Toyota Kluger GX Hybrid 2022 Review

We drive the Kluger GX Hybrid on a road test review

Kluger GX Hybrid – Over the years the Toyota Kluger has proved extremely popular as a family car. The latest model is without doubt the best yet with a choice of a petrol or petrol hybrid engine.

2021 Toyota Kluger GX petrol hybrid drivingHybrids work well for SUVs as they combine the benefits of excellent fuel economy with no range anxiety.

The hybrid system is available in all three GX, GXL and Grande grades in combination with the e-Four electric all-wheel drive (AWD) system. We have previously driven the Grande and this week we drove the entry GX model.

Its comfortable and spacious inside, especially for the front two rows, has cavernous storage areas, and particularly good leg room for middle row passengers.

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The GX comes with fabric seats, LED headlights, three zone climate A/C, 8 inch central infotainment screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

The hybrid system delivers a combined maximum power of 184kW through a smooth electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that offers driver selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT modes.

Hybrid AWD models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for more demanding off-road performance.

Economy is claimed to be 5.6l/100k and we weren’t too far off that on test.

Priced from $54,150 plus the usual costs it’s a well-equipped, comfortable and spacious SUV for the family

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

2021 Toyota Kluger GX wheels and tyres

What is good?

What is not so good?

  • Excellent economy
  • Internal space
  • Comfortable ride
  • No airbags for third row seat
  • NO Sat Nav
  • Infotainment behind the segment

Also Look At

2021 Toyota Kluger GX petrol hybrid front qtr

Some Other Toyota Kluger Articles

2021 Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid

Model   

Toyota Kluger GX Hybrid  AWD

Model Price$54,150 MLP*
Engine2.5L Hybrid EV
DrivetrainCVT 6 Step manual mode, eFour
Power142kW @ 6,000 rpm 184Kw combined peak
Torque242 NM @ 4,400 rpm
SafetyFive Star ANCAP (tested June 2021)
CO2 Emissions128 g/km
Economy ADR5.6 L/100km 6.8l/100k on test
Servicing12 Months / 15,000 km  Capped Price Service Plan
Warranty5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2021 Toyota Kluger GX petrol rear driving

Overall Rating    

85/100

Behind the Wheel9
Comfort8
Equipment9
Performance8
Ride and Handling8
Practicality9
Fit for Purpose9
Style / appeal8
Technology / connectivity8
Value for Money9

2021 Toyota Kluger GX petrol rear qtr

Toyota Kluger Hybrid Dimensions

 
Overall Length4966mm
Wheelbase2850mm
Width / Height1930mm / 1755mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depthUp to 208mm / TBA mm
Approach / Rampover / Departure (degrees)18.1 / TBA / 22.7
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle65 Litres / TBA
Boot Capacity Max / Min (L)1150 / 241
Kerb Weight /  GVM / GCM2090kg / 2685kg / 4685KG
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating2000kg / 200kg

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2021 Toyota Kluger GX front seats

Some more Kluger hybrid GX notes

We have reviewed the Kluger a number of times and continue to be impressed with just how much internal space they seem to have.

Even as a base model the seats were comfortable, everything is well laid out and visibility relatively good. Middle row seats are spacious, and third row acceptable.

Internal storage is a feature, the dash has little convenient trays and the central console bin is huge.

Lights and windscreen washers are good as well

Toyota need a technology upgrade though, their infotainment systems seem a little old now, even though they have been updated.

The latest model is not bad looking. Alloy wheels and 18 inch tyres on a base model are good value

Kluger is a natural candidate for the hybrid engine. It allows SUV space and practicality with the excellent hybrid economy.

Think of the AWD capability as more a safety feature rather than allowing anything more adventurous than the gravel driveway on a weekend away or trips to the snow.

The new platform and multi-link suspension provide a smooth and comfortable ride, with reasonable handling. It does a fair job of soaking up the suburban goat tracks we call roads in Sydney.

Being the base model there are obviously things missing like electric seats and leather, that’s why upper spec models sell more as people want those things.

Overall though the Kluger doesn’t do a lot wrong and it does a lot right, that’s why they sell so many of them? Toyota has a premium price though and other cars like a Kia Sorento offer more value in lower spec models.

2021 Toyota Kluger GX petrol hybrid rear

Kluger Hybrid Engine more details

The hybrid system is available in all three GX, GXL and Grande grades in combination with the e-Four electric all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motor generators – two at the front and one in the rear – and a large Ni-MH hybrid battery to provide seamless performance and traction in all road conditions.

Under the bonnet, the petrol engine generates a maximum power of 142kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 242Nm at 4400rpm.

With a long stroke and high 14:1 compression ratio, the Atkinson cycle petrol engine is designed for high thermal and fuel efficiency.

The latest D-4S fuel injection system that combines both direct and port injection, and electric variable valve timing (VVT-iE) on the intake and variable valve timing (VVT-i) on the exhaust ports, further enhance efficiency enabling a combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 5.6l/100km1.

Transmission

The hybrid system delivers a combined maximum power of 184kW through a smooth electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that offers driver selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT modes.

In SPORT mode, the Kluger’s AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system automatically adjusts throttle control, transmission shift schedule, drive force distribution and electric steering assistance to provide a more dynamic drive experience while ECO mode modifies throttle control and the transmission shift schedule for improved fuel efficiency.

The e-Four AWD system uses a 40kW/121Nm electric motor generator mounted in a rear transaxle to provide additional drive force to the rear wheels in slippery or off-road conditions.

Controlled by the AIM system, drive force can be varied between the front and rear axles depending on conditions and driver behaviour with a torque split front to rear of between 100:0 and 20:80 with an instantaneous readout able to be displayed on the MID in the instrument cluster.

Hybrid AWD models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for more demanding off-road performance that is able to adjust throttle control, shift schedule, drive force distribution and brake control to deliver optimal traction for the conditions.

  • 8.5/10
    Rating - 8.5/10
8.5/10

Summary

Kluger GX Hybrid – Over the years the Toyota Kluger has proved extremely popular as a family car. The latest model is without doubt the best yet with a choice of a petrol or petrol hybrid engine.

About Rob Fraser 2475 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.