TOYOTA’S new Kluger large SUV has arrived in Australia, sporting a stylish sculpted look, significantly improved safety features, enhanced driving dynamics and for the first time locally, a hybrid powertrain.
The fourth-generation of one of Australia’s favourite family seven-seat SUVs has raised the bar, with the addition of hybrid variants to the Kluger range further demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to delivering on electrified options in its line-up.
The new Kluger is available in three trim levels – GX, GXL and Grande – in petrol 2WD guise, or hybrid or petrol AWD configuration.
The new hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with three electric motors that generate a maximum combined output of 184kW that drives through an advanced electric e-Four AWD system.
At the same time, it delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 5.6-litres/100km.
Driving through an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), the e-Four AWD system allows up to 100 per cent of drive to be sent through the front wheels or up to 80 per cent through the rear, depending on conditions.
A Trail mode is available for more challenging off-road environments.
The 218kW/350Nm V6 petrol engine maintains the same maximum outputs as its predecessor, but further refinement has improved fuel economy by between 4 and 7 per cent.
V6 petrol versions are offered with two AWD systems that can split torque from 100 per cent to the front axle and 50:50 front to rear.
The more sophisticated Torque Vectoring system in the Grande able to also adjust torque distribution between the rear wheels for even more secure traction in all conditions.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the Kluger delivers a superb balance of ride comfort and handling, giving it a premium feel on the road.
That same level of refinement is echoed in the cabin with soft touch materials, clever design and its increased space and versatility comfortably accommodating seven occupants.
The new Kluger features the latest in Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features too, including pre collision safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assist on every model.
Added to this are active cruise control – with curve speed reduction function – lane trace assist, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and seven airbags, creating a very comprehensive safety package.
Standard equipment includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and five USB ports.
GXL models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation4 for the latest generation multimedia system.
The top-of-the-range Kluger Grande adds a panoramic moonroof, hands-free opening for the power tailgate, ventilation for the front seats, head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, leather-accented seats and a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system.
The new Kluger is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers 5-year unlimited kilometre coverage, extending to 7-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km.
The GX 2WD petrol variant represents the entry level model and is priced at $47,650 plus on-roads, with the similar Grande priced at $68,900 plus on-roads. The AWD (non-hybrid range starts at $51,560 through to $72,900, again plus on-roads.
The GX AWD hybrid is $54,150, with the GXL AWD hybrid at $63,350 and the pinnacle Grande AWD hybrid model at $75,400. All are plus on-roads. An optional rear entertainment system is also available in all Grande variants.
