Should I not buy a new Harrier? Reasons to regret and what to look out for before buying

Toyota's popular SUV, the Harrier. In particular, the current (4th generation) model, which appeared in 2020, has maintained high popularity since its release due to its sleek coupe-like design and high-quality interior and exterior. There are many opportunities to see them in the city, and many people may have a longing to become a Harrier someday.

However, on the other hand, there are also negative voices on the Internet that are worrisome, such as "I should not buy the new Harrier" or "I regretted buying it." The Harrier has a good design and is supposed to be popular, so why is it even said that you shouldn't buy it?

Perhaps there are hidden elements that cannot be covered by the attractiveness of the appearance alone, disadvantages that you will notice after purchase, or that will be a major point of dissatisfaction for certain users. For example, the size is larger than expected and it is difficult to drive, the rear seat and luggage space are surprisingly narrow, the ride feels stiff, the power is not enough, or some equipment is difficult to use... There are many possible reasons for this.

In this article, we will thoroughly examine the specific reasons why people say that they should not buy a new Harrier and the points that may lead to regret after purchase, referring to user reviews and reviews.

Then, we will explain in detail what you should always check before purchasing so that you do not regret it, and the criteria for determining whether the Harrier really suits your lifestyle, with related keywords. Let's know the disadvantages that are easy to overlook because it is a popular car and choose a smart car.

Thorough examination of the reason why it is said that the new Harrier "should not be bought"!

Reason (1) "too big" size? Anxiety in parking and narrow streets

Reason (1) "too big" size? Anxiety in parking and narrow streets
Reason (2) Narrowness of the rear seat and luggage space Dissatisfied with those who value practicality?
Reason (3) Is the ride stiff? Is it okay to feel like you're pushing up from the road surface?
Reason (4) Do you feel a lack of power? Acceleration performance, especially of gasoline models
Reason (5) Dissatisfaction with detailed equipment such as unique turn signal position
Reason (6) Is the pricing expensive? Cospa seen in comparison with rival cars

• The overall width of 1,855 mm is large in the road environment of Japan, and there are situations where you need to be careful when driving
• Passing each other on narrow roads and feeling awkward in parking lots
• In particular, when switching from a compact car, there is a large gap in the sense of size

One of the reasons why there is an opinion that "you should not buy" the new Harrier is its "body size", especially the "overall width size". The current (fourth-generation) Harrier has a total width of about 1,855 mm, which is by no means compact for general roads and parking lots in Japan.

People who have actually become owners or have taken a test drive have said that they are more careful when driving because they are bigger than they thought, that they are afraid of passing each other on narrow roads, and that they are careful about the car next to them in the parking lot.

Especially If a person who has been driving a mini car or compact car switches to a Harrier, they may be confused by the size gap and feel stressed driving. It may be difficult to get a sense of the width of the car on the left side, and you may find it difficult to drive until you get used to it, because you need to be aware of the difference between the inside wheels.

Also In urban areas, it may not be possible to enter mechanical parking lots with width restrictions (often 1,850 mm or less). If your home parking lot is small, you should also check the size before buying. Of course, if you take advantage of driver assistance functions (such as a panoramic view monitor) and get used to driving, you will be able to handle it without problems in many cases.

however For those who frequently drive on narrow roads on a daily basis, or for those who have a strong sense of weakness in driving large cars, There is no denying that the size of this Harrier can be a reason why you should not buy it, or even cause you to regret it after buying it.

After all, it's a neck that it's wide ... Many roads in Japan are narrow, and parking lots are at the edge. Even though there is driving assistance, it seems tiring to be careful every time. I may not be able to do it ...

Reason (2) Narrowness of the rear seat and luggage space Dissatisfied with those who value practicality?

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• As a compensation for the sleek design, the overhead space in the rear seats is slightly tight
• The luggage space is also one of the smallest among SUVs in its class
• It may not be enough for family use or for applications that carry a lot of luggage

The beautiful coupe-like design of the new Harrier is a big attraction, but on the other hand, the interior space, especially the "rear seats" and "luggage space", are a little unsatisfactory, which is one of the reasons why people say "don't buy it".

First of all, the back seat, Since the roofline is designed to go down toward the rear, there is not much room for overhead space (head clearance). If a tall person sits down, they may feel a sense of pressure and, in some cases, their head may touch the ceiling. There is relatively plenty of legroom, but the overall spaciousness is not particularly noteworthy.

