UNMISTAKABLY standard, the 2021 Toyota Kluger GX AWD is like that child you envied in highschool. They’d the appears, and the character, and at all times appeared to have all the things that you just couldn’t.
However the affordability and practicality of this entry degree 7-seat SUV signifies that now, you might be that child.
Splashed in Predawn Gray, the 2021 Kluger appears the products. We thought one of the simplest ways to seek out out if it had them was to essentially put it by means of its paces, and there’s no higher manner to do this than to maneuver a home with it.
Not actually, however we moved many of the inside of a family with the Kluger, in a grand whole of 5 journeys. Spectacular to say the least.
The ageing Kluger was final up to date in 2017, however an all-new model, constructed on Toyota’s TNGA structure that was launched simply final yr, is ready to reach later in 2021, bringing with it a hybrid variant. It’s nonetheless one of many prettier SUVs you’ll discover although.
There are many sharp and curvy physique traces, noticeable particularly within the pretty aggressive flaring on the entrance and rear fenders.
The entrance headlights are a contact disappointing although as they solely include halogen bulbs moderately than the LEDs we’ve come to anticipate. It’s a reminder that that is the bottom mannequin.
Inside, you’ll discover manually adjustable material seats, and fundamental 6.1-inch infotainment and media system, together with gray plastics throughout the sprint. In the event you got here to learn this anticipating an abundance of leather-based items and trim, then you definately’ve come to the incorrect place.
The 6.1-inch display screen is in determined want of a technological refresh and solely helps Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are non-existent in the complete Kluger vary, with solely the GXL and Grande spec offering satellite tv for pc navigation as customary.
The Kluger additionally lacks twin zone local weather management, nevertheless makes up for it by including local weather controls to the second row. That apart, there’s a considerable amount of space for storing within the cabin.
You’ll discover two cup holders subsequent to the shifter, a glovebox, a bottle holder in every of the 4 door playing cards, and one of many largest centre consoles we’ve ever seen (with a complete capability of 24.5-litres).
It’s giant sufficient that it nearly warrants having its personal separate inside mild inside, because it will get darkish down in these depths. There’s two extra cup holders within the second row and then you definately’ll discover one other 4 cupholders within the third row.
House and storage are essentially the most distinguished options of the Kluger GX, proved as a result of as we beforehand talked about, we accomplished a home transfer with one.
The second row is spacious, with loads of legroom and headroom, and is ready to seat two or three adults comfortably. You gained’t discover any points sitting right here.
The third row is snug sufficient to seat an grownup for a brief time frame too, with loads of headroom, however lengthy journeys will punish you.
Getting out of the automobile can be a breath of recent air for the bones and muscle groups in your decrease extremities, because the third row is extra suited to youngsters.
With the third row up, there’s 195-litres of boot house; giant sufficient for just a few baggage of groceries. Fold the third row down and all of a sudden you’ve nearly tripled your boot measurement, with a complete of 529-litres.
Fold down the second row and that balloons to a whopping 1,872-litres, the identical house we used to switch packing containers upon packing containers of things from home to deal with.
With this a lot space for storing, you don’t even want a mortgage. You could possibly slap a king single mattress in that house, add a pillow or two and a blanket and also you’d have the fundamentals of a house. We’re joking after all. You shouldn’t stay in your automobile.
The Kluger is powered by Toyota’s 2GR-FKS engine, which is a part of a sequence of three.5-litre V6 2GR engines which you’ll discover within the likes of the Camry, the importable Alphard and Crown, and some Lexus variants, such because the GS350 and RX350.
A few of these functions are supercharged from the manufacturing unit and have some spectacular energy figures.
Solely out there in a petroleum variant, it makes 218kW of energy and 360Nm of torque, which is mated to an 8-speed automated transmission and delivered to all 4 wheels.
Within the Kluger, the 2GR feels a bit underpowered, however there’s loads of low to mid-range energy in it, and also you don’t must bounce off red-line to get round city.
We noticed a mean gasoline economic system of 12-litres/100km, which is appalling in comparison with Toyota’s claimed 9.5-litres/100km. It’s a very thirsty V6.
You would possibly need to wait till Toyota releases the hybrid model of the Kluger that we talked about earlier, which is able to prevent just a few {dollars}.
Dealing with is the way you’d anticipate a big SUV to be, like sitting on a cotton swab which has been enlarged to the dimensions of a household wagon, with some physique roll and sliding round in your seat.
However it doesn’t really feel overly giant on the highway, and takes corners fairly effectively, even when packed to the brim with kitchenware, whereas Tupperware flies across the cabin.
The Kluger lineup scored a 5-star ANCAP score and the complete Kluger vary’s security tech has been up to date to incorporate autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross site visitors alert, to call just a few.
That is thanks partially to it being loaded with model 2.0 of Toyota’s security suite. Pricing begins at $44,850 for the 2WD Kluger GX whereas the AWD spec begins from $48,850. Each costs exclude on highway prices.
Toyota additionally supply a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee, so you may drive this all day on a regular basis realizing they’ve your again. It’s adequate that we’d like to have stored it, and continued shifting houses however sadly, we needed to give it again.
Our check car was supplied by Toyota Australia. To search out out extra in regards to the 2021 Toyota Kluger GX, contact your native Toyota supplier. Photos courtesy of J_Hui Design/Pictures.
