UMW Toyota Launches New Harrier HEV – Now the Only Variant for Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor has officially rolled out the all-new Toyota Harrier Hybrid Electric (HEV) in Malaysia, marking a shift to a fully hybrid offering for the popular mid-size SUV. Notably, the two non-hybrid variants – the Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE and Harrier 2.0 Luxury – have been removed from UMW Toyota’s official website, making the new HEV the sole option for local buyers.

Priced at RM289,000 on-the-road without insurance, the new Harrier HEV commands a premium of RM12,000 over the former Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE and RM15,000 more than the now-delisted Harrier 2.0 Luxury. For Malaysian car buyers, this pricing positions the Harrier HEV in the mid-to-premium SUV segment, competing with other hybrid offerings in the local market.

Under the hood, the Harrier HEV is powered by Toyota’s fourth-generation series-parallel hybrid system – a setup well-suited for Malaysia’s urban and highway driving conditions. It pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (178 hp/221 Nm) with an electric motor (119 hp/202 Nm), delivering a combined output of 217 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT, which optimises efficiency by allowing the engine and motor to operate individually or together (in series or parallel mode) based on driving needs.

For local drivers conscious of fuel costs, the Harrier HEV boasts an impressive fuel consumption of just 4.7 L/100 km (NEDC) – a key selling point given Malaysia’s fluctuating petrol prices. This efficiency makes it ideal for daily commutes in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, as well as longer highway trips.

Externally, the Harrier HEV is nearly identical to its non-hybrid predecessor, with the only noticeable difference being the “HEV” emblem on the right side of the tailgate. It retains all the premium exterior features Malaysian buyers appreciate, including:

- Automatic Bi-LED projector headlights with LED turn signals and DRLs

- LED front/rear fog lamps and tailights

- Panoramic sunroof (perfect for Malaysia’s tropical views)

- Hands-free powered tailgate with kick-sensor (convenient for shopping trips)

- Auto retractable side mirrors with puddle lamps

- Automatic windshield wipers (useful during Malaysia’s frequent rain)

- RFID tag (for seamless toll access across the country)

Inside, the Harrier HEV offers a comfortable and tech-forward cabin tailored to local preferences. Key interior highlights include an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay (a must-have for most Malaysian drivers) and wired Android Auto, paired with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.5-inch heads-up display (HUD) for easy access to information.

Unlike the non-hybrid models, the HEV adds an EV drive mode – a practical feature for short, low-speed trips (like navigating crowded city streets) with zero emissions. It also retains three other drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) to suit different driving styles. Other notable interior features include:

- Leather upholstery and heated/ventilated front seats (ideal for Malaysia’s hot climate)

- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear aircon vents and Nanoe X air purifier (combats humidity and improves air quality)

- 12-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat

- Wireless charging pad and five USB Type-C ports (keeps devices powered on long drives)

- Digital rearview mirror and electronic parking brake (EPB)

- Heated multi-function steering wheel and six-speaker sound system

Safety is a top priority for Malaysian car buyers, and the Harrier HEV does not disappoint. It comes with seven airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) – a comprehensive suite of ADAS features designed to enhance safety on Malaysia’s roads. These include:

- Pre-collision system (PCS) to avoid or mitigate front-end collisions

- Lane departure alert (LDA) and lane tracing assist (LTA) for highway safety

- Dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC) for stress-free long drives

- Blind spot monitors (BSM) and parking support brake (PKSB) for urban parking

- Panoramic view monitor (PVM) and intelligent clearance sonar (ICS)

- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and digital video recorder (DVR) (a local favourite for security)

The Harrier HEV is available in three exterior colours: Grey Metallic, Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Precious Black. The latter two colours come with an additional RM800 charge – a common practice for premium paint options in Malaysia.

For peace of mind, UMW Toyota offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty for the vehicle, plus an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the hybrid battery pack, inverter, and power management control ECU. Local customers can also extend the battery and high-voltage components warranty by two years, bringing the total to 10 years – a reassuring feature for buyers considering a hybrid vehicle.

The new Toyota Harrier HEV is now available at all UMW Toyota showrooms nationwide, catering to Malaysian buyers seeking a fuel-efficient, premium SUV with advanced features and reliable after-sales support.