Toyota Kluger/Highlander review 2021: This hybrid SUV uses just 6L/100km (39mpg)!

[@MnY275]

18:10 Yes Paul. Personally I would love to see you guys test out the off-road performance of these cars

[@CarExpertAus]

THank you! We'll add it to the list.

[@zachsaw78]

@@CarExpertAus Would love to know how well it handles in the snow, especially with the torque steer. I can't imagine it to be too confidence inspiring when driving up to the alps.

[@wellymotten]

Yes Paul, please do a test of the off-road capability for those all 4WD or AWD hybrid. Cheers.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

@@wellymotten +1 to that

[@jonm2522]

If you want an off road Toyota then get a Prado or Hilux, maybe even a Fortuner. These soft ones are for the normal road.

[@Samm-mo9ib]

You're spot on ! For 75k, I'd expected ALOT more Toyota. C'mon, don't drop your standard Toyota for Australia. While waiting for the hybrid to come to oz i watched the USA Highlander updates and totally loved the technology they have hence, I was utterly disappointed with this one.

[@daweigo6851]

Toyota has always treated Australia poorly with less features and trim choice's

[@azteckjumbie9344]

@@daweigo6851 you should,see the bs we get in Trinidad....Not for private importers we would be stuck for choice and festures

[@MH_darkfan]

It would hv been better if Toyota Australia were to release a PHEV model around this price given that the US also has these options such as the Rav4 Prime. Interestingly it's also not shown to be compatible with Connected Services. Not sure why the options served for the US are vastly better than in Australia especially in auto and tech

[@TheFriendlyamoeba]

The entry model is 52k and is only different in interior trim. The top trim is overpriced to be sure

[@kasokakasale8293]

Off-road SUV tests would be nice!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the vote!

[@hiddenau]

Would be good to know how it handles going to the snow.

[@Ash_Simo]

I’d love to see it.

[@domc9026]

Pajero Sport would easily win 😅

[@rhyswinckle9284]

Light off road test would be great, especially on the new Sorento with its Mud, Snow and Sand mode please

[@PrintShell8765]

Light off roading comparing different modes and their effectiveness will be a great thing!

[@mstrchat]

Absolutely.!.!

[@worlddxb]

I agree

[@nicholasgeorge1883]

Agreed!

[@onto4541]

Finally, an in-depth 3rd-row review, thank you!

[@Somerandom216FTW]

I think you should do a light off-roading comparison. It'd be interesting to see how things like a RAV4, CX-8, or Puma actually handle off road. I'm sure a lot of those cross-overs are actually more than capable on wet grass, sand, dirt tracks and national parks on the way to camp sites and things like that but people dismiss them immediately for massive 4x4 vehicles that are realistically overkill, just because they want to go camping once or twice throughout the entire time they own it. Curious to see how engineers efforts actually pay off. Take a RAV4 down a beach, through a muddy dirt track and up a grass trail to a campsite. Nothing extreme, but I'm sure it would handle it.

[@emmett3067]

$75k AUD for this Toyota is about $25k in Toyota tax. Like most Toyota vehicle it looks modern enough but the tech is something from 10 years ago.

[@karl6203]

Definitely keen to see how some of these SUVs perform off-road.

[@HughRussell06]

Baffles me why they don’t offer the 12” screen in Australia unlike the US

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@sethuramancbi]

Exactly, they say it's hard to fit the 12 inch in R H drive configuration. Can't understand the logic.

[@robertbruce2182]

I think they are waiting for the next get infotainment system coming out this year

[@larjkok1184]

Toyota infotainment has always been woeful. Form Corolla to LandCruiser, they always seem a decade behind.

[@emmett3067]

Hard to reconfigure the 12" into a 30cm screen. Metric is tough for many brands.

[@nickycool77]

Definitely off road test, since it’s snow season soon I’d love to see a dedicated video for snow driving

[@metalmick99]

Hi Paul, thanks for another detailed review and for not holding back on your opinions. I have to agree about the shortcomings you pointed out on what seems a fairly expensive vehicle. Regarding off-road capabilities, yes, *some* would be great. Not sure I'd ever consider taking a ($75k or more) semi-4WD vehicle down a track lined with overgrown blackberries, but corrugated and potholed dirt roads...absolutely!

