2021 Toyota Kluger: How good is the all-new 4th Generation SUV?

June 1, 2021

The delayed fourth-generation Kluger is almost here, and it is time we found out what the all-new SUV brings.

The Toyota Kluger is undoubtedly one of the best-selling SUVs in Australia, and you can hardly miss it on any road. Designed initially as a goldilocks option between the RAV4 and the LandCruiser Prado, the Kluger has evolved to become a household name in the mid-size SUV category.

It has already seen three different generations each with a number of facelifts in its 20 years of existence. The third-generation Kluger, which arrived about eight years ago, got some stick, especially in markets where it did not quite match its competitors. However, the new XU70 model promises to meet freedom and family needs thanks to a hybrid powertrain and a couple of new features.

Here is what more to expect when it hits the local market the coming weeks:

Body and Interior Look

It’s hard to say the all-new Kluger tops the charts in terms of the body, but it sure puts up some competition. Like other previous generations, it is a car-based SUV borrowing from the popular Camry. Built for on-road comfort, it taps on monocoque chassis construction. It sports a longer wheelbase compared to the outgoing generation.

The interior is mostly decent, and there’s nothing that will get you riled up, except the synthetic wood used on the door that some may find unsightly. On the bright side, the automaker ensured the contrast-stitched leather perfectly blended with the various textures. The new Kluger also features black-filled pillars on the front and a sort of privacy glass on the rear window. Only a handful of competitors in this category can be more inviting.

Still Serves Family

The new Kluger sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform similar to that used in the Camry. Unlike its off-road stablemate, the LandCruiser Prado, the Kluger remains more of a family car. It features a familiar seven-seat capacity with a larger cabin than its predecessor. The seats in the second row are adjustable, sliding about 180mm to give more room.

There is not much to complain about regarding access to the seats in the third row. They are still primarily suited to children but can be used by adults though they will have to forget about comfort. The 332-litres boot capacity (when the car has passengers) provides enough room to throw in a bunch of items.

Hybrid Powertrain

It was already confirmed that the 2021 Toyota Kluger coming to Australia would be available in both hybrid and V6 power options. The hybrid option embraces three electric motors combined with a 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 184kW in output. You can expect about 239 Nm from the 2.5 unit and 270 Nm from the electric unit mated to electronic continuously-variable transmission.

With this supply, the Kruger can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 8.5 seconds. The petrol-only option packs a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers an output of 225kW/350Nm thanks to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Upgrades on the infotainment

The infotainment system on the 2021 Kluger has seen several improvements, including its appearance. It rests on a dashboard trim that resembles a tuning fork. The infotainment can directly connect to Bluetooth and also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

We are still trying to wrap our heads around why Toyota settled for the 8.0-inch centre touchscreen display in the Australian right-hand-drive models. The European and US market models have 12.3-inch infotainment screens.

Trims

The new Kluger comes in three trim levels: – the low-tier GX, the mid-tier GXL, and the premium Grande. The Japanese-based automaker confirmed that the trims are available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configuration.

All trims in the new generation Kluger will conceivably cost more than their predecessors. Pricing for the entry-level GX starts at $47,650 – almost $3,000 more than its predecessor. The mid-range GXL and flagship Grande, on the other hand, will be available from $56,850 and $68,900, respectively.

A Suite of New Features

The 2021 Kluger does come with several features and equipment. In terms of safety, the new Kluger comes with blind-spot monitoring, auto high beam, and of course, adaptive cruise control. Emergency steering assist as well as traffic-sign recognition is offered as standard. All models hitting the Australian market also come with dual-zone air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, and five USB ports as standard.

You get tri-zone climate control, satellite navigation, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a power tailgate if you throw in about $8,000 more for the GXL trim. You can alternatively go all out for the Grande trim, which additionally features ventilated seats, a head-up display, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.

All cards on the table, Toyota seems to have done quite a job on the all-new Kluger making the price bump reasonably worth it.