Toyota Kluger 2021 Review

With three generations and 18 years of strong sales performance in Australia behind it, the all-new 2021 Toyota Kluger lands in showrooms this month – and it’s all grown up.

Beyond the redesign there’s a plethora of advanced technology, new underpinnings and long-awaited hybrid power that, on paper at least, should combine to make this the most well-rounded Kluger we’ve seen to date.

At launch, the fourth-generation Kluger line-up grows from six variants to nine, spread across two powertrains – the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid (all-wheel drive only) and a familiar naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 petrol that’s offered with both front- and all-wheel drive layouts.

Entry to the range starts at $47,650 plus on-road costs for the front-drive GX model – an increase of $2800 from the third-generation series. Prices and equipment grades increase as you move up through GXL and top-spec Grande variants, while adding all-wheel drive to the V6 Kluger adds a $4000 premium.

The hybrid family, meanwhile, starts at $54,150 plus ORCs for the GX driven here, and is similarly offered in GXL and Grande grades, priced from $63,350 and $75,400 plus ORCs respectively. You can get the full rundown on local specs from our separate pricing story.

We asked Toyota about the prospect of a two-wheel drive Kluger hybrid – as a means of lowering the entry price to get into a petrol-electric model – but there’s no immediate plan for one.

For 2021, entry GX models receive new slimline LED headlights and tail-lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth trim, keyless entry/start, manual dual-zone air-conditioning, five USB ports and auto wipers and headlights.

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

The Kluger’s Toyota Safety Sense suite also now includes road sign assist, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assistance.

This is in addition to the previous model’s pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and (daytime) cyclist detection, active cruise control, lane trace assist, auto high beam, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, a reversing camera, seven airbags and front/rear parking sensors.

As with all Toyota models in Australia, the Kluger is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Toyota says servicing costs are capped at $250 for every 12 months or 15,000km of ownership.

Based on the same TNGA-K platform that underpins the latest Toyota RAV4 – among other models – the 2021 Toyota Kluger is 60mm longer in the wheelbase (now 2850mm) and 72mm longer overall (4966mm) compared with its predecessor.

In addition, the Kluger’s front and rear track widths have grown by 25mm and 30mm respectively, while the seven-seater is now suspended by more sophisticated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

According to Toyota, those changes have liberated an additional 30mm in passenger space inside the cabin, concentrated primarily in the third row and boot area.

As such, the official cargo space with the third row up has grown from 195 litres to 242L. Stowing the third row liberates 552 litres’ worth of space while stowing the second row enables a 1150L capacity.

The Kluger hybrid is the eighth Toyota model to feature a petrol-electric drivetrain in Australia. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder combustion engine is paired 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. The official 0-100km/h time is 8.4 seconds.

The hybrid 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.

The hybrid – as well as the 218kW/350Nm V6 Kluger, which is largely unchanged for 2021 save for a new eight-speed automatic – requires 95 RON premium unleaded.

All Kluger models now employ ventilated disc brakes at all corners (it previously used solid rear discs), measuring 340mm up front and 338mm at the rear.

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

If you’re familiar with previous models, settling into the driver’s seat of the fourth-generation 2021 Toyota Kluger will almost feel like a paradigm shift.

There’s decidedly better interior presentation than before, more cubbies and storage, an elevation in material quality and – dare we say it – more aesthetic appeal too.

And, yes, the foot-operated park brake of the predecessor is no more, making way for an electric park brake.

The front seats in our GX hybrid test vehicle are broad and comfortable – a strong match for longer drives – and the use of more soft-touch materials at the contact points is welcome.

The high-set dashboard centre fascia offers a compelling mix of hard-wired switchgear and a legible functioning touch-screen. The layout means you can quickly carry out basic commands on the move such as recirculated air without diving into a plethora of sub-menus or hidden hard-wired buttons.

Additionally, on first impressions, the native touch-screen infotainment system is fairly inoffensive to navigate and legible in its presentation, complemented by steering wheel switchgear that enables some operation without taking your hands off the wheel.

It’s clear the Kluger’s technological wares preference practicality and ease of use rather than revolutionising the user experience. Its touch-screen is smaller than rivalling units, for example, and the instrument cluster, which employs two analogue dials framing a 7.0-inch TFT display, isn’t the last word in presentation.

