This generation arrived in USA in 2021, but the Toyota Kluger has been a household name locally since 2003 and has always been a popular and reliable seller.
Our Toyota Kluger vehicles are imported from the US, and all ranges of Kluger currently sold in Australia are hybrid and all-wheel drive. Such features are not very common in this segment, where it competes with other large SUVs.
Competitors include the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, both of which have body-on-frame construction and seven-seat capacity, but the car-based (monocoque) Kluger will be overtaken by them in 2024.
Toyota’s own ladder-frame Prado sold 9,868 units last year in the new 250 series generation, losing its long-standing segment leadership position to the Everest’s 26,494 and MU-X’s 17,978 units.
Still, it did much better than Toyota’s other body-on-frame large SUV, the Fortuner, based on the Hilux ute, which sold 3,042 units.
How much does the Toyota Kluger cost?
The Kluger Grande costs $82,860 before on-roads – a whopping $21,940 more than the range-opening GX.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Kluger GX | $60,920 |
| 2025 Toyota Kluger GXL | $70,440 |
| 2025 Toyota Kluger Grande | $82,860 |
That’s also more than range-topping Everest Platinum 4×4 V6 at $81,200 before on-roads, and the top-spec MU-X X-Terrain 3.0L 4×4 at $74,400 before on-roads.
But it is less than the plug-in hybrid Mazda CX-80 P50e Azami at $87,200 before on-roads, and the Kia Sorento PHEV GT-Line at $84,660 before on-roads.
However, the Kluger remains dearer than the GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid ($73,990 drive-away), and the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max Ultimate ($47,990 drive-away).
What is the Toyota Kluger like on the inside?
It’s a classic example of Toyota designing an interior that’s functional, but not flashy. Up front you’ll find two 12.3-inch screens – a touchscreen infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster, hidden within a traditional-looking housing.
The infotainment display is graphically clean and straightforward, and you’ll find wireless smartphone mirroring as standard across the range. Apple CarPlay worked without issue with our car most of the time, but it did occasionally lose connection when going under certain toll booths in Melbourne – a feature that’s also consistent with Toyota’s other models.
Still, we found it very easy to use, thanks to the buttons on the car’s steering wheel. Toyota’s own user interface is also sharp and straightforward, as there’s always a ribbon on the right-hand edge of the screen.
The digital instrument display, on the other hand, features two gauges and is laid out almost like a traditional cluster. On the left side is Toyota’s usual hybrid system readout, and on the right is the car’s speedometer.
You’ll also find various widgets that you can scroll through using the wheel’s directional buttons, which are displayed between the two gauges. In between them, additional customizable information is displayed, such as the car’s cruise control and safety assist functions.
Between that and the driver, of course, is the steering wheel, which is leather-accented on all Kluger models.
It’s fairly large and feels nice in the hand, but one minor complaint is that it feels a little too thin at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. However, there’s a comfortable adjustment range for tilt and reach, which should help most drivers find their way around the car easily.
We don’t like the use of gloss-black plastic on the central spokes and the inclusion of a cheap-looking center boss. The silver plastic trim, which is around the edges, could also be omitted, but with some polishing it would blend in with the glossier silver accents elsewhere in the car’s interior.
To the Kluger’s credit, all the buttons on the steering wheel are made of matte plastic and are completely physical. The same story goes for the car’s climate system, which, while physical, is – annoyingly – finished in gloss-black plastic.
We understand Toyota is trying to unify the infotainment/climate panel as a cohesive unit, but since its bezels are glossy, the climate buttons also become glossy. That doesn’t mean we like it – matte plastic is always better for high-touch surfaces.
However, the system is easy to operate thanks to its clear signage and those physical buttons and knobs. Climate information is displayed on a small central screen or between the two knobs.
Heated and ventilated seats are an added bonus, as is three-zone climate control. Despite all the features and the buttons needed to control them, Toyota has miraculously left one button blank here.
Looking down, you’ll see a neat storage nook that’s very subtly hidden in the dashboard molding, sitting above a more conventional space for your phone and wallet. There you’ll also find two USB-C ports, a USB-A port and a 12V outlet.
Next to that is a large wood-look panel, which is only found in the cabin of the top-spec Grande Kluger. It looks good and goes well with the light-coloured upholstery, but there are some odd features, particularly on the centre console.
We like the silver trim matching the wood look, but the uncomfortable matte black plastic here makes it look even more classy.
Meanwhile, we’re not a fan of the gloss-black finishes used elsewhere, but the matte panels here look just right. However, there’s a kind of jarring contrast between them and the surrounding wood-look surfaces.
The square panel on the left is particularly uncomfortable, and the cheap-looking buttons it contains are placed rather haphazardly. Sure, they’re big and easy to find while driving, but we feel like there could have been a classier approach.
The drive mode switch also seems to be floating in a sea of plastic. It feels like someone put a big panel here but Toyota didn’t know how to use it, which is odd because any planning in this area is quite purposeful in the Land Cruiser 300 series or even the lower-spec Kluger.
