New Toyota Kluger: Full Australian pricing and specs

When the new 2021 Toyota Kluger finally arrives in showrooms in June, it will be available in three trim grades and nine variants (up from six), thanks to the addition of the first hybrid version – which is expected to account for up to 70 per cent of sales.

But Toyota’s fourth-generation seven-seat large SUV will also be considerably more expensive, with a starting price of $47,650 plus on-road costs announced today – up $2800 from its previous entry price of $44,850 plus ORCs.

Once again three trim grades will be offered – base GX, mid-range GXL and top-spec Grande – and, again, the standard Toyota Kluger will be front-wheel drive and powered by a 3.5-litre petrol V6.

All-wheel drive will add $4000 to the price, and AWD-only hybrid models will add a further $2500 premium, meaning the cheapest petrol-electric variant will cost $54,150 plus ORCs and the range will top out at $75,400 plus ORCs with the Grande AWD hybrid flagship.

The eighth Toyota model to feature a hybrid drivetrain combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two motor generators – one up front and one rear-mounted – that generate a combined maximum output of 184kW.

Toyota says the Kluger AWD hybrid set-up returns combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 5.6L/100km and CO2 emissions of 128g/km.

It drives through an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) with an extra Trail mode that “improves traction in slippery off-road conditions” and an e-Four AWD system that allows up to 100 per cent of drive to be sent to the front wheels or up to 80 per cent to the rear, depending on conditions.

Pure-petrol versions continue to deliver 218kW/350Nm outputs but are matched to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with Eco, Normal and Sport modes, plus a fuel-saving idle-stop function.

Combined fuel consumption for 2WD versions is now listed at 8.7L/100km (down from 9.0L/100km), while AWD models are claimed to consume 8.8-8.9L/100km – down from 9.5L/100km.

Both powertrains require 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.

AWD versions of non-hybrid GX and GXL variants are fitted with a new Dynamic Torque Control system that allows the rear axle to be ‘disconnected’ when not required, with front/rear drive torque split between 100:0 and 50:50 depending on conditions.

Toyota Kluger Grande AWD petrol models come with a more advanced Torque Vectoring AWD system that not only splits drive torque as needed front to rear (from 100:0 to 50:50) but adds a pair of couplings on the rear axle to enable independent torque control of the rear left and right wheels.

All AWD petrol models also feature a multi-terrain select system with Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand modes that automatically adjusts throttle, transmission, steering and brake control to provide the maximum traction and stability in all conditions.

While all models receive new slimline LED headlights and tail-lights, GX and GXL variants will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and the Grande comes with 20-inch Chromtec alloys.

For all versions, the new Kluger’s Toyota Safety Sense suite gains road sign assist, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assistance – in addition to the current model’s pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and day cyclist detection, active cruise control, lane trace assist, auto high beam, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, seven airbags and front/rear parking sensors.

While GX versions come standard with cloth trim, the entry-level model scores soft-touch dashboard material, smart entry/start, manual dual-zone air-conditioning, five USB ports and auto wipers and headlights.

All variants also come with an 8.0-inch touch-screen atop the centre console, incorporating AM/FM/DAB+ radio, Bluetooth connectivity and, finally, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

In addition, GXL models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation.

The top-of-the-range Kluger Grande adds a panoramic roof, hands-free opening for the power tailgate, front seat ventilation, head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, leather-accented seats and premium 11-speaker JBL sound.

There’s no sign of the big new 12.3-inch multimedia screen in the US market’s top-shelf Platinum variant, which also offers up to eight seats.

Replacing the third-generation model that dates back to 2014 and remains Australia’s top-selling large SUV behind Toyota’s own Prado, the fourth-generation Kluger was revealed as the US-market Highlander two years ago at the New York motor show in April 2019 and was expected on sale here in 2020.

Based on the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform that underpins the latest RAV4, the 2021 Toyota Kluger is 60mm longer in wheelbase (now 2850mm) and overall (4966mm).

That liberates a 30mm longer cabin with more legroom for third-row passengers and greater cargo space, plus 60/40-split folding second-row seats and 60/40-split folding third-row seats.

New multi-link front and rear suspension is said to improve dynamics, stability and ride quality.

Australian kerb weights range between 1885-1955kg (2WD petrol) and 2045-2090kg (AWD hybrid), while towing capacities are 2000kg braked and 700kg unbraked.

How much does the 2021 Toyota Kluger cost?
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 prices exclude on-road costs

Options:
Rear Entertainment System (Grande) – $1500
Optional paint – $675