Driving Toyota’s family carrier today, the fourth generation Kluger SUV, a seven-
seater that’s been a firm favourite – gone is the old 3.5-litre V6 engine, in Kluger
you now have a choice of 2.5-litre petrol hybrid or 2.4-litre turbo petrol engines,
three AWD grades with each engine, GX, GXL and Grande. I drove the Kluger
Grande in 2.5-litre hybrid form mated to an E-CVT transmission at $80,230. Over
the two lower grades the Kluger Grande is very highly equipped – 20-inch alloy
wheels, a premium leather interior, head up instrument display, panoramic
sunroof, 11-speaker premium sound, 360-degree camera, full power seats and
rear tailgate and climate control to all three seats – it wants for little. The interior
plush, the instrumentation intuitive and very well sorted although it only has
wired Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Excellent room in the first and second
rows but the third row tight, best for small kids but with good access. Unlike
many seven seaters luggage space is not compromised and importantly the
battery makes no impact on available space. Features aside the driving elements
of the Toyota Kluger hybrid is where it really excels and its low thirst for fuel.
Drive impressions at 10.50. I’m David Berthon

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