One year on from its debut, Toyota has revealed updates for the Kluger which bring larger screens, updated tech, and a new engine turbocharged engine.
Revealed last year, Toyota has confirmed an updated version of its fourth-generation Kluger with new technology that will arrive in Australia next year.
The Kluger in Australia is currently limited to an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch display inside the driver’s instrument cluster, however, that might change with Toyota bringing a much larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and fully digital instrument display to right-hand drive models.
Confirmed for Australian arrival in Q1 2023, the model now includes the latest version of the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system. The screen sizes up to 12.3-inches, matching the specification previously offered in left-hand-drive Kluger markets. Along with the larger size it includes expanded cloud-based navigation with real-time information on road events and an on-board voice command system.
The cloud system can also operate the central locking and the hazard lights. While there’s and perform over-the-air updates. Apple CarPlay features wireless connectivity, but Android Auto users will have to use a wired connection.
The V6 petrol engine will also be ditched form the line-up, replaced by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylidner engine producing around 198kW and 420Nm – figures which are yet to be confirmed.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new turbocharged engine will provide an engaging driving experience for customers.
“With superb torque and response, we expect the addition of this strong new engine will make the popular Kluger family SUV an even more enticing prospect for buyers,” Mr Hanley said.
Instrumentation goes fully digital in the Kluger too, with the adoption of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customisable themes.
The Kluger is built on Toyota’s GA-K platform, which it shares with the Camry and the RAV4. However, it’s larger than both of those vehicles, measuring 4950mm long, 1930mm wide and 1730mm tall. It also has a 658 litre boot capacity, expanding to a claimed 1909 litres with the second and third seating rows stowed.
Like the RAV4 Hybrid, the Kluger Hybrid uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT transmission – although it features an electric motor on each axle rather than just a single motor at the rear. The Kluger also offers an EV mode, which allows the SUV to run on electric power alone for short periods of time and up to 30km/h, using electricity recovered from the car’s regenerative braking system.
Toyota has fitted the Kluger with a broad selection of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and a traffic sign recognition system. There’s also a pre-collision system with active steering assist, that can automatically recognise pedestrians and cyclists that stray into the vehicle’s path.
Alastair Crooks