We bought a Grande Hybrid in July 2021. What Do I love? The serenity! It’s quiet and smooth. The fuel economy is excellent for such a large car. Over the 19 months, we’ve averaged 6.9 l/100km with aircon always on, mostly suburban driving. Adaptive cruise control and lane centring are good if the road is not too twisty, and it’s fantastic in stop-start traffic. Disappointments? I have a few, but most I knew about before buying. The 8” infotainment system is a shocker in every respect: size, resolution, software design and functionality. The reversing camera is a shocker too, only just better than not having one. The resolution and camera lens quality are no better than my 2008 Kluger Grande. Reverse autonomous emergency braking is a lifesaver.
We have a Kluger GXL hybrid with all wheel drive in black colour. We actually ordered it last year and we’ve been waiting forever for it to finally come to us. We just picked it up yesterday so it’s still pretty much super brand new with 33km on the clock. I’m really surprised with the infotainment system inside because it is sooo quick and sharp and high resolution and I really enjoyed it.
I've had the hybrid Highlander here in NZ for about 10 months now, excellent fuel efficiency so far, haven't taken it for long road trip yet though. Mine came with that pathetic 8" infotainment screen, which was a bummer. Also I feel the engine noise is loud when the petrol engine kicks in to help with acceleration. Will be interesting to see if the new Grand Highlander will make its way down to this part of the world.
Great review as always. I have been following Paul for years now. i would appreciate if Paul could review on the 2022 and 2023 Kakadu prado and give information on the different modes.
I would love to see light offroading be done in the SUVs would be great to see what they are capable of! I would also love to see a BMW X7 review, can you do the 2022 BMW x7 vs 2023 BMW x7 that would be really nice to see what the differences between them are and it going offroad!
Yes, please do the light off-roading. I’m US based and always end up watching Australian videos when I’m looking for off-road tests because journalists here haven’t historically done a lot of that. For whatever reason there are really none of the turbo Kluger yet
Hi Paul, this real world road testing is awesome! Much more of it please, id be interested to see the i30sedan premium nline, the rav4 hybrid cruiser, new prado. I live in the country, roads with lots of potholes, coarse bitumen, bumpy etc. i dont think ill buy a car without watching a review like this as when overtaking all of this matters. Cheers
Years ago, people were doing light off roading in normal RWD cars. You dont need AWD. Otherwise get a proper 4x4. I drove a rented Mazda 6 on a hard beach.
Just got mine 💯 recommend over the rave4 but only in “”hybrid”” after 5K efficiency is still impressive with 6L/100km which is very good, the GXL is the sweet spot as value for money, I get so many compliments when people enter the car, Vehicle is quick to respond, Fast, Comfortable, Spacious.
Hi Paul, I would love to know your opinion of the hybrid version so could you do a dragparison between the turbo petrol Kruger and the hybrid one while also comparing the fuel economy.
I’ve been driving one as a hire car for the last few days on the Great Ocean Road and must say that even the lower power engine we have is quite smooth, the basic cabin is very comfortable. I must agree that the chassis setup is dreadful though over poor surfaces, I’d agree that Toyota needs to fix this as it will make the Kruger/Highlander a much more convincing proposition.
The Grand Highlander (Grand Kluger 🤔) is the one we need here. So much better looking inside and out. Roomier and higher quality interior. The max hybrid model, even better. This model kluger while improved, is still a let down inside and out. Still a Toyota fan, but current asking prices, and what is on offer making it more difficult. We miss out on their best models, but still get smashed with the 'Australia tax'. Current prices are making Toyota's harder to justify, especially with the current lineup overpriced.
You can't have a precise figure in a few km. And in the first 10k the consumption is higher all the time. I think will go down to 11l/100km which is good for such a huge car.
Paul, can you please start checking the actual dimensions of the boot? Especially the width and depth. Some manufacturers measure to the window line and others do the whole cubic volume, its hard to compare. Thanks mate!!
I don't know about the styling, the front looks pretty outdated to me with that crossbrace logo grille, compared to the back which just looks like a lexus; it doesn't really fit together that well. The interior looks fine, albeit a bit boring IMO. Great review as always though!
I love Your videos but I have been waiting for you to review the Chevy Traverse 2023 as I Can't find any good reviews, So PLS can Review The Chevy Traverse 2023.
So, $63,000 for a 2023 Toyota SUV which needs aftermarket suspension to be acceptable on a bumpy Aussie open road. Surely that’s not fit for purpose, Paul. Why can’t the world’s biggest carmaker deliver a complete product from the factory?
