Toyota Harrier is a luxury RAV4

Best described as an upmarket version of the Toyota RAV4, the fourth-generation Toyota Harrier has been revealed in Japan.

Not to be confused with the Tata Harrier, the new model is based on the same (TNGA-K) platform as the Toyota RAV4, Camry and Lexus ES. The Harrier is slightly longer than the RAV4 but shorter than the upcoming new-gen Toyota Kluger, which will arrive in Australia in early 2021.

Due to launch in Japan in June, the Toyota Harrier is unlikely to be sold in Australia. The RAV4 already covers the medium SUV segment for the brand, and is the top-seller in its class. The Harrier is also closer in execution to a Lexus than a Toyota.

The first two Toyota Harrier generations were essentially re-badged Lexus RX models and on occasion you can spot them on the road in Australia. But Toyota Australia says the new mid-size luxury SUV has Buckley's chance of coming Down Under.

"The Harrier is definitely not on the radar for Australia at stage," a Toyota spokesperson told carsales.com.au.

"It's traditionally a model we haven't received here and realistically that's Lexus territory, not Toyota."

In terms of size, the Toyota Harrier measures 4740mm long and 1855mm wide, making it 140mm longer but the same width as the RAV4. Both vehicles have the same 2690mm wheelbase too.

Apart from a more sophisticated look, the stretched RAV4 brings a range of new technologies including a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), a digital interior mirror that transmits front and rear views and a 'smart glass' panoramic sunroof that dims at the touch of a button.

In Japan, powertrain options for the 2020 Toyota Harrier include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (125kW/205Nm) and a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system (163kW/220Nm) similar to the RAV4 Hybrid’s.

Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered, hooked up to automatic (CVT) transmissions.

There's no talk of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power for the Harrier yet, and although there is a PHEV version of its sibling, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the latter is not coming to Australia due to the significant price premium it would incur.

However, the Toyota RAV4's prestige sibling that is sold in Australia, Lexus NX, is looking increasingly likely to be offered with a plug-in hybrid option.

Lexus has just trademarked the NX 450h+ nameplate, which is expected to appear on a new-generation plug-in hybrid variant to sit alongside the regular NX 300h hybrid when the new model launches sometime in 2021 or 2022.