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.
Pricing
- 2021 Toyota Kluger GX FWD: $47,650
- 2021 Toyota Kluger GX AWD: $51,650
- 2021 Toyota Kluger GX hybrid AWD: $54,150
- 2021 Toyota Kluger GXL FWD: $56,850
- 2021 Toyota Kluger GXL AWD: $60,850
- 2021 Toyota Kluger GXL hybrid AWD: $63,350
- 2021 Toyota Kluger Grande FWD: $68,900
- 2021 Toyota Kluger Grande AWD: $72,900
- 2021 Toyota Kluger Grande hybrid AWD: $75,400
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Kluger Grande
Engines
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.
Fuel Economy
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.
Dimensions
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.
Servicing and Warranty
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.
Safety
The 2021 Toyota Kluger has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP models.
All models come standard with the following safety equipment:
- Autonomous emergency braking with junction assist and pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Emergency steering assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-tracing assist
- Automatic high-beam
- Traffic sign recognition
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Seven airbags
Standard Equipment
The GX comes standard with the following equipment:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio
- DAB+ digital radio
- Keyless entry and start
- Manual front and rear air-conditioning (tri-zone climate on Hybrid)
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Cloth upholstery
- LED headlights and tail lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
The GXL adds:
- Leatherette upholstery
- Satellite navigation
- Power tailgate
- Heated, powered front seats
- Tri-zone climate control
- Roof rails
The Grande adds:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Ventilated, memory front seats
- Rear door sunshades
- Head-up display
- Surround-view camera
- Leather upholstery
- 11-speaker JBL sound system
- 20-inch alloy wheels
The only options are premium paint ($675) and, on the Grande, a rear-seat entertainment system ($1500).