[@bonnybabu6443]

Toyota is making the most of the demand for their cars here in Australia aren't they, by giving us that (relatively) substandard infotainment system, no wireless charging and those hard plastics for 75k!? Also to your question on the light off-road segment for these SUVs Paul, yes please!

[@huyle2212]

rather go for kia sorento GT

[@neosoviet502]

Exactly

[@ntpryce]

I had waited with great anticipation for this new Kluger. Having now seen the Australian version (not the US variant), I won't be upgrading to this new model for the following reasons: Cost; lack of rear window opening; out-dated (retro grade) infotainment screen; poor external cam quality; piano black interior; no wireless charging; no bluetooth CarPlay connection; no electric (video) rear view mirror; still not digital display for driver. Hoping Toyota might listen and correct these oversights in the next upgrade for this new model.

[@euancarroll4626]

Hi Paul, yes an off road comparison between the Kluger AWD Hybrid GXL vs the Subaru Outback Touring vs the RAV 4 Edge. Not just down dirt tracks, but down some rough tracks, mud tracks and on sand. Look forward to the results.

[@jchoi5194]

Hi Paul, a V6 comparison and an off road test will be great. I would love to know what is the performance like between the 2. Cheers

[@james6969]

toyota hybirds are so good love the review paul keep it up

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@brycem0]

Not if you want, to tow more than 2t.

[@1PvP]

@@brycem0 no ones buys a highlander to tow. Lets be honest here

[@james6969]

@@1PvP true alough here in Australia we do call it the Kluger but overseas it's called the Highlander

[@timmarks8941]

Can you imagine the meeting at Toyota HQ… “Australian Kluger, let’s not include the big screen or wireless charging” “Why not? We have the parts…” “Those crazy aussies won’t want those features. Trust me, I’m in marketing” “….”

[@kev8646]

Agreed. Some of these decisions are so dumb lmao.

[@uvebern6441]

The american version has the wireless charger in the centre console, too small for most phones with a case to fit in, so not useful for most. Back to the drawing board!

[@haiironezumi]

Very selfishly, I'd like to see how this goes on snowy roads. I'd also love to see how the storage is with the seats in a 2-2-1 configuration.

[@sethuramancbi]

Excellent review as always. Was actually waiting for this.

[@muskreality]

Finally I never knew this day would come

[@CarExpertAus]

😄

[@simoncouch1523]

So glad to see they didn’t stick with the old candle burner head lights

[@CarExpertAus]

Me too!

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

But with no active shadowing I'll never buy it

[@Dakalberry]

LED headlights aren’t that good, I live in the country so no street lighting and they are so bright that your eyes adjust and you can’t see anything pass the end of the beam. Also other LED headlights come towards you are irritating.

[@vErVe75]

Hi Paul, congrats to you and your team on achieving the 100k subscribers. Keep up the good job!

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Is it just me, or is the interior already dated?

[@Ash_Simo]

The whole car almost seems dated. Lacks in external LED lighting. Interior is same old same old.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

@@Ash_Simo and yet $70K. Maybe they want people to buy the RX instead! I know I'd spend more to get away from this, or the same money for something better from competitors.

[@satyanveshi1939]

Interior looks so bland. 70 plus car nearing luxury tax segment and interior looks like 25k corolla ...

[@TheFriendlyamoeba]

Toyota hasn't and doesn't ever sell so many based on its window dressings. You're the wrong target demographic of that's the deciding factor

[@waynescally6615]

Definitely a off road test as I do a lot gravel work and my AWD Territory has been a gem. Fuel economy is its short fall. In the hunt for a outback country trip SUV.

[@retiredrebel]

Love the detailed analysis. Love the drive test pointers. Definitely OFF ROAD TEST. ROLL OVER TEST, Sharp turns.

