Highlander launch points at new Kluger

Toyota has launched its all-new Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The larger-than-midsized SUVs were unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show and give Aussie buyers an idea of what to expect when the model arrives as the new Kluger later this year.

The new Highlander is larger, and according to Toyota, safer. The US models, at least, come with a raft of comfort features, however, it's anticipated the Australian-spec Klugers won't offer quite the same level of standard equipment.

And it'll be good old petrol-only Down Under. The hybrid-engined version is not slated for local release.

The upcoming model will be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine rated at 200kW/337Nm. This replaces the current car's 3.3-litre six which was good for 172kW. The new V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike the previous generation, Toyota will offer both all and front-wheel drive versions of the new Kluger. This follows the success of Ford's two-variant strategy for Territory but also logically addresses the lack of a wagon in the Camry/Avalon stable. Expect this variant to attract plenty of interest.

The Kluger grows substantially in its new iteration. In US-trim, the new Kluger/Highlander is around 4785mm long and rolls on a 2790mm wheelbase. It is 1910mm wide and boasts 200mm of ground clearance. The current Kluger's (more here) vitals are: 4690, 2715 and 1925mm, with clearance 16mm less at 184mm.

By way of comparison, the new Kluger/Highlander is wider than the Prado and rolls on the same wheelbase. In overall length it is just 55mm shorter.

Toyota says the new SUV is a segment leader for safety, equipped as it is with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows. The Kluger will likely get all or most of the updated Highlander's safety aids including anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and enhanced vehicle stability control.

All Highlanders except the base model will be offered with a reversing camera and multi-information screen in the USA. The top-spec model also gets sat nav. Again expect, the local models to follow suit.

However, the US-market Highlander's second-row 'captain's chairs' are unlikely to make it to Oz. Instead, expect conventional split-fold seating options in both five and seven-seat layouts.

Highlander was designed by Toyota's Newport Beach California based Calty Design Research team. Toyota says the car features "sculpted clean, crisp lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours to give Highlander an advanced, contemporary, forceful and dynamic personality."

It still looks like a Kluger to us…

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