Review - 2024 Toyota Kluger

Toyota’s super practical seven-seat SUV package has recently picked up fuel-efficient hybrid engine options within the range, giving buyers even more reason to make the switch to Toyota’s family wagon.

There’s also a new four-cylinder engine replacing the previous six-cylinder unit for base models, giving price-conscious buyers their fair slice of fuel efficiency, too.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look to find out just how good the latest Toyota Kluger is and how it stacks up against its large, seven-seat SUV rivals.

Toyota Kluger Competition

Starting Price: $51,790

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How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the Toyota Kluger range kick off from $51,790 for the entry-level Kluger GX 2WD, with prices rising to $55,790 for the Kluger GX AWD and up to $58,290 for the Kluger GX eFour Hybrid.

From here, the range moves to the Kluger GXL 2WD which is priced at $61,310, and the Kluger GXL AWD priced at $65,310 while the Kluger GXL eFour Hybrid is priced at $67,810.

Toyota’s range-topping Kluger Grande 2WD is priced at $73,010 while the Kluger Grande AWD is priced at $75,650 and the flagship Kluger Grande eFour Hybrid is 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 (GXL 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 LED head & tail lights, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, fog lights, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the Kluger GXL adds a powered boot lift, roof rails, leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, an upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment system as well as heated, power-adjustable front seats.

Toyota’s range-topping Kluger Grande comes riding on 20-inch alloys and receives a chrome grille, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, projector LED headlights, a head-up display, ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charger and some interior upgrades.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys 

• LED head & tail lights, fog lights 

• Adaptive cruise control

• Rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors 

• Cloth upholstery with leather steering wheel & gear lever 

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

• Powered boot lift (GXL) 

• 12.3-inch infotainment system (GXL) 

• Leatherette upholstery with heated, power-adjustable front seats (GXL) 

• 20-inch alloys (Grande) 

• Projector LED headlights (Grande) 

• Leather upholstery (Grande) 

• Panoramic sunroof (Grande) 

• Head-up display (Grande) 

• Ambient lighting (Grande)

Is the Toyota Kluger Comfortable to Drive?

Toyota’s latest Kluger range confidently asserts itself as a super comfortable family package on the road, offering a healthy blend of urban-friendly touches and high-speed stability while barreling down the highway.

Under the bonnet, the base model receives a new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in favour of the previous six-cylinder unit, which not only optimises fuel economy figures, it offers healthy power and torque figures of 198kW/420Nm, respectively.

The base model picks up a superior transmission, in the form of an eight-speed automatic that powers the front and all four wheels, depending on the variant.

Opting for Toyota’s iconic eFour Hybrid powertrain utilises a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with a total of three electric motors that produce a combined 184kW and the added benefit of instant torque, powering the wheels via a less engaging CVT automatic.

Both engines are a great pairing for the Kluger’s size and stature, in our mind, while the platform itself handles a mix of town driving and highway touring with ease and confidence.

Around town, the Kluger is more accommodating than its proportions might suggest thanks to its light steering rack and great visibility that makes three-point turns and parking a simple task.

Pick up the pace around town and the Kluger’s suspension package makes light work of small and moderate bumps, making for a great urban companion.

Better yet, leave the smooth city streets and the Kluger can eat up rougher road surfaces without breaking a sweat, while the high-speed stability is impressive, particularly in AWD variants.

All up, the Kluger is a fantastic package on Australian roads and arguably the benchmark for the large SUV segment when it comes to outright versatility and user-friendliness around town.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Toyota’s entry-level 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is rated at between 8.3 - 8.7L/100km, giving it reasonable fuel economy figures for such a large SUV package.

The fuel economy hero of the range, though, is of course the eFour Hybrid which consumes just 5.6L/100km on a combined cycle, positioning it as one of the most fuel-efficient seven-seat SUVs currently on the market.

• 2.4-litre Turbo Economy Figures: 8.3 - 8.7L/100km

• Kluger eFour Hybrid Economy Figures: 5.6L/100km

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Designed primarily as a family spaceship, the Toyota Kluger does not disappoint when it comes to interior space and practicality.

Up front, the driver and front passenger receive acres of headroom and a great amount of visibility.

While the Kluger’s cabin might not be the most aesthetic of the large SUV range, it is super ergonomic and easy to familiarise yourself with - it’s typical Toyota in that regard.

The same applies when it comes to practical touches, with no shortage of storage options for growing Australian families, including a tier of storage below the infotainment display topping the usual cubby hole behind the gear lever.

The centre console offers a pair of cupholders and access to a massive storage area inside the folding armrest, while there are bottle holders on either side of the cabin that make it one of the segment’s leading options for outright storage.

Move to the second row and the Kluger offers a tonne of legroom, with no problem accommodating three abreast passengers thanks to the wide cabin layout and an abundance of headroom.

The second row offers air vents for the dedicated climate control system, as well as ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats.

Step into the third row of the Kluger’s cabin and things are cramped for those other than a small child where you’re unlikely to hear any complaints from kids.

Finally, the Toyota Kluger has a boot measuring 241L with all three rows of seats standing, expanding to 552L with the third row folded and up to 1150L with both rows folded flat to swallow up bulky cargo and sports equipment.

Is it Safe?

The Toyota Kluger range has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating after scoring:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 90%

• Child Occupant Protection: 88%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 76% 

• Safety Assist: 82%

As standard, the Toyota Kluger comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, junction and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera and front & rear parking sensors.

In this respect, it’s nice to see that Toyota is happy to package even the base model with the same list of active safety gear you’d find in the range-topper.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota Kluger Worth it?

The latest upgrades for the Toyota Kluger range have culminated in one of the most comprehensive seven-seat family packages you’ll find anywhere on the market.

Aside from the outstanding fuel economy in the eFour hybrid, the Kluger range offers a tonne of interior space, practical touches and a generous list of features in the base model that means you won’t feel short-changed while opting for an entry-level variant.

Overall, the Kluger is a fantastic large SUV and one very much up to the challenge of transporting you and your family.

If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price on your next family-friendly SUV.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 5.6 - 8.5L/100km fuel economy figures 

3. 2000kg braked towing capacity 

4. 241 - 552 - 1150L boot space

5. Five-star ANCAP Safety Rating