Crown Sport vs Harrier: Both priced at RM300,000, which is the better choice?

【PCauto】With a budget in the region of RM 300k, you’re spoilt for choice—from the Mazda CX-60 and Lexus NX to entry-level German SUVs.

But if you narrow the scope to Toyota, then there are only two options left.

The Harrier stands as Toyota’s most established urban luxury SUV, with a stable image and complete functionality.

In contrast, the Crown Sport is completely different; it is not one of Toyota's mainstream models. Instead, it serves as a bold showcase for design and technology within the Crown family.

The Harrier follows a very clear design philosophy. Its body lines are smooth and restrained, with stretched proportions and no exaggerated creases. The sweeping, driver-focused centre console and large leather-wrapped surfaces create a serene and premium cabin ambiance.

The Crown Sport takes an almost entirely different approach. With its wide body, highly aggressive front-end design, exaggerated front and rear fenders, and 21-inch wheels, it unapologetically draws attention visually.

Many people at first glance think not of a traditional Toyota, but of something akin to the Ferrari Purosangue, with performance-oriented SUV proportions and stance.

If the Harrier belongs in front of a luxury hotel or country club, the Crown Sport is made for making a statement on city streets.

Despite their contrasting styles, both models share the TNGA-K platform foundation, diverging primarily in their tuning.

The Harrier, available through official channels, is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a Direct Shift-CVT transmission. The power delivery is linear, the throttle response is gentle, and the system's presence is not strong, making it more tailored for quiet driving.

In the reconstituted (Recon) parallel import market, the mainstream Crown Sport variant features Toyota’s 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain (A25A-FXS) with E-Four all-wheel drive.

The acceleration response when the electric motor engages and the mid-range acceleration are noticeably more direct than the Harrier. More importantly, it is equipped with a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system, which is uncommon among SUVs in the same price range. Therefore, the Crown Sport offers better turning radius and rear-end tracking performance.

When practicality is the priority, the Harrier’s advantages come to the fore.

Its rear headroom is more spacious, the window areas are larger, offering better visibility for passengers; the boot has a regular opening, and its height and depth are more user-friendly, making it easier to load prams or large suitcases without tricky manoeuvres.

Additionally, with Harrier's consistently comfort-oriented suspension setup, it is easier to maintain a quiet and smooth ride on long trips.

The Crown Sport’s challenge lies not in absolute dimensions, but in how its design prioritises style over space efficiency. The coupe-style roof makes the rear headroom more cramped, and the trunk lines have been compromised for visual tension. The chassis feedback is also tighter, maintaining more road feel than the Harrier.

As it is officially imported by UMW Toyota, the Harrier comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, a nationwide service network, and a stable supply of parts. Because of this, it remains a solid choice in the second-hand market, with a clear resale value trend.

The Crown Sport, however, is currently only available through parallel import (Recon) channels. This means the warranty is handled by a third party, and some exclusive parts (such as 21-inch tires, exterior components, specific electronic modules) require waiting periods, with higher costs as well.

If you're looking for a family SUV that offers worry-free, long-term usage, the Harrier is definitely the choice. It may not be thrilling, but it is a profoundly dependable companion built for the long haul.

If you desire something that stands out from the crowd, with greater emphasis on design flair, driving engagement, and novel technology, then the Crown Sport presents a compelling and distinctive alternative within this price bracket.