With that said, we applaud Toyota for continuing to offer a volume knob – you’d be surprised how many car-makers don’t – and, similarly, there’s some delight for Kluger buyers in finally being graced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Three USB ports and a 12-volt outlet should serve the tech demands of front occupants, while there’s a further two USB ports in the second row.

Frontal vision is clear from the driver’s seat, however the rearward outlook is obstructed by large C-pillars and a narrow rear window line. Thankfully, the Kluger’s extended dimensions are slightly offset by large wing mirrors and a decent reversing camera.

Further back, the Kluger’s second-row proportions are generous, and clearly able to cater for a couple of six-foot-tall adults on long drives in relative comfort – perhaps three at a pinch.

There are ISOFIX attachment points on the outboard second-row seats but not in the middle. All three seats feature a top tether attachment, which suggests that, as before, you should be able to fit three child seats abreast across the second row, so long as the middle seat doesn’t rely on ISOFIX.

The second row is facilitated by separate climate controls and air vents mounted in the roof.

Disappointingly, the third row of the Kluger features no top tether points whatsoever, and there’s no separate adjustment for the air vents back there.

The Kluger’s second row is facilitated by large door openings. Entry into the third row is likewise straight-forward, with ample walk-through space courtesy of 180mm fore-aft sliding adjustment for the second row.

The bleachers are still best for kids or, if you’re desperate, the occasional sixth or seventh adult passenger.

We’ll get to the finer details of the Kluger’s second and third rows – and how it matches the tech-laden, up-spec layout of the new Kia Sorento, our 2020 Car of the Year – in future reviews.

There’s little doubt the 2021 Toyota Kluger has made the biggest leaps and bounds on the road.

The at-times heaving, pitching tendencies of the third-generation predecessor have been replaced by a much more controlled ride, accurate steering and a general level of poise and refinement that is unprecedented for this nameplate.

The Kluger dispatches pitter-patter bumps with aplomb, and controls its body in a much more convincing fashion than before.

Even in V6 petrol form the carryover engine is more muted from inside the cabin, gently cycling through the eight ratios on offer and giving little protest upon heavier applications of the right pedal.

There is less tendency for the front wheels to scramble for traction upon heavier applications of the accelerator and torque-steer is less prevalent as well.

In terms of fuel use, the V6 averaged 9.8L/100km on an 80km drive loop that included highway, urban and headier driving.

With that said, it is the hybrid version of the Kluger that makes a headline statement – and deservedly so. Across the same conditions it finished with a fuel readout of 6.0L/100km.

As with other Toyota hybrids, it is the electric motors that carry out the bulk of low-speed work, enabling the seven-seater to reach around-town speeds under electric propulsion comfortably. All in all, you’re running on electric power more than you’d anticipate; probably 50 per cent of the time.

Overtaking and speeds above 50km/h tend to call the 2.5-litre petrol engine into duty. It wakes with relative refinement, and also offers a gentle power curve when desired.

However, being such a small engine, the hybrid combination is prone to making a lot of noise if you bury the right foot – a symptom of the CVT transmission and peak power and torque arriving at 6000rpm and 4400rpm respectively.

That poses a potential question mark for how the Kluger hybrid performs with a full load of seven passengers and their luggage – one we plan to address in future reviews.

With two on board, the Kluger feels planted and solid at highway speed.

Regardless of engine choice, the Kluger’s body control is clearly a wholesale leap when encountering corners and over drawn-out undulations alike. All told, there’s one solitary instance of a pothole crashing through the cabin during our 250km drive, but not in a way that jarred occupants.

The SUV’s on-road poise is reaffirmed by improved sound insulation and less tyre roar than previous Klugers.

It’s not perfect, but we reckon this is potentially the first time the Toyota Kluger can truly justify its exceptionally strong position in the marketplace.

The fourth-generation seven-seat SUV feels well equipped, well resolved and well rounded. It is clearly designed to serve the needs of families – something it does quite effectively.

This is the Kluger all grown up, and has all the makings of another Toyota sales success.

How much does the 2021 Toyota Kluger GX Hybrid cost?
Price: $54,150 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
Output: 142kW/242Nm (184kW combined)
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 5.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 128g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested