2023 Toyota Kluger review: Full range detailed

The Toyota Kluger was one of the first big soft-road SUVs to start stealing people away from the big Aussie family cars.

When it first launched in Australia in 2001, people loved how it brought the space and practicality of a Prado in an urban-friendly package.

Fast forward two decades to 2020 and fresher models such as the Mazda CX-9 and ever-improving Kia Sorento made even the third-generation Kluger look bland, outdated, and reliant on its Toyota badge.

Enter the fourth-generation Kluger which brings Toyota's popular hybrid technology and a scrolling list of features to bring it into vogue.

But is it enough?

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JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing
• What body styles are available for the Kluger?
• What features are standard in every Kluger?
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the Kluger?
• How comfortable & practical is the Kluger?
• How much boot space does the Kluger have?
• I like driving, will I enjoy this car?
• Which Kluger engine uses the least fuel?
• What is the Kluger’s towing capacity?
• How long is the warranty & what are the Kluger’s servicing costs?
• Which version of the Kluger does Wheels recommend?
• What are the Kluger’s key rivals?
• What might annoy me?
• What might I miss that similar cars have?
• What’s the infotainment system like?
• Where does Toyota make the Kluger?
• Are there plans to update the Kluger soon?

What body styles are there?

The Toyota Kluger is a five-door wagon with seven seats.

It comes in three specification grades, each with a choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrains.

The Toyota Kluger (called the Highlander in other markets including New Zealand) is classed as a large SUV - lower priced.

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Toyota Kluger pricing

The 2023 Kluger brings the fourth-generation model's first upgrade since it launched in 2021.

The MY23 update brought enhanced infotainment and replaced the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine replaced with a more efficient 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine.

As a result, entry-level retail pricing jumped by $2070 to just shy of $50k.

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Kluger GX

What features are in every Toyota Kluger?

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What key features do I get if I spend more?

The entry-level GX spec comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a six-speaker sound system.

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Kluger GX

Spending more on the Kluger GXL brings the following features in addition to the GX.

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Kluger GXL

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Kluger GXL

Stepping up to the range-topping Kluger Grande brings...

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Kluger Grande

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Kluger Grande

Paint

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How safe is the Toyota Kluger?

The Toyota Kluger is covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2021. This score applies to all variants.

It received a score of 90 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 82 per cent for safety assist.

Seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain, and driver's knee) are fitted across the range, with the curtain airbag extending all the way back to protect third-row occupants.

Each variant is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite that comes with the following features:

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Kluger GXL

How comfortable and practical is the Toyota Kluger?

The Kluger is meant to be an urbane alternative to the LandCruiser Prado, but compared to its soft-road rivals its cabin feels a little workmanlike, even in the plusher Grande.

The front seats are comfortable, but that initial comfort in the Kluger gives way to long-distance fatigue.

Forward vision is excellent, with A-pillars that are remarkably slim for a modern SUV. The big head-up display in the Grande helps keep your attention on the road ahead.

The first-row ergonomics are good, with everything clearly labelled and falling within easy reach of the driver’s seat, but there is little wow factor.

The 2023 update brought a welcome infotainment upgrade that saw the 8.0-inch high-mounted screen, which seemed ridiculously small in a large SUV built after 2020, replaced with a 12.3-inch monitor in all but the entry-level GX spec.

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The upgrade also saw the Grande gain a 12.3 digital instrument cluster, with the variants retaining the analog dials, which are becoming increasingly uncommon in this price range.

Another addition was wireless Apple CarPlay, but if you have an Android phone you will still have to plug it in to access Android Auto. Irritatingly there is no wireless phone charger meaning you'll probably have to plug your phone in any way.

The shelf that runs across the dash provides a very handy place to store your phone, with its grippy rubber surface ensuring it and your keys and other items won't go slide from side to side whenever you turn.

Other storage options include the usual centre armrest with dual cupholders and door bins that are a little narrow.

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Second-row comfort

The Kluger's second row is incredibly spacious, with more head and legroom than most of its large-SUV rivals.

Second-row passengers benefit from a separate rear climate zone so they can set their own temperature and airflow through the ceiling air vents.

The roomy three-seat bench has a reclinable backrest and can slide back and forth.

The Grande comes standard with a gigantic glass sunroof and it’s used to good effect, flooding the cabin with light and lifting the ambience considerably, particularly with the tan upholstery.

The second row has three ISOFIX points and top tether anchors for securing child seats.

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Third-row comfort

Logic would dictate that having plenty of room in the middle row would come at the expense of third-row space – logic would be right.

For an adult, squeezing between the door frame and the middle seat isn’t an elegant operation, with the shape of the Kluger’s rear door aperture not big enough for easy third-row access.

The second-row seats tilt/slide forward in one step using a lever on the back, though SUVs such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Palisade provide cleverer one-touch electric tumble operation.