Man im so glad that im driving the Highlander its just an amazing vehicle even though my truck is a left handed car but would love driving right hand aswell in my home country and the only car id think of driving is the Highlander OFC?!!
I find the old infotainment screen of the 2021-2023 just fine. Bigger isn't always better people really need to watch the road not the screen these days. And with the old screen at least you don't have to pay monthly to use it after the 12 month subscription ends. We have a 2021 kluger GXL V6 and it doesnt use near as much fuel a this new 2.4 turbo is using for this test. The V6 is a proven engine. I wouldn't be racing out to buy one of these new bangers it's a big heavy car for such a little 2.4 turbo to push around.
Why do they continue to force us all to have third row seats? An older couple that want a car don’t need or want it and it would give us so much more room a greater payload and be cheaper. Please make third row seats an optional extra.
The Kluger (Highlander) is primarily a U.S. market car so they always prioritised specs for that LHD market. RHD is only ~25% of the global market so you’re less likely to get wishes ✅
You don't need to use the third row seats though. Fold them down and you'll forget that they're even there. Pop them up in the very rare occasion that you do need them
@@c.d.c9425 they still take up room, add weight and cost money. I hardly know anybody that uses the third row seats in any vehicle. It seems the people that want them are in the minority and it’s not a very safe space to have children in.
I sat in one of these just a few days ago and I didn't like the interior styling or quality. Just a big slab of plastic around the infotainment screen and it all feels cheap. A Mazda CX9 is in another league.
Hello paul can you guys please review the Subaru outback turbo you are my favourite reviewer and I’m really thinking about getting the Subaru outback touring xt but i have to see you guys review it so i can make a decision it would really help me and a lot of other people out thank you.
Takes time and distance to average usage to settle. Hard to get real world figure when you have the car for a day or two. Speaking from experience owning a kluger hybrid for 8 months.
A slightly detuned version of this engine Paul making around 150 - 160kw of power together with an efficient but powerful electric motor to produce round about the same power figures as this Kluger might actually work well on the new updated n upcoming 2023 toyota hybrid Hiace I hear..on the works by toyota, just for efficiency purposes I think. 198kw 420Nm those are healthy numbers for a workhorse and ute's. At the moment this non-hybrid is still thirsty for me
I wonder why do car companies rebadge their car names for different markets? Like Mitsubishi Montero in the US is Pajero in many markets. Hyundai Accent over here is Verna in Asian markets. Like wise Nissan Rogue is Qashqai in the UK and so on. 🤔
Hello Paul, Can you please do a comparison on Kluger 2.4T GXL AWD with CX9 seven seater SUV with uphill and downhill with Petrol Engines only. Light off roading comparison as well.
Another great review Paul. I had a chance to drive this car as a rental for a few days and it is a great car. there is one small problem on my car that one of the 3rd row headrest will not fold down and i eventually just had to leave the seat up, and on internet looks like a lot of people are having the same problem. I wonder if Toyota has addressed this issue.
We had a hybrid Kluger as a rental recently while our CX8 was being repaired. The drive was surprisingly good, but that third row is awful. It's so low to the ground that even for me at 5'6" my knees were up to my ears. Mazda does the third row way better.
Why is it that every car you review uses a lot more fuel in your test than the manufacturer's claim? In my 3.5L V6 Highlander (Kluger) I consistently get better than the claimed 8.8L/100km.
We bought a Grande Hybrid in July 2021. What Do I love? The serenity! It’s quiet and smooth. The fuel economy is excellent for such a large car. Over the 19 months, we’ve averaged 6.9 l/100km with aircon always on, mostly suburban driving. Adaptive cruise control and lane centring are good if the road is not too twisty, and it’s fantastic in stop-start traffic. Disappointments? I have a few, but most I knew about before buying. The 8” infotainment system is a shocker in every respect: size, resolution, software design and functionality. The reversing camera is a shocker too, only just better than not having one. The resolution and camera lens quality are no better than my 2008 Kluger Grande. Reverse autonomous emergency braking is a lifesaver.
Grand Highlander is one we need here. Much better looking, more space, and latest more powerful hybrid.
We have a Kluger GXL hybrid with all wheel drive in black colour. We actually ordered it last year and we’ve been waiting forever for it to finally come to us. We just picked it up yesterday so it’s still pretty much super brand new with 33km on the clock. I’m really surprised with the infotainment system inside because it is sooo quick and sharp and high resolution and I really enjoyed it.
