2022 Toyota Kluger Grande AWD Hybrid review

The Japanese brand’s big family SUV has plenty of things going for it, but there was one aspect that left our testers blown away.

Toyota’s Kluger has been a staple of Australian school carparks for two decades.

It’s easy to see the appeal: seven seats, a comfy, spacious cabin and a trusty V6 petrol engine.

But the Kluger’s V6 is fond of a drink. The new model remedies this with a four-cylinder hybrid to slash fuel bills. Our family tested the range-topping Hybrid Grande.

The Kluger has been a hit with families for decades.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Iain: Behold, a Toyota Hybrid. In today’s climate, more in demand than diamonds, gold and free cocktails.

Jules: Covid and global microchip shortages have plenty to answer for.

Iain: Indeed. Our local Toyota dealer told me that while RAV4 Hybrids remain mightily oversubscribed, they have stock of these Kluger Grande Hybrids arriving in just two months.

Jules: That might be because they’re about $82,300 on the road?

Iain: Probably. This Grande is well equipped but a chunky $12,000 over a mid-spec GXL Hybrid and $20,000 above the GX Hybrid.

Jules: Looks-wise it’s attractive, especially the rear. It’s just a bit plain.

Iain: A safe, pragmatic design by Toyota. It lacks the wow factor of some rivals.

Jules: Maybe all the pizzazz has been left for the cabin.

This generation added hybrid power to the big SUV.

THE LIVING SPACE

Iain: Er, apparently not.

Jules: What? I think it’s good. Quilted leather-accented seats, a sunroof and soft-touch materials everywhere. And it’s huge inside.

Iain: But for $82k drive-away I want to be bathed in luxury and tech. I’d expect a digital driver display, a bigger centre screen and wireless phone charging.

Jules: I understand, but some Toyota buyers just want simplicity and familiarity with nothing superfluous.

Iain: Well, they’ll be in clover.

Jules: You can’t argue with five USB ports, ambient lighting, vented and heated power seats, pumping JBL audio and tri-zone climate control.

Iain: I do like the layout. There’s clever shelf storage for phones and acres of space. Legroom is cavernous in the middle seats and if you slide them forward adults can just about squeeze into the third row.

Jules: The brochure shows beige and black interiors cost the same. The lighter one for me please.

There are plenty of mod-cons in the spacious seven-seater.

THE COMMUTE

Iain: For a big lump of an SUV the blend of comfy ride and reasonable cornering ability impresses. Well done, Toyota.

Jules: It doesn’t wobble like a ute-based large SUV, nor does it feel cumbersome in town. It’s really easy to drive.

Iain: My urban commute in a normal 3.5-litre V6 Kluger would have me sweating over the fuel gauge. The Hybrid returned a hugely impressive 6.2L/100km in town. That’s probably half what the V6 would consume in traffic.

Jules: It’s exceptional for such a big car. And I really like not having the fuss of plugging it in. The hybrid bit just works in the background.

The Kluger sipped just 6.2L/100km around town.

Iain: Toyota’s been doing hybrid so long it’s the absolute master. The battery charges fuss-free under braking and coasting and the electric motor aids the petrol engine when driving.

THE SHOPPING

Jules: There are sensors front and rear, plus a 360-degree camera to make parking simple, but the screen isn’t as clear as some.

Iain: The whole infotainment system needs modernising really. The hands-free tailgate is a win for the shopping, but it incessantly beeps every time it opens or closes.

SUNDAY RUN

Jules: I’d be happy on a lengthy road trip. It’s a polished cruiser and I like how it seamlessly shifts between petrol and electric drive. No obvious interruptions.

Iain: It’s blissfully quiet inside until you ask for shove. As expected, the 184kW/242Nm four-cylinder hybrid lacks the guts of the 218kW/350Nm V6, especially on hills.

Jules: It gets noisy and has to work hard when you floor it. Who cares, though, when the economy gain versus the V6 is so good?

The Hybrid is a bit underpowered.

Iain: Those wanting to tow may grumble. The Kluger Hybrid is rated for 2000kg, but I’d prefer the V6 if regularly towing. Assured all-wheel-drive handling and not much body roll show how well it’s been engineered.

Jules: The radar cruise control is excellent, and it cleverly slows slightly if you go around a corner.

Iain: The head-up display is also superb, clearly showing vitals such as the current speed and the speed limit.

THE FAMILY

Jules: The lane- eparture warning beeps incessantly but rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor and intersection turn assist are excellent safety additions.

Iain: And feature on all Klugers, not just our pricey range-topper.

Jules: I can’t fault space for the kids either. They could slide their seats back and recline them, which is ideal as they get older and larger.

Iain: The two rearmost seats recline a bit, but you need the middle row slid right the way forward to give acceptable legroom. It’s claustrophobic, but tolerable for a six-footer.

Jules: Our Kluger’s pricey to buy, but five services are a bargain at $1250.

Iain: You won’t refuel often, but it needs pricier 95 unleaded when you do.

THE VERDICT

Jules: Not sexy inside or out, but so wonderful to live with. Incredibly spacious and easy to drive, safe and very economical. A smart seven-seat choice.

Iain: Agreed, but I’d get the far cheaper GX or GXL grade. I was blown away by the fuel efficiency.

TOYOTA KLUGER GRANDE HYBRID AWD

PRICE About $82,300 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 years/unl’td km, $1250 for 5 years

ENGINE 2.5-litre 4-cyl hybrid, 184kW and 242Nm

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, turn assist, radar cruise, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert

THIRST 5.6L/100km

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