[@ekremaziaullah8213]

Testing offroad performance for AWD cars is a definite yes for me. Actually I even mentioned this point on your 100k celebration post

[@AP-ru7rt]

Great review Paul. Good job. My review: Re: Klugger! Engine 7/10 (ok) Interior 5/10 (Bland) Exterior 1/10 (As usual the ugly car image must keep working for a Toyota). Price: Crazy. Question for Toyota HQ: How ugly can you design a car before people actually say yuk we are not buying? Keeping trying you are just about there.

[@MrBENTPIN]

So your not a fan

[@neosoviet502]

I mean he is right tho. My dad has a Kluger and it doesn't look that great, interior looks very bland, hybrid engine is efficient but barely quick.

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review, thank you!

[@CarExpertAus]

Much appreciated!

[@ishmamchowdhury7134]

Is it better off going for a Kia Sorento GT Edition over Toyota Kluger? I guess the higher end Kia is priced at around $68k with better tech incorporation as opposed to $75k in this one. The infotainment & the dashboard looks so dated in Kluger.

[@dyndeexd2234]

Front makes it look a bit like Subaru, rear end looks like Lexus version of the Fortuner.

[@steveallen1340]

I would love to see a towing test with hybrid. Given I only tow the Jayco a few times a year I’d be happy for the towing ability to be just OK, then benefit from the hybrid the rest of the year.

[@sampannadahal2188]

Paul backkk, now I am waiting for BMW X7 and congratulation for your new born baby!!!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! Will try and track an X7 down in the coming months.

[@悉一哥]

I’ve been driving my new kluge GXL for 2 weeks. I agree on the review. Interior is a let down. But it’s the best option for similar size city driving. For those still thinking, maybe get GX is best value but definitely get the hybrid. It is so smooth and you never have to worry about petrol bills.

[@adrianquek1849]

Just picked up my GXL too 3 days ago. Would agree. I think Grande is disappointing Value.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

Wow u guys got it quick! Did you pre order? Also did u have to pay the full advertised price?

[@悉一哥]

@@KBWarrioR2018 yes, pre ordered and paid full price. My one was the first one delivered to the dealership. Again whichever version, choose hybrid. That’s what makes it worth, being only hybrid seven seater on market.

[@owendeng5345]

@@adrianquek1849 agree, with over 80k of price . we would have range of selections to choose from.the price is very embracing

[@roberthocking9138]

Yes light off road tests please 👍

[@dickyknees3877]

As a previous owner and respectful of their vehicles, i can,t help thinking they are being a bit arrogant and burying their head in the sand when it comes to competing in the market place.

[@dragospahontu]

I'd stick to diesel instead of a hybrid

[@timmarks8941]

Welcome back Paul.

[@jamieshields9521]

Fair vid👍it looks like Subaru front n $75k I thought Holden SUV was expensive at 60k+ no match for Hyundai Palisade.

[@arthurhanlon4352]

Thanks for the review Paul. We would love to see commentary on the new Kluger's off-road capabilities.

[@Rally4Life1982]

I'm kind of glad its not a fully digital dash...those are just another gimmick to go wrong down the track! 75k is a fair chunk of change. You'd have to be pretty mad to buy the V6 now that the hybrid is out. Amazing fuel economy.

[@harmansaroa8055]

Hi Paul, nice review as always. Since your reviews, other reviewers really do feel like they are reading the brochures. 😀 Regarding the light off road, I literally have to pause this video and comment. YES PLEASE. You can find a nice state forest, some fire trails or a camping ground with gravel roads and that should help a lot. A bit of info on their ground clearance, approach angle and their AWD systems, will be icing on the cake. Also I would really appreciate if you can find a shorter human than you (5'4"-5'8") to try out the third row. Rest everything is just perfect.

[@dixitapatel7790]

I have ordered Kluger GX AWD Hybrid. Have to wait 4 to 6 months. All the safety features are standard on all grades so went with the GX.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

Thinking about doing same. I reckon Toyota kluger has the least difference between trims, quite disproportionate with the price bumps. May I ask did you get much off of the advertised drive away price?