OMG, that sounds like 1 year wait to me :|
There's a bigger Kluger out there called the Grand Highlander, which offers more legroom in the third row. We need to bring it here to Australia ASAP.
Would do great in Oz!
Apparently they might not make it RHD
I've had the hybrid Highlander here in NZ for about 10 months now, excellent fuel efficiency so far, haven't taken it for long road trip yet though. Mine came with that pathetic 8" infotainment screen, which was a bummer. Also I feel the engine noise is loud when the petrol engine kicks in to help with acceleration.
Will be interesting to see if the new Grand Highlander will make its way down to this part of the world.
That's the case with all Toyota 2.5 hybrids, but on the bright side, nothing to worry about
Yes please to testing the off road modes. Not many other reviewers test these modes and I find it really interesting to see how these cars perform.
Shame the v6 petrol is gone, that was a bullet proof engine
This car is going to have problems because it is a big car but has a small egine
It’s the same as the 2.8 litre hilux
@@mememan6499 how can it be the same one is Diesel the other petrol??
The *GR family of V6s will be surely missed in toyota/lexus products. Great, strong, reliable and sound great.
Please do some light off-roading! will be interested to see how the full size SUVs stack against the mid size ones.
Reviewing 2023 model now when deliveries are expected in 2025 😬Oh what a feeling!
Seeing that it's an 8 speed torque converter box is good, no CVT garbage.
We got a kluger grande last week on friday. We LOVE it
Light off roading would be good to see!
Would also be interested out of curiosity to see how subcompact SUVs do as well 😂
Great review as always. I have been following Paul for years now. i would appreciate if Paul could review on the 2022 and 2023 Kakadu prado and give information on the different modes.
Outback xt review, including 0-100kph please 🙏🙏
Agree the suspension test be good as it's improved for towing I heard
Yes please 🙏
I would love to see light offroading be done in the SUVs would be great to see what they are capable of! I would also love to see a BMW X7 review, can you do the 2022 BMW x7 vs 2023 BMW x7 that would be really nice to see what the differences between them are and it going offroad!
Definitely some off road reviews for the smaller sector SUVs would be great.
Yes, please do the light off-roading. I’m US based and always end up watching Australian videos when I’m looking for off-road tests because journalists here haven’t historically done a lot of that. For whatever reason there are really none of the turbo Kluger yet
And that's the reason why I went with 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum..
Look good. Time will tell if poor previous quality issues fixed. Renault group and all should raise some caution.
Hi Paul, this real world road testing is awesome! Much more of it please, id be interested to see the i30sedan premium nline, the rav4 hybrid cruiser, new prado. I live in the country, roads with lots of potholes, coarse bitumen, bumpy etc. i dont think ill buy a car without watching a review like this as when overtaking all of this matters. Cheers
Years ago, people were doing light off roading in normal RWD cars.
You dont need AWD. Otherwise get a proper 4x4.
I drove a rented Mazda 6 on a hard beach.
Another wicked review, thank you 🙏
Just got mine 💯 recommend over the rave4 but only in “”hybrid”” after 5K efficiency is still impressive with 6L/100km which is very good, the GXL is the sweet spot as value for money, I get so many compliments when people enter the car, Vehicle is quick to respond, Fast, Comfortable, Spacious.
Please review Kluger Grande hybrid 2023
Hi Paul, I would love to know your opinion of the hybrid version so could you do a dragparison between the turbo petrol Kruger and the hybrid one while also comparing the fuel economy.
Matt Taibbi podcast loaded up. Respect
Yes. Cover light off road. For the price I'm considering a all wheel drive SUV to replace our 4x4 Prado as a light family camping vehicle
Yes, light off road tests for 4WD SUVs please.
I’ve been driving one as a hire car for the last few days on the Great Ocean Road and must say that even the lower power engine we have is quite smooth, the basic cabin is very comfortable. I must agree that the chassis setup is dreadful though over poor surfaces, I’d agree that Toyota needs to fix this as it will make the Kruger/Highlander a much more convincing proposition.
Yes!!!! Let’s see some off-roading in this segment!!!!
Hi Paul, would you and the team consider adding a indicative wait times on the Vehicles been reviewed …
The fuel economy for Hybrid is around 6.7L/100 km
hybrid kluger IS very nosily! especially when you needp power , the engine kicks in. i drive V6 kluger now, which loves to rev.