However, you still get decent storage options, with two cupholders and a cubby up front, and a large center console storage box.
If you’re looking for a wireless phone charger, you’ll find it under a large lid inside the storage box. We like this approach, as it keeps phones properly hidden while on the road, although cooling while charging is a concern.
Given that this is the top-spec Kluger grade, we appreciate the luxuries Toyota has packed in here, although they can push the car’s final price above $90,000 once it reaches your driveway.
You’ll get power seat adjustments, a heads-up display, a sound system that sounds clear and crisp, and leather upholstery – which was optioned in our tester’s ‘Natural Beige’ colour. In that regard, we found the seats luxurious and comfortable.
At a glance, this is certainly a nicely presented interior. The only thing we think would have improved it is a black headliner, but maybe that would have veered into Lexus territory for Toyota’s liking.
The dashboard remains fairly busy, and another discreet storage nook is tucked away in front of the passengers. Other storage options include bottle holders in the doors and sunglasses holders in the ceiling.
Then there’s the second row, which follows the almost-luxury brief, but nothing too extravagant.
The seats are finished in the same leather as the ones up front, and you’ll find the same leather door card inserts as the wood-look trim pieces.
There’s also a fold-down center armrest with two cupholders, and air vents on either side of the roof. For comfort, you’ll find a straightforward climate interface behind the center console, though second-row passengers don’t enjoy any form of seat heating or ventilation. Charging is via two USB-C ports.
You’ll also find side window shades, and a large sunroof that extends almost all the way up to the third-row seats. Second-row comfort is fairly good, as there’s ample cushioning and support for long drives – but with the usual middle-seat inconveniences aside.
One complaint here is the lower section of the front seats. To put it mildly, they feel quite raw, as if some loose piece of cloth had been stuck there via Velcro.
However, you’ll find soft map pockets behind each front seat, and there are bottle holders on the door cards for extra storage. You’ll also probably notice the rails in the floor, which are used to access the third row.
Folding the second-row seats and sliding them forward creates ample space for rear access, aided by a couple of discreet grab handles on the C-pillars. Despite the overhead lights, it’s surprisingly dark and, perhaps predictably, cramped in here.
It’s not the ideal space for adults, but it could work well for kids on long drives. Convenience is limited, with only two cupholders on each side.
Boot space is fairly good with the third row folded down. There’s a long, almost flat load floor, with no lip underneath, so heavy items can easily slide over the durable hard plastic edges.
With the third row in place, things aren’t bad at all, but vertical space quickly dwindles. You won’t get any extra space there, as the wheel-changing equipment is stowed there.
What’s under the bonnet?
The entire Kluger range is powered by the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated with two motor generators, one each on the front and rear axles. Power is sent to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
| Specifications | Toyota Kluger |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Engine outputs | 142kW / 242Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 88kW / 202Nm |
| System outputs | 184kW |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2095kg (Grande) 2050kg (all others) |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.6L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 6.7L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65L |
| Fuel requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 128g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 2000kg |
Our week with the car primarily involved highway driving, alongside brief city stints, with some more spirited driving on a closed course thrown in for good measure. That’s likely why our fuel economy approached the 7.0L/100km mark.
If driving is kept to solely daily commuting, you’d likely see a figure much closer to Toyota’s claim – especially if you’re primarily doing low-speed, urban driving.
What do you get?
Three distinct grades of Kluger are available in USA, and the Grande sits at the top of the range.
Kluger GX equipment highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic parabola LED headlights
- Auto high-beam
- LED tail-lights
- Fog lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Privacy glass
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay
- Wireless and wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Six-speaker sound system
- Three-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and start
- Leather-accented steering wheel
- Leather-accented gear shifter
- Fabric upholstery
- Carpet floor mats
Kluger GXL adds:
- Roof rails
- Power tailgate
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable front seats
- Power driver seat lumbar support
Kluger Grande adds:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Projector LED headlights
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Power tailgate with kick sensor
- Chrome grille
- Painted rear lower bumper
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- 11-speaker JBL premium sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Second-row retractable sunshades
- Interior ambient lighting
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Driver’s seat memory
- Premium soft instrument panel
- Wood-look ornamentation
Is the Toyota Kluger safe?
The Toyota Kluger wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2021.
| Category | Toyota Kluger |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 90 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 88 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 76 per cent |
| Safety assist | 82 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Seven airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection (day/night)
- Cyclist detection (day)
- Junction assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Emergency steering assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane Trace Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
Grande adds:
- Surround-view camera
How much does the Toyota Kluger cost to run?
| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota Kluger |
|---|---|
| Vehicle warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| High-voltage battery warranty | 10 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | Roadside Assist (up to 6 years, $99 per year) Roadside Assist Plus (up to 6 years, $139 per year) |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years, 75,000km |
| Total capped-price service cost | $1325 ($265 each) |
Its engine and driveline can be covered for up to seven years, provided you maintain your vehicle within the Toyota dealer network.
