The New Toyota Kluger: A Closer Look at Its Power and Elegance

If the bold presence of the new Toyota Kluger has caught your eye, you’re not alone. This stylish seven-seat SUV combines sophisticated design with robust performance, making it a standout choice for modern families. Let’s take a deep dive into the features that define its elegance and power, giving you all the details you need.

A Masterclass in Elegant Design

Toyota has carefully crafted the Kluger to project a sense of refined strength. It’s a vehicle that looks just as comfortable in a city setting as it does on a long road trip. The design philosophy is clear: create a sophisticated yet practical SUV.

Sculpted Exterior Presence

The first thing you notice about the new Kluger is its assertive stance. The front features a prominent grille flanked by sleek, slimline LED headlights that give it a modern and focused look. The body panels have dynamic lines and subtle creases that flow from front to back, creating a sense of motion even when the vehicle is parked.

The “bold black” color, often officially named Eclipse Black by Toyota, particularly enhances these design elements. Black paint absorbs light, which makes the vehicle’s chrome accents, silver-painted alloy wheels, and sharp LED taillights stand out with greater contrast. It gives the Kluger a premium, almost executive-level appearance that is hard to miss. The design isn’t just about looking good; features like the integrated rear spoiler are also shaped to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

A Cabin of Comfort and Quality

The elegance continues when you step inside. Toyota has focused on creating a high-quality, comfortable, and user-friendly interior. The dashboard is designed with a layered look, using a mix of soft-touch materials, quality plastics, and stylish trim inserts. This moves the Kluger into a more premium category compared to some of its rivals.

Higher trim levels, such as the GXL and Grande, often feature synthetic or genuine leather-appointed seats, adding a touch of luxury. Comfort is a priority, with features like multi-zone climate control allowing front and rear passengers to set their own temperatures. For an even more open and airy feel, an available panoramic sunroof can flood the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of space and luxury.

Unpacking the Power and Performance

While the Kluger’s design is impressive, its performance is what truly defines it as a capable and versatile SUV. Toyota offers powertrain options designed to deliver a confident driving experience, whether you’re navigating school runs or towing a trailer for a weekend getaway.

Potent Powertrain Options

The new Kluger typically comes with two excellent engine choices, catering to different driving priorities.

  • 3.5-litre V6 Petrol Engine: For those who prioritize raw power, the V6 engine is a fantastic option. It produces around 218 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. This translates to strong, smooth acceleration and plenty of muscle for overtaking on the highway or carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. It is paired with a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission that provides seamless gear changes.
  • 2.5-litre Hybrid System: For drivers focused on efficiency, the Kluger Hybrid is a game-changer in the large SUV segment. It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors to produce a total system output of 184 kW. This intelligent system delivers brisk acceleration from a standstill thanks to the instant torque of the electric motors, while achieving impressive fuel economy figures, often under 6.0 litres per 100km.

Capable All-Wheel Drive

To complement its powerful engines, the Kluger is available with an advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This isn’t just for off-road adventures; it provides enhanced traction and stability in everyday driving conditions. On wet roads, gravel, or winding country lanes, the AWD system intelligently distributes power to the wheels that need it most, giving you a greater sense of confidence and control behind the wheel. On hybrid models, the AWD-e system uses a dedicated electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed, offering a smart and efficient solution.

Modern Tech and Advanced Safety

A key part of the new Kluger’s appeal is its comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. This fulfills the modern driver’s expectation for connectivity and peace of mind.

The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large touchscreen infotainment system, typically 8 inches or larger on higher trims. It includes standard connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication.

More importantly, every new Kluger comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense. This is a suite of active safety technologies designed to help prevent accidents. Key features include:

  • Pre-Collision Safety System: Can detect pedestrians and cyclists and warn the driver or apply the brakes automatically to avoid or mitigate a collision.
  • Lane Trace Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane with gentle steering assistance.
  • Active Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed.
  • Road Sign Assist: Recognizes speed limit signs and displays them on the driver’s information screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main trim levels for the Toyota Kluger? In markets like Australia, the Kluger is typically offered in three grades: the well-equipped GX, the mid-range GXL which adds features like satellite navigation and leather-appointed seats, and the top-of-the-line Grande, which includes premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.

What is the towing capacity of the Kluger? Both the V6 petrol and the Hybrid AWD models have a braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg, making the Kluger a very capable vehicle for towing boats, caravans, or trailers.

Is the Kluger a true seven-seater? Yes, the Kluger is designed as a genuine seven-seat SUV. While the third row is best suited for children or for adults on shorter trips, it provides the flexibility that large families need. The seats can also be folded flat to create a massive and practical cargo area.