The Grand Highlander (Grand Kluger 🤔) is the one we need here. So much better looking inside and out. Roomier and higher quality interior. The max hybrid model, even better. This model kluger while improved, is still a let down inside and out. Still a Toyota fan, but current asking prices, and what is on offer making it more difficult. We miss out on their best models, but still get smashed with the 'Australia tax'. Current prices are making Toyota's harder to justify, especially with the current lineup overpriced.
yes, do light offroading please!
Yea would love to see you light off-roading all SUVs and Crossovers.
My 2010 AWD Kluger averages 13.6L/100
I'd have expected this new Kluger to beat that easily... so it's a shame that it didn't
You can't have a precise figure in a few km. And in the first 10k the consumption is higher all the time. I think will go down to 11l/100km which is good for such a huge car.
Paul, can you please start checking the actual dimensions of the boot? Especially the width and depth. Some manufacturers measure to the window line and others do the whole cubic volume, its hard to compare. Thanks mate!!
He's wrong about the size of the boot. Is about 800l, the biggest in the class with 3 row down.
I don't know about the styling, the front looks pretty outdated to me with that crossbrace logo grille, compared to the back which just looks like a lexus; it doesn't really fit together that well. The interior looks fine, albeit a bit boring IMO.
Great review as always though!
I love Your videos but I have been waiting for you to review the Chevy Traverse 2023 as I Can't find any good reviews,
So PLS can Review The Chevy Traverse 2023.
So, $63,000 for a 2023 Toyota SUV which needs aftermarket suspension to be acceptable on a bumpy Aussie open road. Surely that’s not fit for purpose, Paul. Why can’t the world’s biggest carmaker deliver a complete product from the factory?
they are fine unless you intend on overtaking at 130km/h + on really a really bumpy road....not something i would do in any car
Man im so glad that im driving the Highlander its just an amazing vehicle even though my truck is a left handed car but would love driving right hand aswell in my home country and the only car id think of driving is the Highlander OFC?!!
Yes please do off-road test on this segment (nothing too serious)!
Love the JRE feat. Matt Walsh GREAT episode 😅❤️
I find the old infotainment screen of the 2021-2023 just fine. Bigger isn't always better people really need to watch the road not the screen these days. And with the old screen at least you don't have to pay monthly to use it after the 12 month subscription ends. We have a 2021 kluger GXL V6 and it doesnt use near as much fuel a this new 2.4 turbo is using for this test. The V6 is a proven engine. I wouldn't be racing out to buy one of these new bangers it's a big heavy car for such a little 2.4 turbo to push around.
Totally agree with another comment. 7 seats are a pain in the arse if you want them, they should be an extra cost option.
Great review as always! Would love to see a Kia Stinger GT sometime soon.
Very keen on comparison for light off raiding on 7 seat SUV. Kluger, Santa Fe, Sorento, Pathfinder, Palisade.
Yes test them all off road would make good content
Keen to see off-road review
Why do they continue to force us all to have third row seats? An older couple that want a car don’t need or want it and it would give us so much more room a greater payload and be cheaper. Please make third row seats an optional extra.
The Kluger (Highlander) is primarily a U.S. market car so they always prioritised specs for that LHD market. RHD is only ~25% of the global market so you’re less likely to get wishes ✅
Get a Rav4
You don't need to use the third row seats though. Fold them down and you'll forget that they're even there. Pop them up in the very rare occasion that you do need them
@@funshorestudios I was after more room not less.
@@c.d.c9425 they still take up room, add weight and cost money. I hardly know anybody that uses the third row seats in any vehicle. It seems the people that want them are in the minority and it’s not a very safe space to have children in.
I sat in one of these just a few days ago and I didn't like the interior styling or quality. Just a big slab of plastic around the infotainment screen and it all feels cheap. A Mazda CX9 is in another league.
Hello paul can you guys please review the Subaru outback turbo you are my favourite reviewer and I’m really thinking about getting the Subaru outback touring xt but i have to see you guys review it so i can make a decision it would really help me and a lot of other people out thank you.
Paul, love your work. Can you test LDV MIFA as well?
Wish this came in the green they have in the US.
Would love to see this segment in a light off road comparison. 👍
You can never trust Toyota’s official fuel consumption 😂
Takes time and distance to average usage to settle. Hard to get real world figure when you have the car for a day or two. Speaking from experience owning a kluger hybrid for 8 months.
