Toyota not bringing LWB Kluger to Australia

TOYOTA has launched a larger, roomier, long wheelbase version of the Kluger in North America, where it is called the Grand Highlander and available with seven- or eight-seat configurations.

However, the spacious newcomer – that debuted at the Chicago motor show ahead of arrival in US showrooms mid-year – is built in left-hand drive only at this stage, precluding the vehicle from local consumption.

Among improvements and enhancements over the regular Kluger/Highlander, the Grand version affords more passenger space as well as a bigger load area, although Toyota’s US arm has not yet released dimensions of the new model.

Designed by Toyota’s Calty Design with derivative elements from the existing model, Grand Highlander comes exclusively out of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana in front- and all-wheel drive.

Like the Lexus RX that has just launched in Australia, the Grand Highlander ushers in a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol ‘Hybrid Max’ powertrain rated at a healthy 270kW and 542Nm with standard all-wheel drive.

Seven-seat Aussie spec Kluger hybrids use a non-turbo 184kW 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder, while the 198kW/420Nm 2.4-litre turbo–petrol engine at the heart of the Grand Highlander’s hybrid driveline replaced the Kluger’s venerable V6 here last month. Both are available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Toyota says the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max takes the model’s performance to a higher sporty level while increasing towing capacity from 2000kg to 2267kg braked.

Multiple drive modes are provided with all three powertrains offering Sport, Eco and Normal. Three mode Multi-Terrain Select (Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, Snow) is available with the petrol AWD and Hybrid Max powertrains.

Toyota says the Hybrid Max powertrain makes the Grand Highlander the most powerful ‘mid-size’ SUV Toyota has ever built, enabling a 0-100kmh time of about 6.3 seconds.

North America’s definition of mid-size is a segment up from Australia’s, Toyota filling the large SUV category on the other side of the Pacific with the Tundra-based Sequoia that competes with Ford’s Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Built on Toyota’s ubiquitous TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander is is designed as a wagon ‘for the active family’ to be capable over short or long trips with ‘thoughtful’ storage areas throughout the cabin, ample cargo capacity with room for seven carry-on suitcases behind the third row (which has adult-sized seats).

The interior features controls centred around a 12.3-inch multimedia display. 

A configurable centre console can fit a tablet and features a wireless charger, two USB ports, and three cup holders – including one for larger bottles – while the passenger side has a USB port and cord tray along with a small bag.

Toyota also provides a sliding console cover so that the lid can be opened and closed with the armrests in use.

Second-row passengers benefit from a dedicated air-conditioning control panel and USB ports either side with cup holders in the centre armrest with bench seat specification. Other storage options for phones, drinks and sundry items are provided in the second row. 

Third-row passengers also get individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, two cup holders and bottle holders. To enhance third-row access, the Grand Highlander is fitted with a hand support space.

In total, the vehicle has some 13 cup holders and seven USB-C charge ports.

Group vice president of Toyota marketing, Lisa Materazzo said: “There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option.

“This three-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping on our promise to deliver on electrification. Highlander was the first model in its segment to offer a hybrid powertrain back in 2006 and Grand Highlander further expands on our electrification leadership.”