The all-new Toyota Harrier was launched in Japan last week. The Camry-based (TNGA-K platform) D-segment SUV will go on sale in Japan in June this year but don’t expect it to be launched in Malaysia before 2021.

Currently, there’s only one standard styling package for the Harrier but fans can expect a sportier GR Sport variant to join the Harrier range next year. Recall that the previous generation Harrier was available in Japan with GR Sport styling and handling upgrades.

You may think of Toyota’s GR Sport as an equivalent to Mercedes-Benz AMG Line, with the GR series models like the GR Yaris and GR Supra as equivalents to pure AMG-only models like the AMG GT.

The previous generation Harrier GR Sport had a unique White Pearl Crystal Shine colour option, different bumpers, as well as GR Sport suspension and exhaust.

Unlike AMG Line models (or even BMW’s M Performance), Toyota’s GR Sport models include chassis upgrades not done on its German counterparts, upgrading not just the suspension and brakes, but also additional welding points and braces for a stiffer body.

Inside, the Harrier GR Sport had faux carbon fibre inserts, smaller diameter GR Sport steering and GR Sport dials.

This particular rendering of the upcoming Toyota Harrier GR Sport is done by a Japanese guy that goes by the name Mrくるま.

His imagination of the Harrier GR Sport involves incorporating styling cues from the Toyota GR Yaris homologation World Rally Championship car.

The previous generation Harrier GR Sport was a Japan-only model but since this all-new generation Toyota Harrier is now a global model (to be sold as Toyota Venza in USA), there is a high chance that this GR Sport variant will be made available in other countries as well.

What do you think about the prospects of a GR Sport Harrier in Malaysia? Don’t expect it to be cheap though. The outgoing generation Toyota Harrier currently sells from RM 243,000 to RM 266,000.

That’s very close to the transaction price of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 200. The GLC 200 is priced at RM 299,888 but as you know, few Mercedes-Benz models are sold at their list price without discounts.

However, keep in mind that the all-new Toyota Harrier will drop the outgoing model’s 2.0-litre turbocharged 231 PS 8AR-FTS shared with the Lexus NX and RX. Instead, it will use two Dynamic Force naturally aspirated engines: 2.0-litre M20A-FKS, 2.5-litre hybrid A25A-FXS.