Toyota Kluger: Hijacked by hybrid

What is it?

Toyota Kluger is a semi-luxury family SUV that will celebrate 21 years on the Australian market later this year.

Like most other model updates Kluger has grown in size progressively through its life and the latest (fourth) generation.

The latest model, launched here in mid-2021, is no exception coming in at just under five metres in length.

Kluger received an upgrade in early 2023 that saw the previous, thirsty, V6 petrol engine replaced by a more fuel efficient 2.4-litre turbocharged four.

That engine has now been replaced by a 2.5-litre hybrid system across the range.

Interestingly, the Kluger name is only used in Japan and Australia.

It’s called the Highlander in all other markets — but that name had already been taken here by Hyundai for some of its top-spec variants.

What’s it cost?

There are three trim levels in the Kluger range: GX, GXL and Grande, and all are now and all-wheel drive.

Prices, excluding on-road costs, range from $54,420 for the GX FWD petrol to $82,860 for the hybrid Grande.

Standard equipment across the range includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and seven USB ports.

GXL and Grande models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation with the latest generation multimedia system.

The Grande Hybrid that we tested adds a panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate, front seat ventilation, head-up display, 360-degree all-round view monitor, leather-accented seats and 11-speaker JBL premium audio.

Aimed clearly at family buyers, styling is neat and attractive without anything that’s likely to turn heads.

The large stacked trapezoidal grille has the Toyota badge at the top centre with a blue trim to identify the hybrid’s electric component.

The grille is complemented by slimline LED light clusters with integrated daytime running lights and LED fog lights.

In profile it displays a tapered roofline with integrated rear spoiler, rising belt line and windows with blacked-out B-pillars.

Side mirrors have been moved lower on the door panel to improve forward visibility and reduce blind spots.

The rear follows through with a wide stance, slim LED tail lights and large lower skid plate.

GX and GXL ride on 18-inch alloys, the Grande gets 20-inch Chromtec wheels.

Kluger GX has an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, GXL and Grande get 12.3-inch displays.

Phone call, cruise control, audio and some driver assistance features are easily accessed via fingertip controls on the leather-accented steering wheel.

All variants come with Blutooth, digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven USB ports (five in the front, two in the rear),

GX and GXL get six speaker sound, Grande scores a premium 11-speaker JBL unit.

Built-n navigation is standard on the GXL and Grande.

As expected, Kluger gets the maximum 5-star ANCAP rating with standard features that include autonomous emergency braking that can detect oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

All models are fitted with a reversing camera that includes a camera cleaning system activated via the rear screen washer switch.

In GXL versions, the camera display offers normal and wide-angle images and incorporates active guidelines.

There is a 360-degree surround view camera, but only in the Grande.

Other safety features across the range include seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and Isofix child anchors in the outer rear seats.

What’s it go like?

The interior features premium materials and soft touch surfaces.

The dashboard houses the instrument cluster, a large central 12.3-inch touchscreen display and separate air-conditioning and audio controls.

The lower centre console incorporates the transmission lever, drive and AWD mode select switchgear if needed, electronic park brake and two large cupholders.

Storage throughout the cabin includes a 15-litre centre console box, overhead glasses holder, front door bins with 700ml bottle holders, rear door bins with two 700ml bottle holders and eight cupholders.

Two large shelves, one in front of the passenger the other in the centre of the dashboard are perfect for storing phones, wallets, keys etc.

There’s excellent head and legroom in the second-row seats which can slide forward to increase third-row legroom.

Middle row passengers also get ceiling-mounted air vents, air-conditioning, controls and two USB-C ports.

Boot space with all seats in place is a reasonable 241 litres.

With the third-row seats folded flat, this increases to 552 litres, while folding the second row 60/40-split seat back as well provides 1150 litres.

The rear hatch offers easy access to the expanded luggage space with power operation for GXL and a ‘kick sensor’ for the Grande that allows the hatch to be opened and closed hands-free.

A removable luggage cover, standard on all models, can be stored under the floor when not in use.

With the launch of the fourth-generation Kluger in 2021 it became the eighth Toyota model to be powered by a hybrid drivetrain.

Kluger Hybrid combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with three electric motors that generate a combined output of 184kW including 142kW from the engine.

Peak torque is 242Nm.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via a CVT-style automatic transmission.

There are three drive modes: Sport, Normal and Eco, selectable via a lever on the centre console.

Built on the same Toyota New Global Architecture platform as the RAV4 and Camry, Kluger delivers a balance of ride and handling, resulting in a premium feel on the road.

Although it is offered with all-wheel drive, Kluger isn’t a serious off-road vehicle.

The similarly-sized Prado fills that gap in the Toyota range.

Rather it’s aimed at those looking for a medium to large station wagon to carry the family.

Compared with the previous generation, the current model offers a substantial improvement in driving stability, roadholding and comfort on all surfaces, thanks to newly developed front and rear suspension setups that provide responsive, smooth handling.

Ride comfort is also enhanced by a new Body Control system that controls drive torque to minimise vehicle pitching due to road surface irregularities.

Steering is responsive with nice feedback.

With a 65-litre tank, combined fuel consumption is listed as 5.6L/100km and it takes premium 95 unleaded.

We averaged 6.8 during our week of testing.

Kluger is covered by the Toyota Warranty Advantage, which provides 5-year unlimited kilometre coverage, extending to seven-years on engine and driveline provided that logbook servicing has been maintained on time at any authorised mechanic.

What we like?

• Comfortable
• Premium feel
• Seven-seater
• panoramic sunroof
• Low fuel consumption

What we don’t like?

• Not a serious off-road vehicle

The bottom line?

With more than two decades behind it Kluger has established itself as one of the best seven-seat family SUVs on the Australian market.

It’s spacious without being cumbersome with quality materials and fittings.

Any lack of performance in the powertrain is made up for in smooth running and hybrid-based fuel efficiency.

Comfort and low road noise makes Kluger a perfect long-distance cruiser.

 

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