In the world of family SUVs, the Toyota Kluger has consistently been a cornerstone, and in 2024 it continues to uphold its steadfast reputation for being a practical and reliable option.

Since its introduction to Australian roads in the early 2000s, this seven-seater vehicle has established itself as a quintessential choice for Australian families.

Yet, in the fiercely competitive SUV market, the question arises: Does the 2024 Kluger Grande retain its status as the preferred choice for families seeking a luxurious version of their family hauler?

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Pricing and features

The Kluger Grande, positioned as the top-tier trim level in the Toyota Kluger lineup, offers an enticing blend of affordability and features. The Grande is priced between $73,257-$80,230 before on-road costs, based on the choice of transmission and wheel configuration.

Two engine options are available– an efficient 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine, paired with a seamless 8-speed automatic transmission or CVT-driven 2.5-litre hybrid engine.

The standard petrol is available as a 2WD or AWD setup, and produces 198kW of power and 420Nm of torque. The hybrid on the other hand uses just 5.6L/100km and develops 142kW and 242Nm.

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The Grande includes plenty of technology and creature comforts.

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Safety

The Kluger achieved a top safety rating of five stars from ANCAP, which was obtained during initial testing in 2021.

In terms of crash safety, this family SUV has showcased solid performance, receiving a 90 percent rating for protecting adult occupants and an 88 percent rating for safeguarding child occupants.

The complete Kluger lineup comes with a comprehensive safety package, including seven airbags, which encompass dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags that extend to the third row and a driver’s knee airbag.

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Key rivals

There are plenty of seven-seater options in various sizes, including competitions such as:

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

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

As the range-topper of the Kluger line-up, the Grande packs in plenty of spec but does fall short when compared to key rivals. Many vehicles at this price-point fill the cabin with luxurious touches, including the Hyundai Palisade Highlander and Mazda CX-9 Azami LE, which all have more spacious third rows.

For the convenience of the seven-seater, we reckon saving some money and dropping down to the GXL is sure to do the trick… unless you’re a panoramic sunroof enthusiast.

When it comes to the powertrain, the hybrid option offers exceptional fuel efficiency that should not be underestimated. Paired with its cost-effective maintenance, it likely ranks as the most economical three-row SUV in terms of both ownership and operation.

It’s a new year and there’s a fresh (if familiar) leader following a fairly soft month of vehicle electric sales.

Last year saw a 161 per cent increase in EV sales for a 7.2 per cent market share, though 2024 is off to a slower start with electric models accounting for 5.4 per cent of January’s record 89,782 sales.

It can largely be attributed to a slow month for Tesla – thanks to shipping and compliance issues – that allowed China’s BYD to leap ahead with 1310 registrations to Tesla’s 1107.

There are a few new faces on the scene, with Subaru’s Solterra, LDV’s eDeliver 7 van and Renault’s Megane E-Tech appearing in the charts for the first time.

Along with improved Tesla supply, these new vehicles – including Toyota’s soon-to-arrive BZ4x and Volkswagen’s electric midsize SUVs – are set to drive EV share up to the industry-anticipated 10 per cent by 2025.

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Come 2025, the government’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards will be enshrined, potentially bolstering EV sales.

Ahead of the standard, though, FCAI chief executive Tony Weber noted the continued success of combustion-engined utes and SUVs.

“The continuing preference for SUVs and utes demonstrates the challenges the Commonwealth Government is facing as it works to introduce a New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES)”, he said.

“Even with the current incentives offered by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments, sales of battery electric vehicles appear to have plateaued during recent months”, added Mr Weber

Model 3 takes first place despite delivery pause

Tesla’s month may have been weak, but it’s still the second-most popular EV brand with just two vehicles.

And the Model 3 took top spot (722, ?) in the face of a delivery pause to rectify centre seat top tether compliance issues.

Then came the BYD Seal, a newcomer electric sedan that’s beginning to find its stride in the sales charts (589,?) likely due to its affordable price and impressive WLTP driving range figures.

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Disappointingly for Model Y fans, the midsize SUV was knocked out of the top three by both the MG 4 small car (537,?) and BYD’s Atto 3 small SUV (465).

It comes after a ship carrying Tesla’s typically popular Model Y (384) was sent back from Brisbane to China in January after a quarantine check found yellow-spotted stink bugs onboard.

BYD managed to sneak another model into the top 10 in the Dolphin small car (256) ahead of the Kia EV6 (199, up 352%) which had an excellent January.

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We’re still waiting for on final Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric numbers, but with an estimated 166 sales based on prior sales splits, it should slip into seventh ahead of the Polestar 2 sedan (151), and MG ZS EV small SUV (111).

Supply of BMW’s excellent i4 looks to be improving with the introduction of a new i35 base grade and its deliveries counted 93 in January ahead of the GWM Ora (88) and Mercedes-Benz EQA (62).

Vehicles that seemed to struggle in January included both of Hyundai’s E-GMP-based products, the Ioniq 5 (48) and Ioniq 6 (42).

Top 10 best-selling electric vehicles in January 2024

And the rest…

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The Tesla Model Y took the top spot in Australia’s biggest year of electric vehicle sales yet.

With 20 all-new or heavily overhauled electric models launched in 2023 and an overall sales record set, it’s hardly a surprise that there were more electric cars registered in Australia than ever before.

But a volume increase of 161% over last year to 87,217 is still a massive achievement for battery-electric vehicles. Of the 1,216,780 new cars registered, 7.2% were electric, following the combined hybrid and plug-in hybrid share of 9.0%.

The majority of electric cars sold here were built in China with Tesla, BYD, MG, Volvo, GWM, Polestar (and even BMW’s iX3) all hailing from the battery-producing powerhouse.

The next biggest producers were Korea and countries in the European Union, both with just under 600 cars sold in Australia, with America and Japan bringing up the rear.

Though electric vehicles experienced significant growth throughout 2023, combustion-engined and hybrid vehicles remained very much the default choice for Australian families.

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What’s to come in 2024?

This year will be even bigger for electric vehicles with not only new models from fresh faces such as the BYD Seal U and others, but also a significant push from established carmakers.

Volkswagen, Toyota, and Subaru will all launch their first electric vehicles here, and when they do the sales figures will reveal just how much fresh faces have changed the new car landscape. There’s also a new entrant confirmed in Cadillac which will be electric-only in Australia.

On the policy side, the government is expected to detail its fuel efficiency standards this year which will do its bit in shaping the sales landscape – expect incentives to ditch high-emitting vehicles for hybrids and EVs though how powerful the legislation will be remans to be seen.

Tesla takes top two spots with ease

By the end of 2023, Tesla comfortably delivered the most electric vehicles of any brand.

Not only was Tesla the best-selling EV brand, but it registered more cars in 2023 than Subaru (46,116 vs 46,114), despite only offering two models.

The Model Y (28,769 ?) led last year’s numbers ahead of the Model 3 (16,506 ?). Neither car set records in December alone, with the SUV’s 1351 deliveries and sedan’s 841 not demonstrating the usual commanding lead over rivals.

The BYD Atto 3 (11,042 ?) found 756 homes in the last month of the year cementing a solid third spot ahead of MG’s relative newcomer, the 4 hatch (3134 YTD, 607 in December) that ought to perform even better this year with a full 12 months in dealerships.

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Getting in the family-sized EV game early continues to pay dividends for Volvo, which nabbed fifth place for the year with its XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (2846 for 2023, 197 in December).

We are still awaiting MG’s official ZS EV sales figures, so the figure you see for December (100 sales) is calculated from its historical slice of the ICE model’s sales.

Following the ZS was the Polestar 2 (2463) with a strong December showing 405 deliveries – likely thanks to a combination of incentivised existing stock and excitement about the updated MY24 model.

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The Kia EV6 recorded 1831 deliveries in 2023 for eighth spot, a fair way ahead of the Mercedes-Benz EQA (1196) and 10th place Volvo C40 (1103).

Just missing out on top-10 honours was the Kia Niro (985), ahead of the BMW iX1* (947) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (947).

December’s Monthly figures give a better indication of what to expect this year – and it’s BYD that’ll be causing a nuisance for established top-10 players.

In December, the Seal sedan and Dolphin city car took fifth (471) and eighth (236) place respectively despite missing out on the year-to-date top 10; expect Build Your Dreams to build its momentum through 2024.

Top 10 best-selling electric vehicles in 2023

And the rest…

Best-sellers in December 2023

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Volkswagen has used the world’s biggest technology event, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, to announce it will soon offer voice conversations with ChatGPT – the now-famous ‘chatbot’ taking over the web.

For this story, I asked ChatGPT itself to explain what it can do as a standalone service. It gave me a novel, so I asked for a short version: “I am ChatGPT, a sophisticated AI developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and creatively respond to a wide range of text-based queries and tasks.”

