Toyota Kluger remains top option for travel and family duties

New 2021 Toyota Kluger model brings extra style and space within a family-focused SUV.

The Toyota Kluger GXL starts from about $61,700 drive-away (Hybrid GXL pictured).

Shut borders and looming lockdowns have been a way of life.

That’s made holidaying at home far more appealing, and when it comes to intrastate family travel, then a large SUV comes into its own.

There are no shortage of options in this realm, but there are two distinctive directions you can choose – off-roader or soft-roader.

When the greatest challenge you’ll face are well maintained gravel roads, then it’s best to prioritise comfort over rock-hopping abilities.

Toyota has its serious stuff bases covered with the Prado. Families wanting some creature comforts have the Kluger, which offers seven-seat flexibilities and a choice between petrol and hybrid drivetrains.

The 2021 model Toyota Kluger in GXL Hybrid specification.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Sculpted exterior and nice alloys, the Kluger has gone up a rung in the looks department.

GRANT: The fourth-generation range was launched in June in three trim levels. We’re in the front-wheel drive, mid-spec petrol version, the GXL, which is about $62,000 drive-away.

KEL: That price is starting to get up there, how much for the hybrid version?

GRANT: You’d be looking at about $6000 more for the same specification and all-wheel drive. Hybrids have certainly been popular, the wait for a RAV4 version is about nine months at the moment due to pandemic interruptions.

KEL: Looking at the Kluger in profile it doesn’t appear that big, but once you’re inside it feels really spacious.

GRANT: Longer, wider and higher than the previous model, the styling inside and out has graduated from elementary to attractive. Black is the only basic external colour that doesn’t cost extra, with white, sliver, red, light and dark blue, brown and graphite all adding $675.

Features of the Toyota Kluger GXL include leather trim, eight-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satnav, tri-zone aircon and heated front seats.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: Nice finishes, such as glossy black materials on the dash, along with the leather-covered steering wheel and gear shifter, provide a good ambience upfront.

GRANT: Toyota does basic well, with longevity in mind. Some extra pizzazz is creeping into the latest models, with an eight-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satnav, tri-zone aircon, leather trim and heated front seats standard in this model.

KEL: During our family holiday road trip the Kluger’s convenience and functionality came to the fore. Basics such as door drink bottle slots, as well as dual cupholders front and back that can handle takeaway coffees and water bidons may seem unimportant to many, but they just make life easier when you have kids.

GRANT: There is also easy access in the dash to the three USB ports and a nearby spot for phone storage.

There are three trims in the Toyota Kluger range GX (left), Grande Hybrid (centre) and GCL (right).

THE COMMUTE

KEL: Plant your foot and it doesn’t let you down. The Kluger has ample grunt.

GRANT: Power comes from the tried and tested Toyota V6 petrol, which is a strong unit.

KEL: The ride is quiet and comfortable, too. On good bitumen, it cruises with minimal sound inturison.

GRANT: That V6 is partnered to a six-speed automatic which delivers smooth and timely shifts. Fuel consumption was just over 10 litres for every 100km on our test, which is about 1.5L more than the official Toyota figure.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Pulling into parks was the first time that I really noticed the Kluger size.

GRANT: At nearly 5m long, it’s a sizeable SUV. The front and rear parking sensors are vital, but it has the rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of oncoming vehicles when reversing – perfect to avoid those who like to speed through confined carparks where vision is often impeded.

KEL: There’s masses of space available in the back with the third row folded flat.

GRANT: With more than 550 litres we managed four suitcases, balls, a couple of skateboards, helmets and a few other smaller bags packed around that lot without impeding the back window vision.

KEL: Having the automatic tailgate has become a must for me nowadays.

GRANT: That’s among the benefits of stepping up into the GXL model, along with the reversing camera that also comes with a back guide monitor. All Klugers also have a 2000kg towing capacity.

Average fuel consumption from the V6 petrol on our test was just above 10 litres for every 100km.

SUNDAY RUN

KEL: Rolling along through rural areas, the Kluger felt comfortable and confident.

GRANT: Highway journeys are where it does the best work. That V6 is hardly sweating at 100km/h. When things get twisty, balance become more challenging, and there is a reasonable amount of sway and roll if attacking the bends with too much speed.

KEL: Most drivers wouldn’t be pushing that hard, but probably the greatest frustration was the warning chimes.

GRANT: They were especially annoying on winding roads where it designated the car was not completely in the middle of the lane. I’ve had a lot of complaints from people who live in country areas about these systems, and it’s easy to see why they are turned off when not on the highway.

Inside the Toyota Kluger GXL is comfortable and spacious.

THE FAMILY

KEL: With a separate aircon zone and vents, plus access to the USB ports, the boys not only had ample space in the second row but also luxury at their fingertips.

GRANT: Third-row legroom is not as generous, but fine for youngsters. Access into the third row is tight for adults and tall teens, the middle row can be slid forward to provide additional room.

KEL: Seven seats are always handy, and it’s great that the boot space isn’t completely compromised with all seats in use.

GRANT: There’s about 240 litres remaining with both rear pews in place. Safety is top notch, and it was tested under the most stringent 2021 criteria. Automatic braking in forward and reverse if the driver fails to act, constant speed zone monitor which flashes red if you are going over the limit and radar cruise control.

KEL: Toyotas are typically reliable, how is the warranty and servicing?

GRANT: Servicing is required annually or every 15,000km, with each visit costing $250 for the first five. That’s about as cheap as it gets. Warranty coverage is five years, but that period extends to seven on the engine and driveline.

The 2021 Toyota Kluger is longer, wider and higher than its predecessor.

THE VERDICT

KEL: Homely and assertive, the Kluger is a safe family option. Easy to drive with good levels of specification, it may not be as flashy as some large SUVs in terms of infotainment but it’s a winner with generous space and ease of use.

GRANT: Wait times on the RAV4 may be in the Kluger’s favour. The hybrid fuel consumption would be nearly half that of the V6, but it does use premium unleaded. Growing families will love the Kluger for is flexibility and on-road confidence.

Originally published as Toyota Kluger remains top option for travel and family duties