- Toyota is said to be developing a next-gen Harrier in Japan, sparking Venza comeback rumors.
- The new model is expected to adopt a coupe-SUV design, distancing itself from the RAV4.
- The Japanese Harrier will likely launch in 2027 with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Toyota’s compact SUV lineup is getting a fresh shake-up, with the new RAV4 taking center stage since its debut earlier this month. But the Japanese automaker isn’t about to let the RAV4 have all the glory in this fiercely competitive segment.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f”);
}
});
More: The 2026 Toyota RAV4’s Evolution Is More Than Meets The Eye
Word on the street is that a new generation of the Venza is gearing up for a 2027 release, aiming to position itself as a sleeker, coupe-SUV alternative to Toyota’s best-selling, more mainstream RAV4.
A Quick Recap on the Venza
The second generation of the Venza debuted in 2020, making its return to Toyota’s North American lineup after a brief hiatus. This SUV is essentially a rebadged version of Japan’s fourth-gen Harrier, with styling that’s more in line with a Lexus than a Toyota. While based on the RAV4 Hybrid, the Venza straddled the line between the compact and midsize SUV classes.
But in 2024, Toyota pulled the plug on the Venza in America, and the Crown Signia stepped in as an indirect replacement. However, the Japanese-spec Harrier soldiered on and received updates for 2025, including a new Nightshade Edition.
A New Generation in the Works
According to a new report from Japanese outlet Best Car, Toyota is working on a new Harrier, which could pave the way for the Venza’s revival in the States. The next-gen Harrier is expected to sport a sleeker design, drifting away from the boxy, rugged RAV4 look and leaning into something more refined.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
}
});
New details suggest that the next Harrier will ride on a longer wheelbase at about 2,770 mm (109.1 inches), which is roughly 80 mm (3.1 inches) longer than the current version. Expect that extra space to translate into a more refined, car-like roof height of 1,550 mm (61 inches), improving its overall proportions. Toyota’s design team is also reportedly eyeing a more dramatic, sloping roofline, signaling a dive into coupe-SUV territory.
With an overall length of around 4,750 mm (187 inches), the new Harrier will be closer in size to premium coupe-SUVs like the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, and Audi Q5 Sportback.
More: Toyota’s New JDM Crown Estate Gets A Pull-Out Deck Chair And 302 HP
Inside, it is safe to assume that the new Harrier/Venza will be more premium than the RAV4, at least in terms of design and perceived quality. Tech upgrades could include a 12.9-inch infotainment display and the latest connectivity features along with more extensive over-the-air updates.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10”);
}
});
Carry-Over Underpinnings
In typical Toyota fashion, the next generation of the Venza is expected to retain the TNGA-K platform of its predecessor, albeit with a few upgrades. This platform also underpins a slew of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, including the RAV4, Crown Sport, Highlander, Grand Highlander, Lexus NX, RX, and TX.
In Japan, the Harrier will reportedly adopt a new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. This engine is designed to deliver improved efficiency and performance, with an added emphasis on electrification.
More: New RAV4 GR Sport Has More Power Than A GR Corolla
While it’s unclear whether Toyota will bring this turbocharged engine to North America, the Venza is likely to remain a hybrid-only affair, much like the current RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which offer up to 236 hp (239 PS) in front-wheel drive and 320 hp (324 PS) in all-wheel drive configurations.
Originally, Toyota planned to release this new Venza/Harrier generation in 2026, but delays caused by the company’s involvement in a safety scandal in Japan have pushed the timeline back. The SUV is now expected to arrive in 2027, when the current generation will already be seven years old.