[@dixitapatel7790]

@@KBWarrioR2018 not much as they are in high demand and takes longer to order.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

@@dixitapatel7790 i guessed so. Thank you. Congrats 👏 on ur new car

[@archechme]

I like how this is the first time ever that the Highlander has been offered in the UK, I love the way it looks but it seems that we get pretty much exactly the same model as you guys without the 12" infotainment screen and the wireless charging pad. Strange. Great review too however I did notice how you commented on the way the seats look but not how comfortable they are although in the driving portion is does look like you are cacooned in safety.

[@bazaarwallah5444]

In your speed test the Hybrid Kluger seemed to do 0-100 km in 7.76sec which is incredibly fast for a family SUV! You make light of this by saying its just 'adequate' but in reality it is as quick as the outgoing Holden Commodore, a speed response most people would be ecstatic about in a family SUV.

[@technicalsaddmanofficial]

Hello Paul good video Hope to see more like this!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, will do!

[@HypnotizinDetailz]

Off-Road tests are always good Paul 🤩

[@navigill7435]

Great Video Paul, can you please update us when the new Landcruiser 300 will be available in Australia and what price range? Thanks

[@givvia6782]

Why does Toyota shortchange their customers with the infotainment system and stuff, weird!

[@yourtube9224]

Longchange the $$$ to compensate it.

[@JeremyWestAU]

Each to their own, but there are so many options in this class now I couldn’t imagine this would be near the top of the list for the price vs. features. Many other vehicles that look a heap better than this too.

[@michaelcoughlan3144]

What would you recommend?

[@zoltrix7779]

There really anthing to compare it too. Hyundai/Kia makes you choose a Diesel. Waiting for the new Pathfinder, looks nicer, not sure if the new model will be offered in a Hybrid as it isn't in the US.

[@utube4wat]

Great review Paul! I recently test drove the kluger hybrid gx. I was unsure if it had anything to do with the 30 minute test drive in and around the suburban roads but the fuel consumption came up to 7.8litres/100kms. I was quite positive and keen to book it but this fuel consumption put some brakes on my decision. What are your thoughts on it? I have a RAV4 which gives a very high fuel consumption upon refuelling and slowly gets back to around the usual 7.8 to 8Litre mark. Do you think that my higher reading o the fuel consumption on the kluger test drive was due to suburban roads or maybe had been recently fuelled up? Any advice is much appreciated! Also thoroughly enjoy all your reviews mate👍

[@aapkaapna5703]

Very honest review. I think toyota is charging too much for their name..

[@robertceroli3512]

Your right they are like the Hilux SR5 about 65k the Mitsubishi Triton and Mazda BT-50 in similar spec are 50k and are equally reliable .But good luck to Toyota they over and above and the punters are happy to pay Hilux is the biggest seller in dual cab utes and there are no deals you pay asking price no need to discount them

[@kashhelp2372]

Like the durometer ....you should invest in a decibel meter....which will give us an idea whether the cabin is quite in coarse chip roads

[@sivakumara7973]

Great review mate!

[@MrTeamNitro]

Do it! Test the Klugger in an off road setting. Also test it against other similar vehicles.

[@Sedge86]

Paul what would you expect this to use on long trips? Does the hybrid continue to provide benefits by continually storing excess energy or do the advantages diminish on longer trips?

[@Sedge86]

@paul

[@petecotter6790]

V6 cost extra 18,000 dollars in fuel, if do 300,000kms. Hybrid battery cost and maintenance cost approximately extra 8,000. I'll take a smooth reliable and powerful V6 anyday!

[@calvin3989]

Light off roasting for sure. Definitely would like to see how a hybrid Handles with a bit of off Road.

[@MurizPez]

Yes please do a light off road test or attempt your standard off-road course see how far they make it!! Thanks Paul

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming in April for mid-size SUVs first :-D

[@MurizPez]

@@CarExpertAus would have loved to see the new RAV4 you did the other day - :)

[@CampbellSimpson]

Those hard touchpoints, no wireless charging and the 8-inch screen only, yikes for a $75K car... I got a top spec Acadia AWD plus a top spec Yaris Hybrid for just $5K more. Best of both worlds!

[@ezymarkz]

At this point in time a would only like a petrol V6 with AWD :) Fuel consumption isn't a worry. I have a cheap little hatchback as a daily.

