The Toyota Kluger shares its moniker with a German nickname meaning “the refined and clever one”, and is a masterclass in blending practicality with luxury. Tested here in its GXL Hybrid form, this 7-seat family SUV delivers great fuel economy in complete comfort.
Offered with all-wheel drive for when you need a little off road action, it’s inside where things are most impressive. A spacious haven for both front and second-row passengers, its third row is perfect for small children who will eventually graduate to the middle pews.
Our test car’s Galena Blue hue dazzles in the sunlight, morphing into a sophisticated grey by night. While personal taste in colours varies, a punchier red or blue would add even more flair.
The exterior design is a harmonious blend of shapes and trims – neither too angular nor too soft – just right. The modern parabola LED headlights are a standout, although the gap between the bonnet and those is an odd design choice.
Daytime running lights add a modern touch, and fog lamps mounted low in the bumper come to the rescue when the weather turns. The rear aspect is sleek and sculptured, with imposing rear lights completing the look.
In the competitive realm of family SUVs, the Kluger (known as the Highlander elsewhere) goes head-to-head with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X. These rivals flaunt angular, modern shapes, but the Kluger confidently holds its own.
Under the hood is a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a hybrid electric system and CVT transmission. This setup charges the battery, which then powers the front and rear traction motors, delivering a combined 184kW and 242Nm.
This combination provides adequate acceleration and a smooth transition to cruising speed. A regenerative braking mode recharges the battery, and the EV-only option allows for silent departures, perfect for early mornings.
The seamless transition from petrol to electric is beautifully engineered, with only the informative power usage dial indicating the current drive. Navigating through suburbia for school runs or weekend sports trips, the Kluger offers a comfortable ride.
It’s not perfect though, and on open roads, with curves and bumps, the suspension can feel a bit vague, while the electronic power steering could be more adaptive too. That AWD platform we mentioned earlier, with four drive modes (including trail), is a solid performer.
The Kluger GXL features 18-inch alloy wheels and Toyo tyres that are impressively quiet on the road, despite their semi off-road capability. While the AWD can handle gravel roads, tackling 4WD terrain might be a bit much.
For those open road adventures, roof rails and mudflaps come standard. Inside, the Kluger is user-friendly and comfortable. Its tactile steering wheel and synthetic leather seats offer 8-way adjustment for the front passengers.
The heated front seats are adequate for Australian conditions but might struggle in colder climates. The steering wheel controls for the sound system and driver assists are convenient, though the volume controls could be better placed.
Subtle yet pleasing stitching on the dash provides a luxury feel, and the very useful storage area for the front passenger is well thought out. The Kluger has keyless entry and push-button start, though a designated place for the key would be a good addition.
The centre console features a sliding section that opens to a deep storage area. There are three charging ports (one USB-A and two USB-C) and a large storage area in front of the gear shift.
The drive mode switch feels a bit out of place, but a slot that can accommodate the charging cable for the phone is a nice touch. The second row offers a 60/40 split, and with the third row up, you get 241-litres of cargo space.
That expands to 552-litres when the third row is flat, and a generous 1150-litres with all seats folded down. The rear auto hatch provides easy access to the luggage area. There’s a little under floor storage and pockets everywhere.
The air-conditioning system, which has three climate zones, is controlled by somewhat confusing push buttons on the dash, but it works well after some experimenting. The GXL has a 7.0-inch colour multi-information dash display that is plain but functional.
The 12.3-inch multimedia colour touchscreen is intuitive, offering Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. A 6-speaker sound system delivers clear audio throughout, although switching back to the Toyota interface from CarPlay is a bit clunky.
The Kluger is packed with driver assists, including a pre-collision safety system, lane trace assist and road sign assist. The dynamic cruise control has its quirks, while the front and rear parking sensors, and reversing camera including an auto brake feature.
Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption of 5.6-litres/100km (5.9-litres/100km in real world testing). This is more than acceptable for the size and functionality of the overall package. There’s a 65-litre fuel tank, offering a claimed range of 1,160km.
It has a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. Priced at $76,141 drive away (before optional extras), the GXL comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an additional 2-years engine and driveline coverage, and 10-year Toyota battery warranty.
Toyota has also included complimentary (12 months) Toyota Connected Services, which includes an SOS function. Servicing costs are capped for up to 5-years or 75,000km. You can find out more online, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Toyota Australia for independent review purposes.