Adults who draw the short straw to sit back there will have to travel with their knees pointing to the ceiling on an overly firm seat with no amenities such as USB ports.

Children will fit okay in the third row, but you won't be able to put tiny folk back there as there are no child seat anchor points.

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How much boot space does the Toyota Kluger offer?

With all three rows in play, the Kluger can accommodate a useful 241 litres, which is enough to fit a pram or a large number of shopping/sports/school bags.

However, fold the third row down and the greedy second row restricts five-seat cargo capacity to a large-sedan-like 552 litres, which is 28 litres less than the smaller RAV4 medium SUV and significantly less than most of its rivals.

Drop the middle-row seatbacks and you'll be able to carry 1150 litres of stuff, compared to the RAV4's 1605 litres.

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I like driving, will I enjoy the Kluger?

The 2023 Kluger saw the introduction of a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which replaced the V6 engine, which was our pick for anyone who prioritised performance.

The new engine is also found in the Lexus RX (that's based on the Kluger) in place of the same V6 powertrain but in a slightly dialled-up tune.

We're yet to drive the turbo Kluger, but in its posh cousin, the 2.4-litre engine/eight-speed auto powertrain acquits itself in the performance stakes and feels more refined than the V6.

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The 2.5-litre petrol hybrid is essentially the same set-up as the RAV4 AWD albeit with a boost to power and torque.

On a light throttle, the hybrid drivetrain with e-CVT transmission feels initially responsive but then needs a heavy right foot to achieve lively performance, which comes at the expense of refinement - the engine becomes overly conspicuous with its gruff nature.

It’s difficult to prevent the petrol engine from kicking into life even at low speeds, and the EV Mode that prompts the car’s computer to stay with electric power cancels itself at just 30km/h.

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It’s still possible to run at higher speeds using the electric motors but only once the Kluger has momentum and on flattish roads, with Toyota’s hybrid system switching as seamlessly between its dual forms of power as it has done ever since the early days of the Prius.

When the Kluger is coasting or cruising, the drivetrain’s near-silence is complemented by minimal noise from the tyres on coarser surfaces. This includes the Grande’s 20-inch wheels – the biggest available on any Toyota – which also avoid spoiling the wonderfully relaxed suppleness of the Kluger’s suspension.

The steering feels smooth and effortless and combines good body control and ride comfort on rural roads that even those sitting in the third row above the rear axle will appreciate.

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Which Toyota Kluger engine uses the least fuel?

The 142kW/242Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain's engine and three electric motors are mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), with official combined fuel economy rated at just 5.6L/100km 

It's an impressive claim, given the SUV’s 2000kg-plus kerb weight, though any savings at the bowser are compromised a little by the fact you have to use pricier RON95 premium unleaded.

Using its rear-mounted electric motor, Toyota’s e-Four AWD system can send up to 100 per cent of drive to the front wheels, or up to 80 per cent through to the rear, depending on conditions, allowing it to achieve a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds.

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2.5L Hybrid

Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it is much smoother than the V6...

This powertrain is only available with an 'e-Four' AWD system and using its rear-mounted electric motor, it can send up to 100 per cent of drive to the front wheels, or up to 80 per cent through to the rear, depending on conditions, allowing it to achieve a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds.

The 198kW/420Nm 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 20kW less power but 70Nm more torque than the old 3.5-litre V6 it replaced.

Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it is much smoother than the V6, but no less thirsty, improving fuel consumption by just 0.4L/100km.

The front-wheel-drive turbocharged Klugers drink 8.3L/100km of RON91 unleaded. With AWD they consume 8.5L/100km combined, with the plusher and heavier Grande's additional 45kg sending that figure to 8.7L/100km.

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How much can a Toyota Kluger tow?

All Klugers can tow a braked load of up to 2000kg.

Unbraked towing capacity is 700kg.

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How long is the warranty and what are the Toyota Kluger's servicing costs?

As per the wider Toyota range, the Kluger is covered by the brand’s five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Servicing for the Kluger is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

Capped-price servicing is available for the first five years or 75,000 kilometres, priced at a very reasonable $215 a pop.

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Which version of the Toyota Kluger does Wheels recommend?

The mid-spec GXL is the obvious sweet spot of the range in terms of equipment levels and pricing.

It brings plenty of desirable creature comforts over the GX. And while the Kluger Grande delivers even more, it's not quite as luxuriously equipped as some of its rivals, including the Hyundai Palisade Highlander and Mazda CX-9 Azami LE, which also have more spacious third rows.

As for the powertrain, the hybrid's fuel economy is too good to pass up and, along with the thrifty servicing costs, probably makes this the cheapest three-row SUV to run.

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What are the Toyota Kluger's main rivals?

• Hyundai Palisade
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Kia Sorento
• Mazda CX-8
• Mazda CX-9
• Nissan Pathfinder