[@ashutoshyelleshwaram2464]

Hi Paul great review. Keen to get your view on the performance of Kluger Highlander vs CX 9 Azami. Does the Kluger have an edge over Mazda?

[@alvajames1970]

Sure Paul, an off-road test for SUV's would be a good to have. I've currently booked a Kia Sorento 2021 diesel GT-Line and the decision was driven partly by your review of the car too. In the mean while would also be good if you could do a compare between cars like Kia Sorento / Skoda Kodiaq / Volkswagen Toureg and the Highlander. Thanks a lot for your informative videos as always. Cheers!!

[@jasperc4572]

Great review Paul! Was expected to be as good as the current race but after listen what you said for me it may worth to wait another year or two till some of the issues have improved. A light off road would be great but you seem not quiet satisfied with the performance.

[@mochi5511]

Buy the 2023 one

[@Remius106]

Another Great Video. Light Trail test... YES Please..!! In review of what's available the only things it's got going for it is 6.3l/km, just doesn't seem to compete

[@daunreal69]

Thanks for the excellent review. Please add off road SUV review. Thanks

[@mortofromoz1]

Thank you for your review, Paul. It's disappointing this vehicle is sourced from the US. Unfortunately that means lower build quality compared to the Japanese sourced Camry and RAV, which share TNGA-K platform with the Kluger, as indicated with your "Shake Test". It also means variations with some components compared to its cousins. FYI, 6.3 litres/100 km equates to 44.7 MPG, as in real Gallons, not the undersized US Gallon, so you're underquoting here.

[@zoltrix7779]

I don't see that at all, it's built to Toyota standards. Not sold in Japan because its not suitable to the market.

[@RobustArid379]

I own a bronze edition here in California. this is the smoothest-riding SUV on the road. it handles very well. it's quiet. I like it lots. compare to my GR86 it is a loud and stiff ride.

[@doctorboy5892]

The camera looks down on Paul because Egor is 6'8". Egor has kyphosis and a hunched back which he developed in Russia as a child.

[@kaylebayers3376]

I feel like toyota is taking us for a ride now the more be buy them the less inclusions we will get!

[@lordcaptain73]

Well it has been a year or two since the last class action. About time Toyota gets caught massively messing up again

[@MohanAyyar]

Pity this model is so expensive and lacks finish. The Peugeot 5008 GT diesel is a bit smaller but seems so much better value for money and with a wonderful finish. Looking forward to Paul reviewing that one. There is a definate lack of fuel efficient 7 seaters in Australia.

[@HMan1999]

Like your review Paul but not impressed with the new Kluger. America is given the best and we get whatever’s left!!

[@Zahidul.Hassan]

Definitely keen to see how some of this performs light off-road.

[@mpsftmfw]

We have the same issue with the Yaris cross urban awd,the lane assist with lane centre assist is absolutely shocking,bouncing off the lines then forgets where it’s going, tries to push across to the next lane. We just had Toyota look at it and they can’t fault 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@bjcilia8695]

20:40 - ride on bumpy country roads. Would a Prado be better? I live regionally and the roads are pretty bad. We are tossing up between Kluger hybrid & Prado. But not sure if hybrid is still good when we mainly drive on 90 roads and 110 freeways. We probably wouldn't use the 4wd capability of Prado often but just can't help but feel for the same purchase price why not go Prado?

[@rashedsatter1868]

Great review. After seeing this AU version of Kluger I don't regret getting an used X5 2016 for around $70k. Looks like it was a good decision as Bimmer has lots of options and of course great driving experience.

[@FreeMindAnonymous]

Getting a used BMW is never a good decision, never ever... Ask Scotty Kilmer!

[@scottwilliam6141]

Been there and done that. Hope you have a big maintenance budget set aside.

[@rashedsatter1868]

@@scottwilliam6141 haa agreed 100%. Not cheap to run a Bimmer. But if we leave the Toyota reliability out the Bimmer is so much better to use and so good to drive. For example, took a Lexus is350 2021 this March, I feel like I am back to 2013, I look forward to drive X5 which is a SUV than a sports sedan! All I am saying, I am enjoying using the car I like to drive. I wish Toyota would given more for that $75k. That wireless charger it's probably $35 bucks from tham to have it.