Next is the cargo space, which is also influenced by the design, and is in the smaller category compared to rival SUVs in the same class (such as the RAV4). There is no problem if it is about daily shopping, When loading large luggage for a family trip, golf bags, strollers, etc., you may feel that there is a lack of space and you will need to devise a way to load it. If you fold down the rear seats, the space will increase, but it will not be completely flat.

Thus, in exchange for a stylish design, the Harrier is a model that requires a certain amount of splitting, especially in terms of practicality, especially in terms of spaciousness. If If you want to prioritize spacious interior space as a family car, or if you want to load a lot of luggage outdoors, The Harrier may not live up to your expectations and you may feel "sorry for buying it", so you may want to consider other car models (e.g. RAV4, minivan, etc.).

Reason (3) Is the ride stiff? Is it okay to feel like you're pushing up from the road surface?

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• Contrary to the design and driving image, the voice feels that the ride quality is stiff
• Opinions that point out a feeling of lumpiness and thrusting, especially at low speeds and rough road surfaces
• Grade (especially F SPORT) and tire size (inches) also play a role

The Harrier can be said to be a sibling of the Lexus NX, but it seems that its ride quality is not always evaluated as "comfortable". Some users and critics have also expressed somewhat negative opinions, such as "The ride is harder than I expected" and "It picks up unevenness on the road surface easily, and I am worried about the feeling of pushing up."

Especially It has been pointed out that when driving in the city at low speeds, when passing rough pavement, uneven surfaces, bumps, etc., it is easy to feel lumpy hardness and vibrations and shocks transmitted to the inside of the car. This may be due to the characteristics of the TNGA platform (GA-K) used in the new Harrier, the suspension settings, or the tires installed.

In addition, the impression of ride quality may change depending on the grade. For example, if you're wearing a "Z" grade that emphasizes sporty driving performance or optional larger-diameter wheels (e.g., 19 inches), the ride tends to feel stiffer than the standard grade (e.g., 'G'). Of course, the feeling of ride comfort is very subjective. Whether you feel "stiff" or "firm and sporty" depends largely on your personal preferences and experience.

However, if you, Anyway, if you are looking for a soft, flat, and comfortable ride that prioritizes comfort, There is a possibility that the Harrier's ride will not meet your expectations and you will regret that it was not supposed to be like this. Before buying, we strongly recommend that you always take a test drive and see for yourself how comfortable it is to ride in various road conditions.

Some people say that the ride is stiff. It looks supple, but is it surprisingly lumpy? It seems to change depending on the grade and tires, so you have to check it carefully with a test drive.

Reason (4) Do you feel a lack of power? Acceleration performance, especially of gasoline models

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• The 2.0L naturally aspirated gasoline model may feel unsatisfactory in terms of power performance
• Voices pointing out the lack of power on highways, overtaking, and uphill roads
• The hybrid model also has modest absolute power

The new Harrier is available with two main powertrains: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 2.5-liter hybrid system (a PHEV is also available). Of these, especially for gasoline models, there are some voices that "feel insufficient power".

The Harrier is a mid-size SUV with a decent curb weight. On the other hand, the maximum output and torque of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine are not powerful at all. Therefore, Even if it is enough for city riding, when merging onto a highway, overtaking acceleration, or on a steep uphill road, It seems that there are users who are dissatisfied with the power performance, such as "Even if you step on the accelerator, it does not accelerate as expected" or "The engine only growls and there is no power".

Especially when riding with a large number of people or carrying a lot of luggage, the lack of power may be more pronounced. As for the hybrid model, the motor assist makes starting and accelerating smoother and more powerful than the gasoline model.

however It also does not have absolute power, and if you expect a sporty acceleration feeling, you may feel a little unsatisfied. If you're more concerned about a snappy and powerful ride, the Harrier's power performance may disappoint and be one of the reasons why you shouldn't buy it. (In the past, there was also a turbo model, but the current model does not).

Again, in this regard, During the test drive, we carefully check the acceleration performance in conditions under load, such as highways and slopes. It's important to determine if you're at the level you're looking for.

Reason (5) Dissatisfaction with detailed equipment such as unique turn signal position

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• It was pointed out that the rear turn signal (turn signal) is located at the bottom of the bumper, making it difficult to see from the following vehicle
• Dissatisfaction with the operability of the navigation system and some functions (e.g., DVD playback is not possible)
• It's a small detail, but it can be stressful in everyday use.

Some of the complaints about the new Harrier are not only the basics, such as driving performance and space, but also the details of the specific equipment. A typical example is the position of the rear turn signal.

