Sometimes it is known as the Toyota Highlander in other markets, but down under it’s named the Toyota Kluger.  The 2021 version of this very popular SUV is now available for those on the lookout for a medium-to-large SUV with off-roading potential, decent safety and soace being a likable set of characteristics that this model is known for.  Of course, there are other reasons why the Kluger is so popular, and we’ll take a look at these as well.  But for now, sit back and read why this model could be the one for you.

In recent years, Toyota has really found their mojo in exterior automotive design.  Right across the board, all of the new Toyota models are classy-looking vehicles with smart lines and attractive exteriors.  The 2021 Kluger is no exception.  It has morphed into a large and spacious SUV with clean exterior detailing and boasting plenty of neat features.  It comes in 8 colours, all of which are tasteful but, perhaps, the colours are a little subdued – as there are no bright options like a yellow or even a sky blue.  However, the new Kluger comes with softer edges and a bit more chrome, all of which add up to a rather nice-looking big SUV design.

This is the biggest update that the Kluger has received for some time, and it seems right to have you note that this is also much bigger than a RAV4; and to put it in perspective, it is similar in dimensions to a Hyundai Palisade.  So, to enter the Kluger’s cabin, you have a proximity active key fob (handy), which let’s you through and into the spacious cabin.  Appearance inside is nice, particularly in models with the top of the range seats, and the styling has taken a big step forward.  Typically, the dash is beautifully laid out, functional and user-friendly.  The speedo is clear, and you get an infotainment touchscreen seated into the centre of the dash as standard.  Air vent and air-conditioning controls are all nicely laid out below the touchscreen.  You get steering wheel mounted controls for an array of driver-direct commands.

Two large cup-holders are situated to the left of the gear lever, and there are plenty of jack points for connecting to mobile accessories at the base of the centre of the dash.  Some may argue that the dash styling looks a little dated, as Toyota have stuck with just the lines and defined angles for making an impact.  That said, there are some nice chrome trimmings and the panels are pleasantly soft to the touch.  You do get accented stitching running across the top and across the bottom of the dash.  With the dark interior tones, the chrome definitely brightens the cabin’s mood to what is an elegant layout.  A push-button start is a great new feature and makes life a little less fiddly for entering and driving away.

Premium versions get a larger 12—inch infotainment screen over in the US as well as wireless charging, however in Australia it only comes with an 8-inch screen, a rather toned-down satellite navigation experience and no wireless charging for your phone.  Short cut buttons are positioned down either side of the touchscreen and this make things pretty simple for getting about inside the actual system menus.  DAB radio is standard, Bluetooth connection is standard and the sound system rocks in any of the new Kluger models.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models.

Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cycling detection come as standard on all new 2021 Toyota Klugers.  Lane departure warning and lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and radar cruise control are all features that are found on a 2021 Kluger, as well.  The reversing camera is comes in handy when you have to move about town and head back out a driveway, particularly as this is a big beast with large dimensions.  Traffic-sign recognition and emergency steering assist both come standard for the first time.

The top of the range Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid fetches about $75k new, but its packed with all the luxury features you’re going to need, and then some.  Decent storage is available throughout the cabin with a sunglasses holder present in the front, various places to take phones and a cavernous centre console for storing items under the centre arm rest.  Premium models can also come with a big glass sunroof and they also get premium perforated leather seats with classy upholstery design work as standard.

As far as cabin space for any of its occupants goes, the 2021 Toyota Kluger is a real winner.  There is no shortage of space for tall adults, front and second row.  Rear seat passengers have loads of leg space, and even people over six foot will find that the new Kluger is very accommodating.  Two mobile accessory jack points are found in the second row, so the kids will be kept occupied on those long Outback journeys.  Map pockets, cup holders and bottle holders are all available for back seat passengers in the second row.  Three-zone climate control is available and reclining second row seats are present.  Occupant space doesn’t stop at the second row either because the Kluger is a seven-seater.  The third row is best kept for the kids, however, as the space is a little tight, and getting in and out of this row can be tricky for larger-bodied people.  The Hyundai Palisade is actually one of the class leaders in third row space, so a heads-up there.

A powered tailgate gets you into the new Kluger’s boot.  Even with the third-row seats in place there is 250 litres available.  Put these down, and 550 litres are on offer up to the window line.  Put the second seats down as well, and you get colossal volume.

2021 Toyota Kluger SUVs come with a hybrid engine as well, making it a decent choice for those who need to use it to run plenty of errands about town.  Toyota is a leader in hybrid engines, and the Kluger Hybrid variants offer impressive fuel economy.  The 2.4-litre petrol motor puts out 142 kW of power and 242 Nm of torque.  Hybrid models use this engine and add three electric motors into the mix, two of which are located on the front axle and one on the rear axle.  Therefore, the Hybrid blend offers a maximum output of 184 kW of grunt when all that power potential gets laid down, which is quite a lot for this class of car, and more than adequate for passing slower traffic out on the motorways.  New Klugers are using the tried-and-true Toyota electronic CVT transmission for delivering the power out to the wheels.  Now, noteworthy is the hybrid fuel consumption, which Toyota claims that the over 2-tonne Kluger SUV delivers a remarkable 5.6 litres/100 km.  At times, this figure might get to above 6, but isn’t that low fuel efficiency and big SUV what dreams are made of?  And Hybrid models even sneak through the 0-100 km/h dash in around eight seconds.

A new 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine is also on offer, which sends up to 218 kW of power and up to 350 Nm of torque out to the tyres via a traditional smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.  Despite being the more powerful option, the V6 petrol engine is priced slightly below the hybrid versions.  Toyota claims a fuel consumption figure for the V6 of about 8.7 litres/100 km for the 2WD V6 variant, and 8.8 litres/100 km for the AWD V6 variant.

Eco, norm, sport and trail modes are available to the driver and all new AWD Klugers will happily tackle whatever sort of off-road terrain you put in front of it.  Being up nice and high gives you the perfect view of the road ahead, and the large SUV sits on the road nicely and rides comfortably.

The 2021 Toyota Kluger is up against some pretty decent competitors in the form of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-9 and CX-8, and the Kia Sorento.  If you want space and hybrid economy, then the Kluger is a great modern wagon for the family.

The 2021/2022 Toyota Kluger models include the:

• Kluger GX 2WD V6 petrol
• Kluger GXL 2WD V6 petrol
• Kluger Grande 2WD V6 petrol
• Kluger GX AWD V6 petrol
• Kluger GXL AWD V6 petrol
• Kluger Grande AWD V6 petrol
• Kluger GX AWD hybrid
• Kluger GXL AWD hybrid
• Kluger Grande AWD hybrid

For any more information on the new Toyota Kluger or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!