A review of the the new grande with updated camera would be great!
شكرا لك اخي الكريم تحيه لك من اليمن
The new Kluger front just doesn't do it for me, the last gen looked a lot better IMO.
I like you to do light off-road in Toyota highlander
Thank you 😊
I am wanting replace my faithful Ford Territory, I do a lot of country roards including rough gravel roads. An SUV comprehensive test would be great.
Hey Paul - what app are you using for the speed and braking tests? Love the channel cheers
This one :-) www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/this-cheap-gps-device-lets-you-performance-test-your-car-like-a-pro
more light off-roading for all the SUV's please Paul
Hey Paul you should make a comparison video on outlander and x trail
Also a new video on mid size suv with electric versions
I am still waiting for offroad review which was teased for this segment.
A slightly detuned version of this engine Paul making around 150 - 160kw of power together with an efficient but powerful electric motor to produce round about the same power figures as this Kluger might actually work well on the new updated n upcoming 2023 toyota hybrid Hiace I hear..on the works by toyota, just for efficiency purposes I think. 198kw 420Nm those are healthy numbers for a workhorse and ute's. At the moment this non-hybrid is still thirsty for me
Hi Paul, could you please do a comparison review for Toyota Rav4 2023 vs. Nissan Xtrail epower 2023. Thanks.
Can you add "charging wattage" to your USB port review? i.e. some cars only have 10W charging, some have 30W super fast charge etc
Light off roading would be good
Refer too ( sneak peek inside Toyota ) Canberra
When you guys do the fuel test, is that with the A/C on all the time?
I wonder why do car companies rebadge their car names for different markets? Like Mitsubishi Montero in the US is Pajero in many markets. Hyundai Accent over here is Verna in Asian markets. Like wise Nissan Rogue is Qashqai in the UK and so on. 🤔
Paul it was actually doing 109 -110km/h by the time u hit the brakes....I bet 40 to 41m stopping ✋️ distance
Please do an off-road comparison of SUVs in this segment, if you can.
It’s beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Highlander vs Pathfinder vs cx90 vs telluride vs palisade 👍👍👍
Great review 👌✨
Tremendously BORING car 🤣😂
Great work & well done ⭐
Yes please, do some off roading 👍
Paul, can you do the new Peugeot 308. I just got one and would love your opinion about it. thanks ! great vids :)
Hilux needs this engine option
What colour is this? Galena Blue? I just ordered the frosted white? But I also like the silver and galena blue….. which one to choose? Geee
the vol/power button on the infotainment should have been on the drivers side not passenger? mistake when converting over?
Hello Paul, Can you please do a comparison on Kluger 2.4T GXL AWD with CX9 seven seater SUV with uphill and downhill with Petrol Engines only.
Light off roading comparison as well.
Was hoping the Kluger would get more airborne than the recent Hilux SR5 test.
Another great review Paul. I had a chance to drive this car as a rental for a few days and it is a great car. there is one small problem on my car that one of the 3rd row headrest will not fold down and i eventually just had to leave the seat up, and on internet looks like a lot of people are having the same problem. I wonder if Toyota has addressed this issue.
Hi @LBC, if you move you middle row little front then third row seats can be folded easily. Not a problem. Hope this helps.
We had a hybrid Kluger as a rental recently while our CX8 was being repaired. The drive was surprisingly good, but that third row is awful. It's so low to the ground that even for me at 5'6" my knees were up to my ears. Mazda does the third row way better.
Please we need the off road testing
Why is it that every car you review uses a lot more fuel in your test than the manufacturer's claim? In my 3.5L V6 Highlander (Kluger) I consistently get better than the claimed 8.8L/100km.
Yes light off roading please
Can you guys do a review of the new LDV Mifa 7 seater mpv?
Does it need premium fuel? Now that it is turbo charged?
No but you probably should use it in these newer high tech motors. If using 98 the extra km per tank will mostly compensate for the Bowser hit.
great vehicle
Still no Paddle Shifters for the Australian market?
Euro-market exclusive only so far?
Is anyone having the burning/ rubber smell while going uphill from new Kluger. Any thoughts
Interesting how we are now getting V6s in utes but losing them in almost everything else
Review the corolla hybrid with its updated hybrid battery and motor interested performance also test the Suzuki Scross
Can you please review 2023 Hybrid Grande
Would be nice if they filled the center display with more screen than borders
Why does it make constant beeping sound when the tail gate opens?