In the new Harrier, perhaps for design reasons, the rear turn signal lamps are located at the bottom of the bumper, rather than in the tail lamp unit, rather low. For this position, There are many concerns and complaints about safety, such as "It may be difficult to see from the following vehicle" and "Visibility may be poor, especially from trucks with a high ride height." It may be stylish as a design, but considering its original functionality as a turn signal, it is also true that there are some questionable opinions.

In addition, in the interior area, a large display audio is adopted, but some users may complain about its "operability". The touch panel operation is the mainstay, but it seems that there are cases where the hierarchy is deep or the response is sluggish.

In addition It is a common trend for Toyota and Lexus cars in recent years, but it is not equipped with a CD / DVD player. The inability to play disc media can also be a frustration for some people. Each of these points may seem like a small problem.

However, in using the car on a daily basis, When these small inusability and points of concern accumulate, It can be stressful and lead to feelings of "I regret buying it." Before purchasing, it is important to actually touch and check these details.

The position of the turn signal, that's certainly low! I've been running behind and I'm like, "Wow, where is the light?" Maybe it's a design priority, but I wonder what it would be like to think about safety. It may be inconvenient not to be able to watch DVDs.

Reason (6) Is the pricing expensive? Cospa seen in comparison with rival cars

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• The price range of the Harrier is slightly higher than any other domestic SUV in its class
• Considering the equipment contents, you may feel that rival cars are more cost-effective
• Especially if you add options, the price range is within reach for Lexus NX and others

The reason why the new Harrier is said not to be bought may also be related to the evaluation of "pricing".

The Harrier is positioned as a high-end model among SUVs under the Toyota brand, and its price range is slightly higher than that of domestic rivals in its class (e.g., the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester). Of course, the Harrier has a design, interior and exterior texture, and brand image that are worth the price.

however When compared purely in terms of specifications such as equipment content and driving performance, Some users seem to feel that rival cars have higher cost performance. For example, if you're in the same price range, your rival may have a more powerful engine or come standard with more comfort features.

In addition, the Harrier is available in a number of attractive manufacturer options, If you add these to the mix, the total payment will be quite high. In some cases, the price range may be within reach of the entry grade of the Lexus NX, and some people are weighing it against "Wouldn't it be better to buy the NX then?"

Whether or not you feel that the pricing of the Harrier is commensurate with its value (design, texture, brand power, etc.) depends on your personal values. however For users who value value for money, The price of the Harrier may seem "expensive" and may be a factor that makes you hesitate to buy it, or regret that you should have bought it for another car after purchase.

In order not to regret it! Points to note before purchasing a new Harrier and judgment criteria

Does it fit my usage? Matching with lifestyle

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• Calmly think about whether the Harrier suits your lifestyle and the way you use the car
• Mainly who will drive, who will carry it, and what kind of luggage will be loaded
• Clarify your priorities for design or practicality

In order not to regret buying a new Harrier, the first and most important thing is to think calmly about whether the Harrier really suits your lifestyle and the way you use the car. No matter how popular a car is, if it doesn't suit your usage, you'll be less satisfied.

Let's be specific. The first is "Who will mainly drive?" If you are not used to driving or are worried about driving a large car, the size of the Harrier may be a bottleneck.

The next question is, "Who do you often carry on board?" If you need to always put a large number of people in the back seat, or if you need to install multiple child seats, It can feel cramped in the rear seat space of the Harrier.

And then there's the question, "What kind of luggage do you often carry and how much do you often carry?" If you frequently load outdoor gear, large sports equipment, strollers, etc., the Harrier's cargo space may not be enough.

With these points in mind, it's important to clarify your priorities of what you want most from a car. If you, If you're willing to sacrifice some practicality but still prioritize stylish design and a high-quality feel, the Harrier is one of the best options for you.

However, if you value a spacious interior, a load capacity that can carry a lot of luggage, or absolute power, You could say that the Harrier is a car that you "shouldn't buy" or that you may regret after buying it. It is important to objectively compare your needs with the characteristics of the Harrier.

Certainly, no matter how cool it is, it's meaningless if it doesn't suit your usage. If you don't think about your family structure and what kind of luggage you usually carry, you're likely to regret it. Priorities are important.

A test drive is a must! Experience the size, ride comfort, and power

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• Check the sensory parts that you can't understand from catalogs and reviews alone
• Check the view from the driver's seat, the sense of the width of the vehicle, and the ability to turn around
• Evaluate the stiffness of the ride and the feeling of power during acceleration with your own senses

Even if the Harrier is a candidate based on your lifestyle, it doesn't end there. The next mandatory step to take is a test drive.

