User:Kevyy/Toyota Harrier

The Toyota Harrier is a sports utility vehicle (SUV) sold since 1998 by Toyota. Two generations of the Toyota Harrier have been produced. In the United States, the Toyota Harrier is under the name of the Lexus RX. In 2008, the third generation Lexus RX appeared at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Toyota Harrier was discontinued in 2010 with sales being held due to the third generation Lexus RX.

First generation 1998-2000 In December 1997, the first generation Toyota Harrier was made available (codename SXU10 and MCU10 for the front wheel drive models, and SXU15 and MCU15 for the all wheel drive models). Two engines were used for the Toyota Harrier either a 2.2 L (SXU10 and SXU15) which produced 140 horsepower, or a 3.0 L V6 (MCU10 and MCU15) which produced 220 horsepower. All models used a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus RX300 debuted in March 1998 and was powered by a 3.0 L V6, which was also used in the Toyota Harrier.

In Japan, the first generation Toyota Harrier was a success since Lexus wasn't popular in Japan. In November 2000, the Toyota Harrier went through minor changes one of them being the introduction of the 2.4 L producing 160 horsepower which replaced the 2.2 L version. The engine was also offered with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive, which meant a change in the model code which became ACU10 for front wheel drive, and ACU15 for all wheel drive.

2000-2003 For the 2001 model year, the Toyota Harrier was updated. It was given a face lift as well as "Altezza lights". In 2001, the Toyota Harrier gained more options which included a navigation system. Some Harrier's had leather seats, sunroof and cruise control, but these options were present in all Lexus RX300 models.

There were minor differences that separated the Toyota Harrier from the Lexus RX300. One of these differences was the Toyota Harrier has a fender mirror on the left side whereas the Lexus RX300 doesn't. Other than the minor differences, they are the same car.

Second generation 2003-2009 In February 2003, the second generation Toyota Harrier was introduced (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front wheel drive models and ACU35 and MCU35 for the all wheel drive models). The mechanical specifications were very similar to the first generation Toyota Harrier with the same engine and drivetrain combinations (2.4 L and 3.0 L V6 with or without all wheel drive). The difference was the 3.0 L V6 had a 5-speed automatic transmission and the option of "AIRS" air suspension was made available on the 3.0 L version only.

In March 2005, the Toyota Harrier Hybrid was made available and went on sale in Japan. It was first offered in an all wheel drive with a new 3.3 L V6 which produced 230 horsepower, then front wheel drive models became available (codename MHU33 and MHU38). The Toyota Harrier Hybrid improved in fuel economy and produced lower emissions as well as greater power. Air suspension ("AIRS") was also an option on the Hybrid version. The interior of the second generation Toyota Harrier included TV/Navigation with a backing up camera, DVD player, sunroof, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, and eight airbags. An "Alcantara" version was also available.

In 2006, the Toyota Harrier received a new engine which was a 3.5 L V6 producing 273 horsepower (codename GSU30 for the front wheel drive models, and GSU35 for the all wheel drive models). The Toyota Harrier also featured an updated navigation system with improved graphics and voice control. However, the voice control doesn't respond unless the owner can speak Japanese in which it was useless to owners who couldn't speak Japanese. The model years from 2007-2009 remained unchanged.

Due to the production of the third generation Lexus RX, the production of the Toyota Harrier has been ceased. Since the popularity of Lexus had risen rapidly, Toyota decided to only sell the third generation of the Lexus RX. The new Lexus RX is no longer under the dealership of Toyota.