by Harrier continues to live in Japan
Buyers in North America who wanted a crossover that is sleeker and more expensive than the RAV4 lost that opportunity in 2024: Toyota discontinued the Venza and replaced it with the Crown Signia. However, the model’s Japanese twin, the Toyota Harrier, has not gone anywhere. It is still sold on the domestic market, and the manufacturer has prepared another update for it for the 2027 model year.
This generation of the Harrier appeared in Japan back in 2020 and has barely changed since then. A mild facelift in 2022 brought a PHEV version, while the 2025 update added more standard equipment, improved safety systems, and the somber Nightshade Edition. Now Toyota has decided to simplify the lineup even further: for 2026, the range is being trimmed to a single hybrid version, while adding a standard 1,500 W power source and a number of black details.
Instead of gasoline and PHEV — only a self-charging hybrid
The biggest news: Toyota has removed both the base 2.0-liter gasoline engine and the flagship 2.5-liter PHEV from the lineup. As a result, the Harrier remains available only with the original self-charging hybrid system. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with one electric motor on front-wheel-drive versions or two motors in the E-Four system on all-wheel-drive versions. Output is 215 hp and 219 hp, respectively.
Standard outlet and emergency power supply
To make the crossover more useful in everyday life, Toyota now installs a standard 100 V AC outlet with 1,500 W of power. It comes with an emergency power supply system and an external power connector in the trunk. However, there is a catch: with the outlet, you cannot order a spare wheel — there simply isn’t enough room for both options.
More black: updated Night Shade
The Harrier’s exterior and interior remain unchanged, but Toyota has added more darkened accents for the Z Night Shade and Z Leather Package trims. These include black chrome trim on the front and rear bumpers, a gloss black radiator grille, black chrome exhaust tips, as well as black lug nuts, window frames, and mirrors. The taillights have dark inner elements, and the door handles are now painted in body color.
Prices and start of orders
The updated 2027 Harrier can already be ordered in Japan. Prices have risen due to the discontinuation of the base gasoline version and a slight increase for hybrids. The entry-level HEV G 2WD now starts at ¥4,396,700 (approximately $28,100), while the most expensive Z Leather Package Night Shade E-Four costs ¥5,561,600 (about $35,600).
What’s next: fifth-generation Harrier
This update comes amid reports of a fifth-generation Harrier that could debut as early as next year. It is expected that this coupe-like crossover will return to North America under the Venza brand and will likely be built on an evolution of the TNGA-K platform with electrified powertrains.
This update looks like preparation for a full generation change: Toyota is gradually eliminating intermediate variants to focus on the most popular hybrid configurations. Removing the PHEV may seem strange, since such versions are being actively promoted in other markets. But in Japan, demand for regular hybrids remains stable, and the presence of a standard outlet makes the crossover more practical to use as a source of backup power at home or while traveling.
It is worth noting that the Harrier and Venza have always been the same model for different markets, and if rumors of the Venza’s return to the U.S. are confirmed, the new generation will likely get a similar hybrid lineup. Then today’s update can be considered the final chord for a model that is completing its life cycle in the Japanese market.