It is extremely important to experience the actual "ride quality" and "sensory part" for yourself, which cannot be understood only from catalog specs and reviews on the Internet. For a test drive, first sit in the driver's seat, adjust the driving position, and check the visibility. Check the ease of viewing the front, rear, left and right, blind spots due to pillars, etc. Then, try to actually drive it to see how it feels.

With regard to the overall width, which is particularly worrisome, I judge by my own sense whether it is easy to get a sense of the width of the vehicle and whether it is safe to drive on narrow roads. If possible, try small turning performance such as U-turns.

Next, there is the "ride quality". Drive on various road conditions (paved roads, rough roads, bumps, etc.) and check whether the stiffness, thrusting feeling, vibration, etc. are at a level that is comfortable for you. It is a good idea to be aware of the feeling, especially at low speeds.

And then there's the feeling of power. Ideally, you should be able to start and accelerate in the city, but also merge and overtake on bypasses and highways, and try slopes. Check whether you are dissatisfied with the response when you step on the accelerator, the extension of acceleration, the engine noise, etc. If you can test drive both the petrol and hybrid models, you can clearly see the differences.

The test drive is This is the most important opportunity to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the Harrier with your own senses. Let's find out through this test drive whether the points that are said to be "not to buy" are acceptable for you or whether they are still worrisome.

Be sure to check the practicality of the rear seats and luggage space Actually sit and load

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• In addition to the test drive, we also confirmed the comfort of the rear seats and the usability of the luggage space in the actual car
• Actually sit in the back seat and experience the spaciousness and pressure
• Check the size and shape of the luggage space, the state of the rear seats folded down, etc.

At the same time as checking the driving sensation during a test drive, you should never forget to see, touch, and try the practicality of the "rear seat" and "luggage space" with your own eyes in an actual car. Be sure to check whether this part, which is often pointed out as a weakness of the Harrier, is at a level that is not a problem for your use before purchasing.

First of all, the back seats. With the driver's position adjusted to your own, try to actually sit in the back seat. Check for space around the knees, sufficient overhead clearance, and any pressure. If you're planning to use it as a family, ask your family to sit with you and ask them what they think. If you plan to install a car seat, it's best to make sure it's easy to install as well.

Next is the luggage compartment. Open the back door and check the width, depth, height, and shape. Check the storage space under the floor. And If possible, it is highly recommended that you bring any luggage that you might normally carry (strollers, golf bags, camping equipment, etc.) and see if you can actually load it.

The assumption that "it will probably be okay" is dangerous. If you also check the size of the rear seat with the back seat folded down and the flatness of the floor (whether there are steps) at that time, it will be easier to get an image of when loading large luggage. In order not to regret things such as "The design is great, but it's still too narrow ..." or "I can't go out with my family ..." This practicality check is just as important a step as a test drive.

Checking the rear seats and luggage compartment is really important! You can't tell just from a test drive. If you actually sit down and say, "It's narrow!", or if you load your luggage and say, "I can't fit in...", you'll be glad you noticed it before you bought it.

Don't regret choosing a grade option

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• Clarify your budget and necessary equipment, and choose the most suitable grade
• Manufacturer options cannot be retrofitted, so be carefully considered
• In particular, the driver assistance system option is also useful for relieving size anxiety

In order not to regret the purchase of a new Harrier, it is also important to choose the grade and options. The Harrier is available in several grades (e.g., S, G, Z, etc.). Gasoline and hybrid), each with different standard equipment and interior texture. There are also a number of attractive manufacturer options available.

First of all, after clarifying the upper limit of your budget, Make a list of the equipment you definitely want and the equipment you would love to have. For example, the degree of safety equipment, the presence or absence of genuine leather seats, the size of the navigation screen, the presence or absence of a sunroof, etc.

Then, compare the standard equipment and price of each grade and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. If you're looking for a lower price, the "G" grade is a good choice, and if you're looking for more luxurious equipment, the "Z" grade (including the leather package) is a good choice.

Next, let's consider manufacturer options. Manufacturer options are installed at the factory, so they basically cannot be added later. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully determine whether it is necessary before signing a contract.

Especially If you're worried about the size of your Harrier, driver assistance options such as panoramic view monitors and digital inner mirrors are some of the amenities you'll want to consider so you won't regret it. The addition of these options will increase the price, but it will also give you peace of mind and reduce the stress of daily driving. The choice of grade and options largely determines the satisfaction of the car.

Consult with the person in charge of the dealership, and check the actual equipment with a test drive. Determine what you really need and choose the specifications that make sense to you.

