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The redesigned Toyota Kluger fends off the likes of the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade with a new platform, new tech and a new hybrid option.
The Toyota Kluger will aggressively defend its title as Australia’s favourite large crossover, with a new platform and a hybrid powertrain.
The redesigned, fourth-generation Kluger has moved to the TNGA architecture and will arrive here in June 2021.
Update: We’ve pulled this story forward and added Australian images, since the vehicle is now on sale.
Pricing starts at $47,650 before on-road costs for the base front-wheel drive GX petrol, or $2800 higher than the outgoing model.
The range will continue to follow the GX, GXL and Grande trim level structure and offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the new hybrid powertrain will be available only with all-wheel drive.
Three different all-wheel drive systems will be offered.
Hybrid models use Toyota’s e-Four AWD system, which allows up to 100 per cent of drive to be sent through the front wheels or up to 80 per cent to the rear.
In addition to Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, there’s also a Trail mode.
GX and GXL petrol versions use the new Dynamic Torque Control AWD system, which allows the rear driveline to be disconnected.
Front/rear torque split can range between 100:0 front/rear and 50:50.
Finally, the petrol Grande uses the Torque Vectoring AWD system that splits torque in a similar fashion but adds a pair of couplings on the rear axle.
This allows torque to be sent to an individual wheel on the rear axle.
Petrol models’ all-wheel drive systems feature selectable off-road driving modes, comprising Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand.
While previous generations of Kluger have been available with a hybrid overseas, this will be the first generation sold here with an electrified powertrain.
That gives it a point of distinction from rivals like the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade, though hybrid versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are due here during 2021 and Nissan continues to offer a hybrid version of its Pathfinder.
The new model is 60mm longer than the old car with a 60mm longer wheelbase and adds new safety features to the Kluger line, including traffic sign recognition and junction assist for the autonomous emergency braking.
All prices exclude on-road costs.
The 2021 Toyota Kluger is available with two powertrains.
Hybrid models mate a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 142kW of power and 242Nm of torque, mated to two front and one rear-mounted motor generators.
Total system output is 184kW, though Toyota doesn’t specify a combined torque figure. The transmission is an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and hybrid Kluger models are available only with all-wheel drive.
There’s also a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 218kW of power and 350Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, and all V6 Kluger models feature automatic stop/start.
The 2021 Toyota Kluger uses 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle in hybrid models, 8.7L/100km in front-wheel drive V6 models, and between 8.8 and 8.9L/100km in all-wheel drive V6 models.
All models require 95RON premium unleaded fuel.
The fuel tank is 65L in hybrid models and 68L in V6 models.
The 2021 Toyota Kluger measures 4966mm long, 1755mm tall and 1930mm wide on a 2850mm wheelbase.
Unbraked towing capacity is 700kg while braked towing capacity is 2000kg.
Tare weight is between 1840kg and 1910kg in front-wheel drive V6 models, 1925-2000kg in all-wheel drive models, and 2005-2050kg in hybrid models.
The 2021 Toyota Kluger is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the engine and driveline covered for seven.
Each of the first five services (at 12 month or 15,000km intervals) cost $250.
The 2021 Toyota Kluger has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP models.
All models come standard with the following safety equipment:
The GX comes standard with the following equipment:
The GXL adds:
The Grande adds:
The only options are premium paint ($675) and, on the Grande, a rear-seat entertainment system ($1500).
Take advantage of Australia's BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a Toyota Kluger.
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