2021 Toyota Kluger Grande review

Typically, car companies give their bigger cars all the cool stuff first, before it then eventually its way into smaller, more affordable models.

It’s a way of keeping their more expensive vehicles aspirational; if you’re going to ask for higher prices, buyers want to know they’re getting the newest stuff available.

But the all-new Toyota Kluger seems to has taken its tricks from its smaller (and very, very good) RAV4 sibling.

It’s styling has become sharper and more aggressive and while it’s always been practical and comfy, clever design has helped improve it further.

Which is the Kluger’s MO: this is a family wagon aimed at comfort, features and making life as easy as possible for those often tasked with hauling their kids, their mates, grandparents and anyone else.

It does it well.

Up front there are a heap of storage compartments, shelves and what have you, while the second row has its own climate controls, cup holders and heaps of leg room.

Second row head room is also good, though thanks to the Grande variant’s massive sunroof my 187cm frame had about an inch to the roof.

As in most seven-seat SUVs, the rear seats are serviceable but only kids should really be using them with any regularity.

If you’re regularly hauling adults or teens, you’d be better served opting for a people mover (even though sales figures show you won’t).

Still, the third row is easy to stow and erect and there’s a generous 241 litres with all seven pews in use, growing to 552 litres behind the second row and 1150 with the middle seats lowered.

Being in the top-spec — and pricey — Grande variant brings a lot of gear.

Externally it gets 20-inch wheels to add some mobster bling to the school run, plus projector LED headlights, while interior comforts include leather-accented seats (heated and cooled up front), rear door shades, ambient lighting, a booming 11-speaker JBL audio system and a head-up display (Toyota’s current version is excellent).

But there are some noticeable omissions for a range-topping model.

There is no wireless phone charging, let alone wireless Apple CarPlay/Android auto.

But most notable is the ho-hum infotainment.

Overseas markets get a massive 12-inch widescreen, while we in Oz score a smaller 8-inch unit which seems a bit slower and offering more basic graphics than is the norm these days.

It may seem a trivial thing, but when dropping $75K plus on roads for a family hauler you’d probably want an interior to feel as least as special as cheaper rivals such as the Kia Sorento.

Fortunately there is something special on offer and it’s under the bonnet.

After more than 20 years, Toyota knows its way around a hybrid and, as in the RAV4, the Kluger’s electrified powertrain is the easy pick of what’s on offer.

Priced at $2500 more than the all-wheel-drive petrol V6 the AWD-only hybrid boasts an impressive claimed fuel figure of 5.6L/100km.

The V6 AWD claims 8.9L/100km, but our 7.0L/100km return over our week of mostly inner city driving was super impressive given a) the Kluger’s size, and b) the driving conditions would have seen the V6 return a far higher result, given the hybrid’s battery kicks in at low speeds when petrol engines have to do their thirstiest work.

The same is true for, say, the diesel Sorento.

If you’re doing a lot of highway driving, the V6 may be a viable option given the hybrids price premium, but if you’re stuck in town the hybrid would likely see you recover your investment quickly.

But it’s also important to note the Kluger hybrid needs more expensive 95 RON unleaded.

It’s no rocket off the line but acceleration is absolutely acceptable, while the AWD was handy in wet conditions.

It was also noticeable, given the rear electric engine (there’s another at the front) seemed to kick in with a rush when called upon on slippery roads.

The petrol engine kicking in could sometimes be slightly jarring initially, but once you grew accustomed to the how the hybrid worked, it was barely noticeable.

The Grande’s 20-inch wheels could be a tad firm on imperfections, but it’s no deal breaker.

It’s a big car — the width is noticeable — so some car parks will prove a hassle.

But the big sticking point will be the price.

There are quality rivals for this price — or less — and it could be argued lower grades than the Grande offer the benefits of hybrid driving while still offering a lot of features.

But costing a lot hasn’t stopped the Kluger from dominating in the past — and this is a discernibly better vehicle.

Plus, Toyota charging just $250 for each of the first five services is a tasty tempter for those on the fence.

VERDICT

The new Kluger does what it did before, but better. It also adds some styling impact and an excellently frugal hybrid powertrain. It’ll sell boatloads again — and this time it will be more deserving.

2021 TOYOTA KLUGER GRANDE SPECIFICATIONS

• Price $75,400
• Engine 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid
• Outputs 184kW(combined)/242Nm (petrol), 270Nm front electric, 121Nm rear electric
• Transmission CVT automatic, AWD
• Fuel economy 5.6L/100km