Although famous for ‘hallucinating’ facts, ChatGPT is increasingly improving as a go-to for quick answers – like a Wikipedia you can chat with.

For upcoming new Volkswagen models, ChatGPT will feature in the brand’s IDA voice assistant through the Chat Pro system provided by VW partner company, Cerence.

Among its talents, VW says, will be “Enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more – purely hands-free”.

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What can ChatGPT do in my Volkswagen?

The company has not yet detailed the full breath of IDA’s ChatGPT-enhanced capabilities beyond its core conversational features, although the below paragraph seems to suggest it will be able to help the car’s integrated voice-control system interpret the driver’s spoken requests if the phrase used does not fall within the parameters already programmed by Volkswagen itself.

“The voice assistant is activated by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. IDA automatically prioritises whether a vehicle function should be executed, a destination searched or the temperature adjusted. If the request cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system, it is forwarded anonymously to AI and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.”

Volkswagen also stresses that the ChatGPT portion of its voice assistant cannot access any vehicle or user information, ensuring “the highest possible level of data protection”.

The upgraded IDA system with ChatGPT will feature in a number of new models bound for Australia, including the ID.3 electric hatch, ID.4 electric SUV and larger ID.5 electric SUV, along with the new Tiguan, new Passat and updated Golf.

Generally speaking, even the best in-car voice assistants currently available are frustrating to the point of not bothering with them. In my experience, having used ChatGPT’s voice chat capability on my phone, Volkswagen’s updated IDA system could be the first worth getting to know.

Elsewhere in the industry, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it’s testing ChatGPT [↗] but has yet to announce a rollout plan, while Kia has revealed it will launch a new AI chatbot with its upcoming EV3 electric SUV.

FLASHBACK: CES 2017

The reliance on GPS devices and mapping services provided by tech giants Google and Apple has lent to an increase in signs around Australia to direct travellers to correct their routes.

With Australia being a vast continent covered by long isolating distances, one wrong turn could send visitors to destinations and conditions for which their car is not suitable.

Such are the stories shared by Queensland grazier Graham Anderson who has had frequent arrivals on his land that were due to bad instructions provided by Google Maps. Living in the remote area of Isla, Anderson tells the ABC [↗], “We had people coming in just all the time and they were saying it was Google, that they were following the maps across our property to get there.”

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Mr Anderson found that the misguided travellers were often on their way to the Isla Gorge, a popular destination for those looking to view its sandstone outcrops and natural beauty.

“We back onto the gorge and it’s along our border, but there’s no access to the gorge from our place at all.

“It felt like every other day they were coming in, I’d say,” he said.

Following an estimated 200 incidents of travellers showing up on his property, Mr Anderson sought to invest into a sign that read, “Trust me, not Google,” which he felt would redirect drivers, and do so in a manner that was amusing.

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“You could always have just written, ‘Isla Gorge that way’, but then if it didn’t say, ‘Trust me not Google’, they would have said, ‘How do they know?’, because Google knows everything.”

But this isn’t the only instance of signs being created to help the algorithmically lost, with Facebook user Brian Sheldrick [↗] posting a photo of a “Your GPS is wrong” sign which tells drivers of a more direct route to Perth.

This highlights the importance of keeping up-to-date physical maps to assist with travel planning, and to review road closures that could impact any routes being considered. Each state government also maintains a website that plots road closures and roadworks, which can assist travellers on their way.

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Mr Anderson tells the ABC that since his placement of the sign outside his Isla property the instances of lost people arriving has reduced.

“People probably think, ‘What nutjob lives there?’, but it makes people look at it, people stop and take photos, so it’s certainly achieved something.”

Road traffic websites

• VicRoads [↗]
• Live Traffic NSW [↗]
• QLD Traffic [↗]
• Traffic SA [↗]
• Mainroads Western Australia [↗]
• Road Report NT [↗]
• Tasmanian Government roadworks map [↗]

A number of iconic hot hatches have been retired in recent years, but those still available are reaping the benefits of a hungry market.

There’s arguably never been a better time – or perhaps a more desperate desire – to get into a new hot hatch, with today’s models proving immensely capable, wildly entertaining and safer than ever before.

With the all-electric all-the-time era approaching seemingly faster than any hot hatch’s best lap time, and with the growing cost-of-living crisis apparently no barrier, buyers are snapping up hot – well, everything small and quick: hatches, sedans and SUVs alike.

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Not many brands are cheering about it, though, which might seem ominous – and Hyundai has, after all, killed the Kona N and confirmed there won’t be another i30 N hatch after this generation.

The sedan will live on, at least, along with the i20 N – and there’s the big new Ioniq 5 N for those with money to burn in place of petrol.

Volkswagen is the exception, proudly trumpeting the success of its GTI and R models in 2023 – while also firing a shot at Hyundai, declaring itself “the only brand in Australia committed to both light and small segment hot hatchbacks”. A niche title to claim, but a hot shot nonetheless.

For its part, Hyundai is understood to be working on a smaller Ioniq model, and an N variant would seem a sure thing. The Golf 9 GTI is also rumoured to be electric, so the ‘committed to small hot hatchbacks’ conversation will probably rear its head again soon.

(The chats I’ve had about that line were, of course, not on the record…)

Alright chatterbox, give us the numbers

Volkswagen

For 2023, Volkswagen says it sold 387 Polo GTI hatches, more than doubling the results of a supply-troubled 2022. The bigger Golf GTI, more expensive than ever before and without a manual for the diehards, also had a fairly strong year with 693 sales. The flagship Golf R turned in 346 for the year, with 309 deliveries made in the second half. Supply was still an issue for both, however, and VW believes their potential to be much higher.

We can add Cupra to the list, with 442 Leon hatches sold in 2023, along with a whopping 887 of its new Born EVs. Born slippy.

Of course, as much as Australia loves hot hatches, it loves SUVs even more – so the combination of hot-hatch power and SUV is an obvious formula for product planners. It’s worked out for VW, with the Tiguan R racking up a huge 2227 sales in 2023. It’ll be retired in June, so if you want one…

Lastly, the smaller T-Roc R and R Grid models did well too, with 566 sales.

Hyundai

By comparison, Hyundai had moved 624 of its little i20 N manual-only pocket rockets by the end of November, along with 1626 i30 N hatches and 1573 i30 N sedans (styled ‘i30 Sedan N’) for the full year.

The i30 N models can both be had in either manual or auto form, of course. And while it had no press release for these figures, Hyundai would likely note that it, too, suffered delays for its N hatches.

Hyundai N’s late addition of a DCT automatic transmission to the i30 N hatch has paid dividends, with 1280 sales going to the auto and 346 to the manual. The i30 Sedan N favoured the auto even more, with 1440 sales going that way and 133 going the other.

A mean 680 Kona N SUVs were sold to the end of November, too. RIP, Kona N…

Toyota

Toyota, an only recently returned player in the hot-hatch market, sold 624 GR Corolla hatches and 163 GR Yaris hatches – and yes, you guessed it, supply has been a constant bugbear for these models. “We keep trying to get more,” a spokesperson told me today.

It had 700 GR Corollas available, according to news in early 2023, but perhaps something has been lost in communication there. (It’s possible some of those sales were counted in late 2022, when the initial number was first announced.)

And, for the record, Toyota sold 276 GR Supras in 2023.

Honda

As for the Civic Type R, Honda confirms it has sold “just over” 750 since launch in December 2022.

And guess what! Supply constrained, with back-of-the-line customers in May 2023 told to expect a February 2024 delivery.

Subaru

Look, it’s no longer a hatch, criminal as that is, but the WRX is a traditional player in this space – and fans will be pleased to know Subaru sold 2743 of them in 2023.

Subaru tells me it was an 80/20 split in favour of the sedan which, as a wagon man, is disappointing to me – but considering the sedan’s sales were split 54% to 46% in favour of the auto transmission, one feels like a manual wagon oughta be on Subaru Australia’s wish list… (And a return of the STI, please.)

Hell, let’s add this little detail: Subaru recorded 1573 sales of the BRZ last year, pushing it past the Mustang’s 1475 registrations.

Farewell… Renault & Ford

The last time we’ll see Renault in a list like this, at least for the foreseeable future. It sold 69 (nice) Megane RS hatches last year. Ford moved 140 Fiesta ST hatches from last stocks and orders, and just eight Focus ST hatches.

Sales figures, in table form!

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And the rest: Lux brands

Audi pulled in 149 RS3 and 397 S3 hatch sales last year, from a total of 3319 sales for the wider A3 range – including hatch and sedan (sedan models showed 328 RS3 and 449 S3 sales). The little SQ2 deserves a holler too, with 380 sales in 2023. Across the entire S and RS line-up, Audi notched up 4073 sales.

BMW is finalising figures for its entire M and M Performance range, but we can see it sold 1755 1 Series hatches and 1164 2 Series coupes and convertibles. Waiting on M135i and M2 numbers…

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t share specific AMG model numbers, but VFACTS data shows it sold 2392 A-Class models in 2023, across hatch and sedan, and you can bet a lot of those were A35 and A45 trims.

An updated version of the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI has been shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, giving us our first look at a host of improvements to the cabin, infotainment and exterior design.

Set to be revealed in full “in the coming weeks” the camouflaged prototype Mk 8.5 Golf GTI was used at CES to showcase the latest version of VW’s IDA voice assistant which includes AI integration via ChatGPT.

The AI tech allows passengers to communicate with their car in a “more natural and conversational way”, says VW, and will eventually be rolled out to all future models from Volkswagen, Cupra and Skoda.

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The overall design of the new VW GTI isn’t radically different — evolution rather than revolution has long been the Golf’s mantra — yet exterior tweaks appear to include new designs for the headlights and taillights.

It’s the changes to the cabin that are of more significance, however.

Volkswagen’s move away from its highly criticised touch controls is now in full swing and the new Golf doesn’t only usher in more physical buttons (hooray!) but an entirely new dash design.

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A larger and higher resolution centre screen also features as does the latest generation of VW’s MIB infotainment software which offers faster processing speeds and improved menu structures.

VW has also added backlighting to its touch-sensitive sliders for the climate control functions which will improve their usability at night.

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VW’s hard-won reputation for cabin quality has also taken a slight hit lately but the new Golf seeks to re-establish its superiority through a richer mix of higher-quality materials, including a new Alcantara-like fabric known as Atrilur.

A host of engine improvements will be offered throughout the broader Mk 8.5 Golf range, including a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s more powerful and offers longer range, though VW is yet to confirm what will power the new GTI and R models.

Evolutions of the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engines is a strong possibility, although some form of hybrid assistance could also feature.

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One thing we know for certain is there won’t be a manual gearbox.

VW has confirmed it hasn’t developed a manual for the facelifted Golf, although that means little for Aussie buyers — the GTI and R have both been automatic-only Down Under since 2018.

The updated Mk8.5 Golf range is due in Australia next year, while an all-electric Mk 9 replacement should arrive towards the end of the decade.

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The Toyota Kluger GX, a cornerstone in the family SUV market, enters 2024 with the same vehicle that holds solid its reputation for practicality and reliability.

The seven-seater vehicle has been an Aussie staple since it landed on our shores in the early 2000s.

But amidst a fiercely competitive segment, does the 2024 Kluger GX continue to distinguish itself as a go-to family SUV?

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Pricing and features

Positioned as the introductory trim level in the Toyota Kluger lineup, the GX offers an appealing balance of affordability and features. With prices starting from $51,790 before on-road costs, the Kluger GX is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers needing to lug around a number of passengers.

Powering the Kluger GX is an efficient 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine, which is mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers a robust 198kW and 420Nm of torque, ensuring ample power for your daily driving needs.

The priciest GX available from $58,290 comes equipped with a 2.5-litre hybrid engine creating 142kW and 242Nm, boasting low fuel-economy at just 5.6L/100km.

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Two more premium trim levels are available for the Kluger: the GXL and range-topping Crusade which are also available in the petrol or hybrid options.

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Safety

The Kluger received the maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP, achieved in 2021.

In terms of crash safety, the family SUV has shown strong performance, achieving scores of 90 percent for adult occupant protection and 88 percent for child occupant protection.

Across the entire range, there are seven airbags, including dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. The curtain airbag extends to provide protection for passengers in the third row as well.

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Key rivals

The Kluger faces stiff competition from other family SUVs, including:

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

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Toyota Kluger continues its streak as a popular 7-seater family car, since it’s facelift in 2021.

Although very well equipped as a base vehicle, we think the step up to the GXL, positioned in the middle of the range, stands out as the clear choice when considering equipment levels and pricing. It offers a range of appealing creature comforts that surpass those of the GX model.

Regarding the powertrain, the hybrid option boasts exceptional fuel economy that is too advantageous to overlook. Combined with its cost-effective servicing, it’s likely the most economical three-row SUV to own and operate.

In the realm of family SUVs, the Toyota Kluger has long been a pillar and in 2024, it maintains its unyielding reputation for being a practical and dependable choice.

Since its arrival on Australian soil in the early 2000s, this seven-seater vehicle has become a staple for Australian families.

However, within the highly competitive SUV market, the question arises: Does the 2024 Kluger GXL still stand out as the preferred choice for families seeking a reliable SUV?

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Pricing and features

Situated as the middle trim level in the Toyota Kluger lineup, the GXL offers an appealing balance of affordability and features. With prices starting from $61,310 before on-road costs, the Kluger GXL sits about 10k above the entry level GX.

Under the bonnet of the Kluger GXL lies an efficient 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine, coupled with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers a robust 198kW of power and 420Nm of torque, providing ample performance for your everyday driving requirements.

The most expensive GXL variant, starting at $67,810, features a 2.5-litre hybrid engine that generates 142kW and 242Nm, showcasing impressive fuel efficiency with a rating of just 5.6L/100km.

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The entry level GX offers plenty of standard spec, such as:

However taking the step up to the mid-spec GXL adds:

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Safety

The Kluger attained the highest safety rating of five stars from ANCAP, an obtained at launch time testing in 2021.

Regarding crash safety, this family SUV has demonstrated impressive performance, securing a 90 percent rating for adult occupant protection and an 88 percent rating for child occupant protection.

The entire lineup comes equipped with seven airbags, encompassing dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag.

Notably, the curtain airbag extends its protection to passengers seated in the third row.

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Key rivals

The Kluger faces stiff competition from other family SUVs, including:

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

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Toyota Kluger maintains its reputation as a popular 7-seater family vehicle, following its refresh in 2021.

While it comes well-equipped as a base model, we believe that moving up to the GXL, positioned in the middle of the lineup, emerges as the obvious choice when evaluating equipment levels and pricing. The GXL offers an array of enticing creature comforts that outshine those found in the GX variant.

In terms of its powertrain, the hybrid option boasts outstanding fuel efficiency that should not be underestimated. Coupled with its cost-effective maintenance, it is likely the most economical three-row SUV in terms of both ownership and operation.

Just like taxes and going to the dentist, toll roads are a necessary evil – but what if there was a way to save thousands of dollars each year on usage charges?

Well if you live in New South Wales, there is. As of January 1 2024, Australia’s most populous state has introduced a new toll road rebate that could see motorists recoup up to $7280 per year in toll charges.

The new scheme introduces a $60 weekly toll cap for motorists, meaning hundreds of thousands of residents are eligible for a refund on any money they spend over that amount on tolls.

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Service NSW estimates 720,000 motorists will benefit from the new rebate being trialled over the next two years, fulfilling an election promise by the New South Wales Labor government.

Sydney has one of the most-tolled road systems in the world, and it’s estimated drivers spend $2 billion each year on tolls. It’s hoped the NSW rebate scheme — which is still little-known by a lot of drivers — will help relieve the pressures felt by the rising cost of living.

The new scheme replaces an existing toll road rebate introduced by the previous Liberal government that allowed drivers to claim back $750 per year and save 50 per cent on vehicle registration, providing they spent more than $375 annually on tolls.

How does it work?

To be eligible for the rebate, drivers must:

• Be a NSW resident
• Hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider
• Spend more than $60 per week on toll charges.

To check if you are eligible for the rebate, click here: Service NSW

Which toll roads are included?

Every toll road in New South Wales is included in the scheme, with some minor exclusions.

Motorists who are already registered for the M5 South-West Cashback scheme, for example, won’t be able to claim both rebates on that road.

Rideshare vehicles, taxis and cars registered for business use are also excluded, as are heavy vehicles with a tare weight of 2794kg or higher.

Trips taken on toll roads in other states are also ineligible.

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How much can I claim?

The NSW government has set aside $561 million over two years for the rebate trial, however there is a cap on how much individuals can claim each week. A fair-use provision caps the maximum weekly refund at $340.

Residents in Sydney’s north-west and west are forecast to benefit most from the rebate, according to Service NSW, who said drivers that spend “an average of $200 a week using their individual tag or licence plates on tolls can expect around $7280 in rebates a year”.

Is the rebate offered in other states?

No, sadly. No other state currently offers a rebate scheme similar to what’s available in New South Wales.

QLD does have the catchily named ‘Go Between Bridge Toll Credit Scheme’ that allows eligible Brisbane residents to claim a $100 toll credit, however it expires in mid-2024.

A small solace for drivers in states other than New South Wales is they already spend substantially less on tolls. According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), motorists in Sydney have an average weekly spend of $81 on tolls which is the highest in the nation.

Drivers in Melbourne and Brisbane average between $57-58 per week, which is still a considerable cost. Over a year it adds up to about $3000, which is more than what drivers will spend on fuel and insurance premiums combined.

Another silver lining? Toll roads only operate in Australia’s eastern states. They simply don’t exist in South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory.