The Toyota Harrier is one of Toyota’s best selling JDM midsized cross over SUV that separated from the platform of Lexus RX in 2013 has gotten a new upgrade. It will now have the very same 2.0ltr turbo from the Lexus NX200t cross over. This engine is the 8AR-FTS that 235 bhp and 350Nm. Even better the toyota harrier will feature a 4WD system with what we believe will also feature a torque-vectoring control (similar to what the Ford Focus RS ST) has. Meaning, it will balance the torque independently to all four of its wheels by reading the speed of the rotating wheels and help attain the perfect grip as the car is going around corners or elevations on the road.

The 8AR-FTS engine is somewhat similar to what we have seen in the 2017 C-HR which we saw earlier this year in Bangladesh. The 8NR-FTS is also a turbo with 1.2 liters and 4 cylinder. Now by saying similar we do not mean it has the same displacement or output but somewhat in the same engine category as the engine codes seems to be in the same specification. We believe anything that toyota is introducing that starts with 8*R-FTS will feature a twin scroll liquid cooled turbo. The 1.2 ltr 8NR-FTS produces better torque than a 1.8 that toyotas have (the 2zrfae for example) and is as efficient as its current on going 1nzfe. Therefore this engine may very well replace a lot of JDM smaller displacement N/A engines that toyota have right now. The engine cover will have the letter D-4ST meaning Direct injection 4-stroke with turbo.









This is also the case for the 8AR-FTS. The Nx200t is a lexus and is a pretty quick cross over with very sporty Lexus suspension, handling and performance features. This engine is gong alongside the 3zrfae N/A but we do hope it will soon be replacing this engine in future. The new engine also powers the RC200t, the JDM 2.0ltr crown and the IS200t as well.

This is indeed good news for Harrier buyers in Bangladesh as now it has the engine it deserves. The harriers were termed slow and sluggish mainly because of the weight and the engine it was given. The transmission was also a Super CVTi- but with the new engine it will feature a new a 6 speed super ECT with 4WD/FWD option.

A 235bhp and 350Nm in a harrier is significant improvement as well as with the 4WD option with torque vectoring control.

Check out the 8AR-FTS animation from the Lexus NX200t

Image source: Toyota.jp

Co-founder, Editor, photographer and an absolute automaniac!