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, launched here in mid-2021, and is no exception coming in at just under five metres in length.
Note that the Kluger name is only used in Japan and Australia. It’s the Highlander in all other markets but that name had already been taken by Hyundai for some of its
top-spec variants.
Kluger was given an upgrade in early 2023 that saw the previous, thirsty, V6 petrol engine replaced by a more fuel efficient 2.4-litre turbocharged four. It also added remote access through Toyota Connected Services and an enhanced multimedia system.
There are three trim levels in the Kluger range: GX, GXL and Grande. The GX is front drive only, while the GXL and Grande offer front and all-wheel drive and hybrid versions. 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 moonroof, hands-free operating power tailgate, front seat ventilation, head-up display, a 360-degree all-round view monitor, leather-accented seats and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
STYLING
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, the there’s a tapered roofline with integrated rear spoiler, rising beltline 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 taillights and large lower skid plate.
The GX and GXL ride on 18-inch alloys, the Grande gets 20-inch Chromtec wheels.
INTERIOR
The interior of Kluger 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 700 ml bottle holders, rear door bins with two 700 ml 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 leg room 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 reaches 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 luggage space deck when not in use.
INFOTAINMENT
Kluger GX has an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, GXL and Grande get 12.3-inch displays.
Inbuilt navigation is standard in the GXL and Grande.
Petrol models offer traditional tacho and speedo in the instrument cluster that, in GXL, offers a 7-inch MID to provide better visibility of vehicle functions and settings. 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 wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven USB ports (five in the front, two in the rear),
GX gets an 8-inch colour touchscreen, GXL and Grande step up to 12.3-inch screens.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
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 242 Nm with fuel usage listed at 5.6 litres per 100 km.
The 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine generates up to 198 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque between 1700 and 3000rpm.
The petrol engine drives through an 8-speed automatic transmission while the hybrid has continuously variable transmission.
There are three drive modes: Sport, Normal and Eco, selectable via a lever on the centre console.
SAFETY
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.
DRIVING
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 Kluger, the current model offers a substantial improvement in driving stability, roadholding and comfort on all surfaces thanks to newly developed front and rear suspension set-ups 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.
Combined fuel consumption is listed as 5.6 litres per 100 km. We averaged 6.8 during our week of testing.
Kluger is covered by the Toyota Warranty Advantage, which provides five-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.
SUMMARY
With more than two decades behind it Kluger has established itself as one of the best seven-seat family SUV 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.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 6/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
GX FWD 2.4-litre petrol: $54,420
GXL FWD 2.4-litre petrol: $63,940
Grande FWD 2.4-litre petrol: $75,880
GX AWD 2.4-litre petrol: $58,420
GXL AWD 2.4-litre petrol: $67,940
Grande AWD 2.4-litre petrol: $77,973
GX AWD 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid: $60,920
GXL AWD 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid $70,440
Grande AWD 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid: $82,860
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Kluger Grande 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid five-door seven-seat wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.487 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 142 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 242 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.7 L/100km
Emissions CO2: 202g/km
DRIVELINE: Continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive.
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4966 mm
Wheelbase: 2850 mm
Width: 1930 mm
Height: 1755 mm
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 2095 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
