Review - 2023 Toyota Kluger

If you’re looking for some added space over the RAV4, the Toyota Kluger is more than likely in your sights, so with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the range and figure out which are your best variants to pick from.

Toyota Kluger Competition

Starting Price: $51,790

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How Much Does the Toyota Kluger Cost?

The Toyota Kluger range is priced from $51,790 for the entry-level Kluger GX 2WD, while the Kluger GX AWD is priced at $51,790. Stepping up to the Kluger GX Hybrid AWD brings the price to $58,290.

The Kluger GXL range is priced from $61,310 for the GXL 2WD, while the GXL AWD is priced at $65,310 and the GXL Hybrid AWD is priced at $67,810.

Finally, the Kluger Grande 2WD is priced at $73,257, with the Grande AWD priced at $75,650 and the range-topping Kluger Grande Hybrid AWD priced at $80,230.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

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Toyota Kluger (GX HYBRID AWD) Specifications

What Features Does the Toyota Kluger Have?

Toyota’s entry-level Kluger GX comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives automatic LED head and tail lights, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever, a rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, keyless entry & start, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the Kluger GXL adds a set of roof rails, leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, a powered boot lift, power-adjustable front seats, and an upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment display with sat-nav.

Toyota’s range-topping Kluger Grande comes riding on a set of 20-inch alloys and picks up projector LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, chrome grille, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a surround-view monitor, wireless phone charging and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys 

• Automatic LED head & tail lights 

• Adaptive cruise control

• Cloth upholstery with leather steering wheel and gear lever 

• Rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Leatherette upholstery with heated front seats (GXL)

• Powered boot lift (GXL)

• 12.3-inch infotainment display with sat-nav (GXL)

• 20-inch alloys (Grande)

• Panoramic sunroof (Grande)

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (Grande)

• Leather upholstery (Grande)

• Ambient lighting (Grande)

• Surround-view monitor (Grande)

• 11-speaker JBL sound system (Grande)

Is the Toyota Kluger Comfortable to Drive?

Designed with families in mind, the driving experience on offer in the Kluger is much more user-friendly than you might expect for an SUV of this size.

Across the range, there’s two engine options available, with base models picking up a new  2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 198kW of power and 420Nm of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic.

For fuel-conscious buyers, Toyota has implanted its clever hybrid tech into higher-spec variants, which come powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with a trio of electric motors that produces a combined 184kW of power.

Hybrid members of the Kluger range are offered with an all-wheel drive only, and pick up a CVT automatic transmission.

Off the line, the Kluger offers some decent pace with both engines, while the hybrid range offers some added torque to help push you up to speed.

Toyota’s addition of a turbocharger for the base model has given it serious performance boost, and means buyers won’t be left feeling short-changed opting for the Kluger in entry-level form.

Around town, the Kluger is easy to pilot, and thanks to a lightweight steering rack, easy to park and squeeze through tight spots, while offering some feedback as you pick up speed.

The suspension package handles small bumps around town with confidence, while offering enough support on rougher country roads that make it a truly versatile package for Australian families.

As a complete package, the driving experience on offer in the Kluger is truly impressive, remaining smooth and well-behaved around town while receiving enough suspension bolstering to handle country roads, too.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Toyota’s new engine powering the front-wheel drive base models is rated at 8.3L/100km on a combined cycle, growing to 8.7L/100km in the AWD, making it relatively fuel efficient for a substantial SUV package powered by a non-hybrid engine.

The show-stopper in terms of fuel economy, though, is obviously Toyota’s hybrid powertrain, which drops fuel economy figures to just 5.6L/100km, making it one of the most fuel-efficient seven-seat SUVs on the market.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

As you can imagine for a vehicle of its size, the Kluger doesn’t break a sweat when it comes to accommodating seven people and a decent amount of cargo.

The lofty cabin makes for a great place for tall drivers to get comfortable, while forward visibility is excellent and the elevated seating position gives drivers an added sense of confidence over their surroundings.

In the front of the cabin, the driver and front passenger are separated by a substantial centre console that houses a pair of cup holders, a small storage tray at the base of the dash and acres of space inside the folding armrest.

Move to the rear of the cabin and things keep getting better, with more than enough legroom on offer in the second row, meaning adults can get comfortable back here, too.

The bench seat in the second row is able to slide back and forth, as well as recline to help rear passengers get comfortable on long journeys, or sacrifice some room for those in the third row.

Amenities in the Kluger’s second row includes a set of USB ports, air vents, a folding armrest with cup holders, while you’ll find two ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for child seats.

Access into the third row is made simple from the slide and tilting second row seats, with enough room for smaller children in the rearmost of the cabin.

In terms of cargo space, with all rows standing, the Kluger has a boot measuring in at 241L, which expands to 552L with the third row folded, and up to 1150L with both rows folded.

Is it Safe?

Safety is a particularly strong point of opting for the Kluger, which picks up a generous list of active safety gear - even in the base model.

Atop its five-star ANCAP safety rating, the Kluger GX comes packing autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and junction assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, emergency steering assist, lane-trace assist and a rear-view camera with parking sensors.

That means all the active safety technologies you could want come packaged with the base model, which is a generous move from Toyota.

Our Verdict: Is The Toyota Kluger Worth it?

For those looking for a comfortable, practical and well-equipped seven-seat, the Kluger remains one of the best options in the market, particularly with Toyota’s updated engine for the base model.

If you’re willing to stretch the budget a little, opting for the Kluger Hybrid is a great way to cut down on your fuel bills, with the entry-level GX Hybrid making for a well-equipped package in all areas.

Tossing up your best options in the world of seven seat SUVs? Get in touch with one of our automotive specialists who can help find a great price on your next car.

Five Toyota Kluger Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. Fuel economy figures between 5.6L (Hybrid) to 8.7L/100km (Non-hybrid AWD)  

3. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

4. 241L boot grows to 552L with third-row folded

5. 2000kg braked towing capacity