers in all right places. The rear seats can be reclined at an angle comfortable enough for long naps, and it’s equally plush too.

Cabin insulation is top notch as well, though our test unit exhibited noticeable wind buffeting noise from the driver’s front window area. We suspect it could be an isolated case that puts a blemish to an otherwise serene cabin.

Cons – Powertrain could do with more grunt

As smooth as the powertrain is, it can be a little lacklustre in terms of output. In a car weighing 1,610 kg, a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 173 PS/203 Nm is acceptable when driven alone. But if 5 adults and some luggage were to be onboard the car, it starts to protest, especially when going uphill.

If you attempt to overtake at triple-digit speeds, progress would be leisurely at best. It’s a shame, as the chassis can handle more than what’s given. Because of this, the Harrier is more suited to be a city/urban dweller, where the engine will be within its comfort zone.

A solution? Plonk the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine (207 PS/243 Nm) with an 8-speed automatic from the Toyota RAV4 into the Harrier, and it will complete the car.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Harrier (XU80) could receive 279 PS/430 Nm 2.4L turbo from all-new Lexus NX

Cons – Not the most practical interior

The cabin is indeed plush and upmarket, but live with it longer and cubby space will start to feel insufficient. 

There’s a wireless charging tray for your mobile phone and two cupholders in the centre console. That’s it. Your only option is to chuck all your items into the storage space in the centre armrest, but that could be occupied by other items. The door bins are on the smaller side as well.

Cons – Infotainment system feels low-rent

We’ve talked about this before on why we can’t have the 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit as seen in Japanese-spec Harrier. In short, that option is not available for us to choose as it’s not compatible with our local standards.

But it doesn’t change the fact that the 8-inch infotainment system in our local-spec Harrier looks and feels a bit low-rent, with thick bezels with not very premium-looking knobs and buttons. It betrays the otherwise upmarket interior.

Also read: Not just Malaysia, even Singapore’s Toyota Harrier uses a cheaper infotainment, here’s why

Conclusion

The 2021 Toyota Harrier looks great, has an upmarket interior, and drives well with first-class comfort. However, the Harrier could do with more power and the infotainment system can be turn-off for some.

For those who put refinement, quality, and comfort above outright performance in a premium SUV, the Toyota Harrier would be ideal for you.

Also read: 

Review: 2021 Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury - Do you really miss the turbo?

Premium yet reliable, Toyota Harrier vs Lexus UX - Which is your perfect SUV?