[@rashedsatter1868]

@@FreeMindAnonymous this is our 2nd Bimmer so much happy to use them. I think it's a great decision for us and no regret at all. I actually regret getting a 2021 Lexus IS350. 😀

[@FreeMindAnonymous]

@@rashedsatter1868 Fair call, I just ordered the new 2022 Lexus NX although it's completely different with all new tech, 14 inch screen etc... different to the current models.

[@nirmaldeep1]

How good is the drive assistant

[@creamtube]

Yes! Slight offroad tests everything!

[@kyal4130]

Is the new Kluger good for a single man???

[@Idkidk55957]

Nothing wrong with piano black

[@3000Robbo]

Comprehensive review.

[@hughventer2934]

This pales in comparison to the Kia Sorento, to me it seems like there is a lack of effort to make it nice, they’re just counting on this car being bought in massive numbers. Especially for something more than 75k you’d expect it to be pretty much faultless.

[@totorct3702]

Toyota is the most reliable car and long life to drive.My hilux 17yo still works.

[@ajtuiafiso]

This is all so “move aroundy” HAHAHHAA classic Paul

[@huyle2212]

Which one would you choose between this Kluger or Sorento GT sir? :)

[@franko69]

Hi, i cannot find a review of the 2021/22 Kluger Grande V6 petrol. Will you be doing one as i am interested in buying one. Thanks.

[@kecupabece4000]

They should give us the RAV4 prime here is Aus That engine in a kluger would be perfect

[@jiechen3919]

Can you please review the base hybrid model? It does look like a much better buy with $25k saving.

[@bewade]

Awesome review, more cons than pros considering it's a new model.

[@donalking5460]

Seriously. This is a large success. Not a sports car. I hav driven these an they are a superb car. Try an French car an tell me wat u think.

[@walterndlovu6329]

Toyota is a company that would try to sell you nothing for something if they could

[@bifftanen4417]

Is the Kluger hybrid GX capable of towing a caravan approx (1600kg),up steep hills as the torque is less than the non hybrid variant?

[@lamborghini0610]

The fuel usage is very impressive, but it's a very expensive car! It's 10K more than a Sorento for example and would take maybe 10 years to recover those fuel savings? But it's about the same price as a Palisade. Unfortunately the 8inch screen and incandescent indicators are a let down.

[@al7al7al7al7]

Thanks for the review

[@hellothere4342]

You'd be crazy to pick this over the Kia Sorrento. I know Toyota buyers are loyal as they come but come on now.

[@smsfsyd]

Kia has DCT now.. which I had bad experience in the past. they do have 7 yr warranty but not sure if something happens after warranty period. I am not a Toyota fan either.

[@hellothere4342]

@@smsfsyd it should be ok now that it's a wet plate DCT, apart from low speed refinement inherent to DCT and of course you wouldn't get a diesel if majority of your drive are short trips. Nobody needs clogged DPF.

[@manik4798]

Hi Paul as usual great review, Paul can you review the New Ssangyong Rexton, I am thinking of buying one need your advise on that, Thanks Manik

[@johnkern1878]

Paul, can we also cover towball downweight for all SUV,s. And did this have the same powertrain as the RAV4 hybrid?

[@nevininni2709]

Its good to see Toyota have fitted this car with a hard plastic dashboard. You don't need a soft touch dashboard that will melt in 10 years time like the Toyota Camry and Aurion models

[@lamborghini0610]

They don't melt what are you talking about.

[@james1966.]

Which car would you choose Kluger gxl or Mazda CX60 phev

[@vikramjitsingh88]

Light off road comparison between Kluger vs Sorento vs Santa Fe will make a great video

[@ezymarkz]

Yes - do some light off road stuff. Reasonably Muddy/slippery hill (not referring to proper off road conditions)

[@valdius85]

I’d love to see a slightly narrower versions of Klugger in Japan. Although I think previous gen was more utilitarian. I wished this car was more square and utilitarian.