Toyota Kluger (Highlander) Hybrid 2021 review | the best family SUV? | Chasing Cars
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- We test the all-new Toyota Kluger (Highlander) and see what this hybrid large SUV is like to drive.
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It’s called Highlander just about everywhere else, but the fourth-generation Toyota Kluger has now arrived in Australia. And it’s so, so much better than the old car. That’s not just about the addition of a hybrid engine for the first time for our market. It’s more about the radical improvements to the driving manners, and the bigger, more flexible, modern interior. The 2021 Kluger has a target on the back of the Mazda CX-9 and the Hyundai Palisade, no doubt about it.
With a frugal hybrid or the smooth petrol V6 still on the table, the new Kluger aims to continue dominating the large SUV class in Australia. But this time, it may just deserve its sales leadership. The old car was nothing to write home about dynamically but the new Kluger changes all of that. Really! Makes you think Kia should bring the Telluride out to Australia to compete…
In today’s video, Tom Baker takes a detailed look at the new Toyota Kluger is high-spec Grande Hybrid AWD guise to give you detailed insights about this vehicle.
What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.
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Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Toyota Kluger?
1:34 - Interior
4:44 - Back seats
6:37 - Boot space
8:02 - Driving
17:38 - Should you buy the Kluger Hybrid? - Авто та транспорт
Your reviews are so descriptive and so honest .. booked mine Kluger hybrid Grande
Great review Tom.
I think the hybrid options across the mid to large 'soft' SUV segment will really take off in the next 2-3 years.
Yay! Toyota did it! They brought the Highlander hybrid over to Australia!
Finally this is what I have been waiting for two years. And then we again miss out 12’ screen
Hi man! Great review! Just wish you would have shown what it was like in the third row.
Not feeling left out....Grande all the way 👍
That screen looks ridiculous in a large car like this. I can’t believe I waited for more than a year for something not even the same in us market.
Toyota Aus cheaping out!
Due to COVID all right hand drive markets are unable to get the 12 inch touch screen, but technically the U.S.A gets the same touch screen as us, it’s only the top of the range that gets the large screen.
Toyota is arrogant to Australian market
Sub par with what is offered here in Australia compared to better and more inclusions elsewhere - and expensive. It makes people want to have a closer look at Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, heck, even the Haval.
Looking at videos is as far I'd go with those brands mate. We all know where to turn to when it comes to buying.
@@lebraa to what grandpa told you to do?
Agree other brands offer more features at similar price or cheaper. However, where I think Toyota can't be beat is the hybrid system. They've been doing hybrids for ages now while Hyundai and Kia are newer to the game. Longevity and reliability is not as assured as Toyota.
What a gorgeous Toyota kluger hybrid
Great work
Overpriced. You can't tell me it costs them 20k more to build over a Rav4.......
Great review. Looks like you get a smaller sunroof when the roof mounted screen is optioned.
James Bond ? More like Boris Johnson
Great review, thanks Tom. In NZ we are still waiting for even the demonstrator Highlanders to arrive. And then, if the other Toyota hybrid models are anything to go by, at least a 6 month waiting list. How big is the fuel tank (bearing in mind where the spare wheel is positioned)? Particularly important in the Aussie market I would have thought. As far as the infotainment goes, maybe they had to use up current stock, so decided to dump it ‘downunder’. A bit of clever marketing the “3 motor” hybrid setup, perhaps to hitch on to some of the triple motor EV hype. In reality two of the three motor/generators in the Toyota eCVT feed into a planetary gearbox to achieve the infinite gear ratios, so are unlikely to provide full power. Torque maybe a different story.
I think I’ll wait for the Lexus NX PHEV.
It's really bad now that every Australian car review has the statement "unfortunately in Australia we miss out on....." We always get the old parts bin and yet we seem to pay more than everyone else. Stop buying their cars until they are as good as what the rest of the world get. So there, I had my whinge.
You are absolutely right
Beige leather? SOLD!!
Great review but a couple of things not mentioned, that the Grande has a Heads Up Display, ambiance lighting also I’m told by the sales people a full size spare wheel. I originally order a Hybrid AWD RAV4 two months ago as there is only two of us but after driving the Hybrid Kruger Grande I was sold immediately and changed my order. I don’t think the screen being only 8 inch is a problem it’s not like at home where the bigger the screen the better. Although if it’s available in America on the top of the range the Grande should have it here.
I agree I have the Kluger Hybrid too and all the reviews I saw on it had the mediocre/outdated dash, less extra features (compared to rivals) and poor infotainment (esp screen) as the main downsides. Felt I could totally live with this and love my Kluger.
Good to see the seamaster on the wrist👍
What's your opinion on the boot space on the new Kluger compared to the CX-9?
Had a test drive on the GXL hybrid. It drives well but interior lacks that premium feel. The infotainment screen is not so good resolution. Anyway quite expensive @68k on road.
Grande steps it up inside.
@@chasingcars yep @ nearly $80k!
No! $84700 in Perth
@@SirGregory yes sir, probably better off getting ripped off over here than getting caught up paying for accommodation because of COVID lock out. Not to mention it would be a couple of trips as you can’t just buy it straight out of the showroom. 😃
@@SirGregory that’s great you already have a date all I have is a build date for August, what did you order? I order the Hybrid Grande in Galena Blue with cream interior. Which at least gives me time to sell the Landcruiser which I’m finding hard to part with after 17 years. Can’t wait for the Kluger though.
Thanks Tom. I was curious in our previous Kluger Grande we found the brakes weren't great particularly when we were towing a horse float. They worked fine but after 2 tows, we found we had to change the discs as they were being bent. We then purchased a Cruiser but find it very hard to drive as a daily, so are looking to go back to a Kluger but concerned about their ability to tow. (not a Caravan but a laden camper trailer). Are these new hybrids up to the task do you think?
Hi Tom, Are you sure it has a wireless phone charge on Grande Hybrid? the one you are sitting on.
The Grande is very plain, doesn't look like $70k+ worth. And I'm not sure about that Top Deck interior...
Mmm... top deck!
@@chasingcars It’s actually $82,931 drive away price on the website. For the grande hybrid
Finally....a proper Kluger.
Great reveiw Tom. So the 2.5 petrol engine in the Kluger isn't as buzzy as the one in the RAV4 hybrid (which is annoying) ?
Seemed better insulated. That said it has sufficient torque that you don’t need to really wind it out
Outgoing models got much betta looking then this new one, i saw whats coming from usa reviewers then i bought a gxl 2019 model at jan 2020 before they runout, couldn't drive much cause of pandemi now got only 10k km on it and love it.
Noone mentions the keyless entry in the second row, its really important for people with babies or toddlers who usually need access to the second row first
Is it only me, not sure, I see Gen2 design language in Gen4 on the exterior, than an upgrade from Gen3.
Toyota's hybrids are always exceptional to drive, unfortunate that I was not able to get a hybrid RAV4 when I was shopping for a car, due to the wait time. Hope Kluger does not fall prey to wait times.
Oh so it's now available? I haven't been keeping up. Styling is certainly an improvement.
My sister has a hybrid C-HR........a beautiful drivetrain! Should work well in the Kluger 👍
You can tell they’ve been fighting the hybrid fight for 20 years. The system really does work well now.
@@chasingcars
Most certainly 😃
Any news on when and if Australia will be getting the kluger with 12inch touchscreen?
It's gonna be available in the 2023 model
Hey Tom, sorry for the long question.
Curious to know the value for money perspective on this, esp when going up to the Grande. I have recommended a family member who was looking for a new car for the family to hold out on purchasing a new Sorrento GT-Line (rrp D/A = 67k) to compare with this and given the hybrid being released I was heavily promoting the Kluger over the Sorento.
But with D/A prices at around 82k, the 15k price gap seems somewhat unjustifiable. I get that a hybrid has been released (would’ve thought 3k premium) and that the car is naturally larger but was expecting drive away pricing for these to be around 70-75 (in-line with last gen, plus a bit for the hybrid). Fuel economy is largely tied to the Sorento diesel, and arguably the infotainment is better in the Sorento too. Would you perhaps have any advice on this? Will be going to check it out anyways but the Sorento was truly a brilliant car to be in and drive so I think pricing will just tip it in its favour.
Heck even top spec CX9 Azamis are circa 70k D/A so it does seem unreasonable to me. At about 100k driveaway the RX450hl seems like more of a competitor.
Cheers! Again another brilliantly produced video.
Personally I think the sweet spot of the Sorento range is the Sport+. Not keen on 20" rims on GT-Line. Also at $60k incl. orc, value is good.
No need to apologise for the question. The issue is space - the Sorento GT-Line diesel at 67k drive away is a great deal. But the car is half a size smaller. The question is whether the third row will be used frequently. It’s small in the Sorento, and there are no curtain airbags back there. On the other hand the Kluger’s third row is adult sized and gets airbag protection. Similarly the CX-9 is huge (and good to drive) but the third row is very tight.
Does grande have heads up display?
Not a fan of the new Kluger, the cabin already looks dated, the fit and finish have always been an issue in Toyota’s I have owned, and I hate how they ramp up prices without giving us the tech features other markets get and introduce them at mid life cycles. Hence I think the Korean pair look more attractive they give you good specs and technology. Not cheap but quality is better as well.
Test drove one the other day, the reverse & 360 degree cameras are ridiculously low res.... It's like 10 years old product :(
Not sure do we get a wireless phone charger? some reviews say yes... some no! One important safety item that appears not to have been included for the Australian market is the digital rear view mirror camera seen on premium US models as well as the various interior trim colours that they have.
Toyota is rude and arrogant to Australian market.
Good review, just not a fan of the boring Kluger. Thank Goodness that there are other options.
Hi mate 👍
Will the hybrid tow 2 ton trailer?
Drives like a dream. But don’t like the new look and the interior has some options taken off compared to other markets.
Boot space is 552lites, so the boot is only similar in size to the rav4. Is the boot space measured with the middle row seats moved all the way back?
This seems wrong, doesn’t it? Figure from Toyota is correct according to them.
@@island717 this. Annoyed me so much that many of the reviewers kept saying Tiguan had the biggest boot in class, and never bothered to check it!
@@chasingcars I heard Toyota has measured it their own way, up to seat backs, not to top of roof. That's nice, but does make it hard to compare.
Looks pretty solid, but pretty expensive for the privilege. Pity it didn't get the 12-inch screen. And a year later than the US launch!
I didn't wait and got a 2019 Acadia LTZV for $42k instead! I spent the other $33k on a Yaris Hybrid, at least...
Good to see the light interiors making a comeback. The dark interiors are so inappropriate for Australia
Great review Tom, love your work!
Some reviews overseas have said the engine can drone and be sluggish - sounds like you didn’t find this to be the case at all.
How would you compare this to the CX9 or Lexus RXL (V6 and hybrid).
CX-9 feels stronger which makes sense - 420Nm available from very low. RX feels no quicker but has that V6 woofle when pushed. Kluger hybrid is very serviceable! It will drone if you put your foot flat but I found I didn’t need to.
@@chasingcars thank you!
Can anyone explain why highlander in us run on reg unleaded, while this here needs premium?
Euro 6 compliant that is why. Euro 5 will allows a cheaper fuel. In short, the premium petrol is bettering the long run (so they say)
Need a 3.5L V6 Hybrid. Both power and economy.
Spare tyre under the car is convenient when you don’t have to unload a full boot of luggage. Only thing is that the spare tyre is guaranteed to be filthy when you do want to use it.
True, though in this case I believe it’s in a spare carrier to keep it clean
@@chasingcars l can confirm that Chasing Cars on earlier generations of Kluger.
The Kluger has always been my least favourite Toyota. I buy Toyota's for their Japanese build quality, not american lack of quality.
My least favourite is the Fortuner. It's a styling shocker. It's not even rugged looking.
And what cars are Australia building??
@@noelgibson5956 they sell exceptionally well in Asian markets because of the high road clearance and monsoon season flooding in suburban streets.
@@hmt8701
Yeah well I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My favourite Toyota is the tabletop 70 Series utes(pickup) even though many believe it belongs in the stone Age!
@@nathanielmoran8537
Until 2017, we had Ford, Holden and Toyota set up here. They pulled out due to a number of factors.
I've heard that a company known as H2X is setting up in the NSW South Coast to build hydrogen powered SUV's, buses, tractors and vans, and will also have a marine offshoot doing boating equipment.
I have no idea how well they'll do, but there having a go at least.
We do build trucks, buses, boats, military ships, caravans, electric pushbikes, etc. We just don't do conventional cars anymore, despite having a long history of making them, and largely our own designs.
We have a rapidly growing population. I know we'll be an industrial powerhouse again one day....... likely after I'm gone.
This is already outdated, DVD player😄, small info screen, over priced, Toyota are losing touch with the market they are trying to get (family's)it's 2021 not 2010
Well I mean the blu-ray player is optional
@@chasingcars 😂😂😂😂😂can you still buy blu-ray disc's
amazing review tom, why does australia not offered the 12 inch screen that US gets
America is just bigger in everything sadly
I believe it’s a LHD to RHD issue as the panel is inclined. Still that is no excuse!
@@chasingcars yeah such a shame tho, a lot of competitors are moving into the 10 to 12 inch screen size, hopefully toyota can fix this
Hey Mate , great review. I was so going to buy the gxl hybrid model (waited 1 year) but after seeing that the gxl model being $69,500 with metallic paint, compared to the cx9 touring model awd being at $59k, it’s quite hard to justify spending almost $10k more for a hybrid system. Especially if you calculate the break even costs in fuel savings , ie driving average 13k km a year would take roughly 8-10 years to break even (if not considering depreciation, service costs).
Btw; When comparing cabin noise, I found the cx9 was more quieter overall. What’s your thoughts?
And really… $82,931 for grande hybrid model…. Come on…
Agreed. Your also getting a rocking turbo engine in the CX9 and an interior cabin that is more premium.
Agreed cx9 any day!
@@ravingmad765 yeah definitely more soft plastics in the touring than the gxl. And the turbo is great. Love the turbo sound of the cx9
i have gx AWD KLUGER HYBRID FOR 58k, under the bonnet is exactly same as gxl, grande . Full tank i am getting 1000km .
id have the hybird all day long
Totally.
I just heard that the new Kluger is now Euro 6 as they are made in America.
Guess that explains the 95 octane minimum requirement.
It’d be great if Toyota made a 5 seat version at 500mm shorter - Q5 proportions. With a V6 it’d be a killer.
Uh that’s the RAV4?
Sounds like the Harrier / Venza sold overseas.
Reminds of the corolla but larger
Thank You Almighty God I will buy one for myself
Rear seat entertainment deletes the pano roof?
yes
5:30
Strange Toyota specifications say minimum premium 95ron for the hybrid and normal unleaded 91ron for the v6 that negates a good slice of the fuel saving over the long run looking at 20c a litre extra at the pump..the same hybrid setup in the RAV4 only mandates 91ron .
If you want to put 91 RON in a direct injected V6... go ahead! I wouldn’t, personally
Brother here in Townsville QLD it's been at least 20c difference for over a year or more .. not all cars are sold in Sydney so it makes a difference.
I don’t remember suggesting all cars are sold in Sydney - I said the historical data shows a 12c difference in average pricing between 91 and 95 and I am correcting the record. Townsville doesn’t represent the whole country, mate.
Well let's call it regional Australia and see if we get some idea of the difference in the fuel price 😀
❤️
shouldve given it the 3.5l hybrid like the ones in lexus, more power.
Possibly, though that would have rendered the fuel economy difference very minimal
@@chasingcars How is the cabin noise from the engine when you push it hard? great review by the way.
@@SirGregory ahh ok, that sucks. Considering its 75k you would hope it had better insulation.
I find it odd that new Kluger has 552 litres boot space in 5 seat format while the RAV-4 Cruiser hybrid has boot space of 580 litres?
I presume interior space in Kluger is much greater than RAV-4.
Up to window level for Kluger
Do you perhaps know how Kia report boot space for the Sorento?
Looks like a rounder RAV4
It’s been eating too many doughnuts
I'm in the market for a 7 seater hybrid. As I understand, there's a flood of those coming to the market in the next year or two. I think I'll wait a bit longer.
Quite a few on the horizon though not many as spacious as this. Santa Fe and Sorento are half a size smaller
@@chasingcars Fair point Tom. But can I suggest that if you are trying to showcase the spaciness of this car, that it can carry 7 adults, then at least show us the 3rd row seats?
Nice package, shame about the looks. Some rear angles look ok but the front is not good, especially in the lighter colours.
I don’t mind it in this blue.
review for 3.6 petrol pls.. not hybrid
The hybrid is great, however, for a lot less money you can buy a CX9.
Yep, the too spec grande model with hybrid will set you back $82,931 drive away
@@krnmusa3 You could buy a FWD CX9 with leather and 20” wheels for under $65K RRP. $17k pays for a lot of petrol.
@@GlowingTube not sure if you’ve test driven MY21 Cx8 and cx9 but they still can’t shake the Mazda body roll issue. I haven’t driven the new Kluger but sounds like it’s not an issue. Still pricey
In the US you can get a red interior
Sporty!
compare with us and Asian market Kugler, no full led screen dash, shame~
Looks tired already compared to other offerings. Nice colour though
4 hours and 2.3k views. We are in for another 12 months wait period.
@@SirGregory sheesh..
I agree with most of the comments here in that the styling could be classier to match that cream interior with cooled seats that’s nearly Lexus level, it’s a Toyota families will love them they will sell like hot cakes.
True. Personally I quite like the styling on the Grande with 20s. But you can imagine that the Toyota group would like to retain Lexus’s design edge.
Has to be the new default school / soccer run vehicle
Likely.
'australia has decent amount of say'...said the person who just advised we dont get the 12inch screen. yet this car has been out for considerable time.
One cabin feature not being brought here doesn’t mean Australia doesn’t have say in the development of the car
@@chasingcars and yet we pay for it.
Great review, mediocre infotainment. Is the dash display the same as the Rav4?
Pretty annoying to point out that you got the rear entertainment thing and didn't even bother opening it up 🙄
It’s a screen, and one that almost nobody will option to the car.
But yes fair enough
Fallen way behind Hyundai and genesis. Dull looking shape, poor interior dash.
I’ve waited with excitement having seen the US Highlander version. However my excitement has dissipated with the release of this Australian model.
I definitely now won’t be upgrading.
The costs of the new Grande Hybrid is too much. The small info screen is a retrograde (and stupid) decision. Having seen the US version, I cannot understand the logic of not having the larger screen included. I also value the separate window opening at the rear instead of having to open the whole rear door.
My current (previous) version Grande AWD will do just fine and, in my opinion, is still better. Looks like I’ll be waiting for a few more years yet before I upgrade my current vehicle.
Only an 8” screen? God damn it! It wasn’t that long ago cars didn’t even have a screen. Now we want a 55” OLED, 4K bla bla bla?… 🥱
Yeah, that’s a shame.
It’s ugly that’s the problem
I paid $55k for my Rav4 cruiser hybrid with heaps of accessories , which seems a bargain in comparison.
Totally different class and 5 seats? Much smaller boot. Not really comparable.
It’s not even a comparison lol
As I noted in the comments your hybrid runs on unleaded 91ron while the Kruger has to run on minimum premium 95ron so your saving 20c for every litre of petrol you pump at the servo ... check the Toyota specifications web page.
The average difference between 91 and 95 in 2018-2019 was 12c, not 20c, so the maths need to be adjusted down there
Chasing Cars ...like I say not for Townsville it's currently minimum 20c difference .
Gotta say this outwardly looks very bland, interior looks good, hybrid is a great option
Toyota is a working class people’s choice, but when the prices are jacked up so much, seeing the prices close to a semi prestige car level, considering it’s plain,dated and cheap materials inside cars, just feel it’s brand name gets abused by makers & dealers. Also Using new car stock shortage as a weapon to sipping up more cash from loyalty customers should be considered as an act of anti-society.
75k nearly fell out my bed.
Still about 20k less than an RX450hL
@@chasingcars I wasn't expecting that tho lol
Terrible price
$75k+ car….. better start buying DVD’s again!
Rav4
Not upgrading my kluger as the screen is a ridiculous cop out…rather go with a competitor who makes an effort to upgrade the interior
Kia and Hyundai have taken the game up from the Toyota, I mean both in terms of looks and technology they(Kia- Hyundai) have more to offer at the same price point. The grille on the Kluger looks horrible🙄
Hyundai Santa Fe over this?
This is more Palisade sized. The Santa Fe’s third row is a lot smaller. That said it’ll be interesting to compare the coming Santa Fe hybrid soon.
@@chasingcars thanks, didn’t realise it was a size up! Puts price into perspective with top spec Palisade being 80k
The old hybrid tech, not a PHEV like the Outlander which gives you petrol free commuting. Toyota are taking the mickey.
Crazy expensive for a Toyota
It’s quite dear. You get a lot, though.
@@chasingcars the cx9 is a better choice overall.
True, if third row space and fuel economy aren’t a priority
@@chasingcars how does it compare to cx-9 in terms of quietness
You’d think soccer mums would be getting these instead of Prados.
Much much much much better to drive than a Prado
Top range hybrid Model cost 82k with out 12 inch screen and captain seats
And limited interior colors Engines are exactly same 2.5 hybrid Camry and Rav4
And no sport sharpe and no mobile app start it’s huge pity pity pity
Sadly it slooooow… 0-100 is so 90s lol
Get no nonsense V6 3.5L, I drive V6 3.6L in my Holden...low maintenance cost, enough power, still economical if you don't drive like a mani ac.
The thing is that the Kluger V6 is not economical, even if you don’t drive like a maniac. It’s thirsty. If that’s not a problem, fair enough.
Nothing exciting in this Kluger. Even look wise, this is not exciting. Last one was better looking.
Palisade is way better and exciting, better looking and Diesel option. And almost same pricing for top end.
Jeez what a boat. Always the worst drivers on the road too.
At least it doesn’t handle like one now
@@chasingcars You can design the boat oat of the suspension, but you can't design the boat out of the design.
Welcome to 2015,i will pass.
3rd gen was an ugly rig. Never liked it.
It's ugly.