Toyota Kluger downsizes from V6 to turbo four

Toyota Australia has axed the 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine that powers the Toyota Kluger, just as it did with the Camry in early 2021 (and the 4.0-litre unit in the HiLux and Prado before that), leaving it without a petrol V6 model in its range.

In its place and joining four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid versions of the popular large SUV for the 2023 model year is the Japanese brand’s new 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder.

Seen previously under the bonnet of some recent Lexus models, the new engine develops 198kW/420Nm, which is 20kW down on the superseded V6 but marks a 70Nm improvement in peak torque.

Not only is there a heap more pulling power, it’s available much lower down in the rev range and across a wider band, with all 420Nm on tap over 1700-3600rpm.

Toyota says this should yield improvements in driveability, not to mention lop 0.4L/100km off the claimed combined fuel consumption figure.

The familiar eight-speed automatic transmission remains in service and continues to send drive to either the front or all four wheels, depending on the variant.

The new engine forms part of a wider 2023 model year update for Toyota’s car-based large SUV, which has added between $1590 and $2460 to the Kluger’s asking price depending on the variant.

$2070 has been added to the entry-level GX 2WD petrol, meaning the range now starts from $49,720 plus on-road costs and the flagship Grande AWD hybrid tops out at $78,160 plus ORCs (+$2460).

No changes have been made to the 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain, which continues to output a combined 184kW.

All grades have been treated to a new infotainment system, which in the case of the mid-range GXL and Grande, also heralds the introduction of a bigger 12.3-inch touch-screen, leaving the base GX grade to persevere with the existing 8.0-inch interface.

Toyota says the new system offers simpler and more natural navigation via a series of new shortcut buttons, plus wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and refined voice recognition system.

Owners will be able to remotely monitor their vehicle via the newly added Toyota Connected Services suite and myToyota Connect smartphone app.

GX variants meanwhile gain a bigger 7.0-inch driver’s display (up from 4.2) and tri-zone climate control, whereas the top-spec Grande nabs wireless charging but forgoes the previously offered rear-seat entertainment system.

First examples of the 2023 Toyota Kluger are due in local showrooms next month.

How much does the 2023 Toyota Kluger cost?
GX 2WD petrol – $49,720 (+$2070)
GX AWD petrol – $53,720 (+$2070)
GX AWD hybrid – $56,220 (+$2070)
GXL 2WD petrol – $59,240 (+$2090)
GXL AWD petrol – $63,240 (+$1590)
GXL AWD hybrid – $65,740 (+$2090)
Grande 2WD petrol – $71,610 (+$2452)
Grande AWD petrol – $74,720 (+$2459)
Grande AWD hybrid – $78,160 (+$2460)
* Pricing excludes on-road costs

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