Check delivery dates and discount status Impact on purchase plans

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• Due to the popularity of the model, the delivery time may be prolonged
• Discounts tend to be basically reluctant
• Check with your dealer for the most up-to-date information and incorporate it into your purchase plan

Once the specifications of the vehicle have been decided, the next thing to worry about is the "delivery date" and "discount". These are also important factors that influence your purchase plan.

First of all, the delivery time, since the Harrier is a very popular car model, it may take several months or more to deliver depending on the time of year and grade. Especially During periods such as the semiconductor shortage, delivery delays of more than one year occurred. The current delivery time is always fluctuating, so be sure to check with your dealer for updates before signing a contract. If you need a car right away, the long delivery time can also be a reason to abandon the purchase.

Next, let's talk about discounts. The Harrier, which is a popular car model, is basically not very aggressive in discounted sales. As for the policy of Toyota dealers as a whole, it is difficult to expect a large discount. Especially unless you are at the end of the model. It is not uncommon for discounts from the price of the vehicle itself to be tens of thousands of yen or even zero.

However, there is room for substantial negotiation in the form of discounts from dealer options (navigation, floor mats, coatings, etc.) or an increase in the appraised value of the trade-in vehicle. It may also be effective to aim for the timing of the fiscal year-end, or to get quotes from multiple dealers and compare them.

But don't expect too many discounts. Check with your dealer for the latest delivery date and a realistic discount (or service content). Based on these, it is important to make a final purchase plan (total payment and delivery time).

Delivery time and discounts? Harriers are popular, so I guess they're both tough. It's hard to wait months for something you want right away, and it's hard to get a discount. Timing and relationships with dealers are also going to be important.

Still, there is a lot of charm! Reaffirming the good points of the Harrier

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• Stylish design, high-quality interior and exterior are a big attraction
• Reliability and peace of mind of the Toyota brand
• Balanced driving performance and comfort for everyday use

So far, we have looked at the aspects of the new Harrier that may be said not to be bought, as well as the precautions. But, of course, the Harrier has a lot more than to make up for it. Otherwise, it would not be such a popular model.

Let's also reconfirm the good points of the Harrier. First of all, again, its "high level of design". The sleek and urban styling that sets it apart from other SUVs attracts many people and gives them the pleasure of ownership.

Next is the high quality of the interior and exterior. Considering the price range, it offers a very high-quality and high-end interior that will leave you feeling satisfied every time you ride.

And "trust in the Toyota brand" is also a big attraction. The high quality, durability, low number of breakdowns and the peace of mind of after-sales service thanks to the extensive dealer network are irreplaceable.

In addition, there is a "good balance between driving performance and comfort." It may not have outstanding performance, but it provides a well-made run that many people are less likely to feel dissatisfied with in various everyday scenes.

Fuel economy (especially hybrid) is also good. It is because of these attractions that the Harrier continues to be chosen by many people. When considering a purchase, In addition to the disadvantages and precautions, we will also evaluate these advantages firmly, For you, it is important to make a comprehensive judgment on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Summary: For whom is "Don't Buy"? Final Decision Points

Thank you and advice from the operator of this site.

Hello, I'm the operator of the "research before buying" group! Thank you for reading to the end of this article with the slightly worrisome title "Is it true that you shouldn't buy the new Harrier?"

Harrier, it's really cool, isn't it? It's no wonder it's so popular. However, no matter how popular a car is, there are still both positive aspects and aspects that make some people think, "Hmm...". Especially in the case of a car with a distinctive design, such as the Harrier, there are parts that are sacrificed for the sake of the design (for example, the spaciousness of the rear seats).

When I hear strong words like "don't buy it," I get nervous, but I think the point is like advice from seniors, such as "It may not be suitable for people who use it in this way" or "You may be dissatisfied with these points, so please check it properly before buying!"

Are the points listed in this article (size, spaciousness, ride quality, power, etc.) acceptable to you, or do you think, "No, that's a bit of a problem..."? The most important thing is to test drive and take a closer look at the actual car and see it for yourself.

And if you say, "I'm sure there are some things I'm interested in, but I still like this design!" or "This size of space is enough!" If you think so, it's okay to choose a Harrier with confidence! I'm sure he'll be a great companion.

On the other hand, if you feel, "Well, maybe it's not right for me after all...", don't overdo it and look for other options. Toyota has a lot of other great SUVs!

Don't be impatient, take your time, and be honest with your heart and lifestyle. We sincerely support you to choose the best car with no regrets!