TOYOTA’S ALL-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 in Australia, a hybrid powertrain.
The fourth-generation of one of Australia’s favourite family seven-seat SUVs has raised the bar, with the all-new model offering customers a more premium, refined and sustainable vehicle.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the addition of hybrid to Kluger further demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to delivering on electrified options in its line-up.
“Kluger is now the eighth Toyota model in Australia that offers a fuel-efficient, environmentally-conscious, hybrid drivetrain and as our sales success proves, it is still currently the leading option for environmentally sustainable transport,” Mr Hanley said.
“While Toyota is continuing to develop a range of alternative powertrains to meet our sustainability goals into the future, right here, right now, for this market, we believe a petrol electric hybrid meets the needs of families for a practical and affordable vehicle perfectly.”
“With this all-new generation offering substantially improved driving dynamics, a larger and more refined cabin, a stylish new look and the latest in safety technology, it really is the ideal large SUV wherever your journey takes you… and your family,” he said.
The all-new model 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 5.6l/100km with combined CO2 emissions of just 128g/km.
Driving through an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), the e-Four AWD system allows up to 100 percent of drive to be sent through the front wheels or up to 80 percent through the rear, depending on conditions, with a Trail mode 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 four and seven pe cent.
V6 Petrol versions are offered with two AWD systems that can split torque from 100 percent to the front axle and 50:50 front to rear with 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 new 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 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 navigation 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 five year unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km and each 12-month/15,000km service costing $250.
Toyota Kluger Pricing
GX 2WD petrol $47,650
GXL 2WD petrol $56,850
Grande 2WD petrol $68,900
GX AWD petrol $51,650
GXL AWD petrol $60,850
Grande AWD petrol $72,900
GX AWD hybrid $54,150
GXL AWD hybrid $63,350
Grande AWD hybrid $75,400
All plus on road costs
Options
Premium paint $675
Rear Entertainment System $1500 (Grande only)
Once we have tested and assessed the new Toyota Kluger, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.