2027 Toyota Harrier news.
The Japanese illustration above shows what the next generation of the Toyota Harrier could look like. The current model is familiar to U.S. buyers, as it was sold here as the Toyota Venza. Prior to that, the first two generations were marketed in North America as the Lexus RX. Which helped establish Lexus as a serious luxury SUV brand long before the segment became crowded.
A new Harrier is just around the corner, but it will likely not be sold in the U.S. Unless Toyota decides to reposition it as the next-generation Lexus NX. That would make a lot of sense, especially since the NX is also due for a redesign. The Harrier has always sat in an interesting middle ground between mainstream Toyota and entry-level Lexus. And with the right tuning, materials, and branding, it could slide neatly into the NX’s role without much overlap.
The big news under the hood will probably be the debut of Toyota’s all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, with a new 2.0-liter turbo possibly joining it as well. The 1.5-liter unit will be used in hybrid and PHEV configurations. Despite its smaller displacement, it’s expected to be more powerful and significantly more efficient than the outgoing 2.4- and 2.5-liter engines. Just as important, it should also be lighter and more compact, which could improve weight distribution, handling, and overall drivability. This engine will likely become the backbone of Toyota’s future lineup, much like the old 2.5-liter once was.
Historically, Toyota engines were known for being smooth, quiet, and refined. Qualities that helped set them apart, even when they weren’t class leaders in performance. However, in recent years, many reviews have described the 2.4- and 2.5-liter engines as rough, noisy, and unrefined, especially under load or during aggressive acceleration. Even vehicles like the new 2026 RAV4 have drawn criticism in this area, which is honestly surprising given Toyota’s reputation. Hopefully, these new engines will mark a return to something better, particularly if the next Harrier ends up wearing a Lexus badge in the U.S., where refinement matters far more.
As for the design, the illustration suggests a fairly timid redesign, with conservative proportions and familiar surfacing. While that may appeal to existing buyers, it feels a bit too safe for a clean-sheet generation. Let’s hope Toyota is capable of something more ambitious than this.