Turbo four power replaces V6 in Toyota Kluger

TOYOTA has announced a raft of updates for its 2023 Kluger SUV range ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms next month, the revised line-up getting turbocharged four-cylinder power as standard across the range alongside new connected services and multimedia technologies.

Priced from $49,720 plus on-road costs, the entry point to the Kluger range is now $2070 higher than before.

Familiar GX, GXL and Grande variants remain, the flagship now priced from $78,160 + ORC, or $2460 above the sticker price of the MY22 range-topper (see full pricing table below).

The Kluger continues to rival three-row family haulers including the Hyundai Santa Fe ($46,050-$69,550 + ORC), Kia Sorento ($47,650-$81,080 + ORC), Mazda CX-9 ($47,250-$74,710 + ORC) and the just-launched Nissan Pathfinder ($54,190-$80,227 + ORC).

Due in local showrooms from January, the updated Kluger range is headlined by the switch to Toyota’s T24A-FTS 2.4-litre petrol engine that produces 198kW and 420Nm, marking a 70Nm improvement over the 3.5-litre V6 unit it replaces. The engine is paired as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Peak torque for the new engine arrives between 1700-3000rpm, far lower than that of the outgoing engine, while fuel economy improves to the tune of 0.4 litres per 100km, now from 8.3L/100km on two-wheel drive GX and GXL grades.

Hybrid models continue to be powered by Toyota’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and electric motor combination.

Along with the new powertrain, the Kluger range scores an updated multimedia system, with all variants also gaining larger screen sizes.

On the Kluger GX, a larger multi-function screen – growing from 4.2 to 7.0 inches – forms part of the revised instrument cluster. GXL and Grande variants upgrade to a 12.3-inch multimedia screen (previously 8.0 inches), while Grande variants further add a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

Toyota says the new multimedia system offers simple and natural navigation with a set of shortcut buttons along the side of the screen, with information easily projected onto two other easy-to-read tiles.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is now available alongside wired Android Auto, while natural voice recognition has been further improved.

Alongside the improved multimedia system is 12 months complimentary access to Toyota Connected Services functionality, which enables owners to remotely gain information relating to the vehicle’s last known location, vehicle diagnostics, fuel level, odometer readings and recent trip information, as well as some remote-control features via the myToyota Connect smartphone app.

Toyota Australia says these features arrive in addition to safety offerings including automatic collision notification, which is designed to contact a Toyota emergency call centre if it detects an airbag or collision sensor has been activated.

Further, an SOS button installed in the roof can be used to manually trigger a call with the emergency contact centre, while the stolen vehicle tracking feature can be used by authorities to potentially recover a missing vehicle.

Also as part of the MY23 update, all Kluger GX variants now gain dual-zone front and single-zone rear climate control, while Grande variants add a wireless smartphone charger. 

However, the rear-seat entertainment system found previously in the Kluger Grande is no longer offered.

“Since launching last year, the new-generation Kluger has been a hit with Australians wanting the perfect family SUV,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“Now with an upgraded multimedia system, new Connected Services functionality and the torquey turbo petrol engine providing improved driveability, the Kluger will be even more appealing.”

According to FCAI figures, the Toyota Kluger remains the best-selling monocoque bodied SUV in the sub-$70K large SUV segment.

Year-to-date sales to the end of November 2023 show Toyota has sold 11,786 examples of its large-segment SUV, beating rivals including the Kia Sorento (6637), Mazda CX-9 (6302), Mazda CX-8 (5397), Hyundai Santa Fe (4132), and Hyundai Palisade (3756).

2023 Toyota Kluger pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs