Toyota Kluger wins Best Large SUV under $80K

When your family starts to outgrow your once spacious and practical medium-sized SUV it’s time for a family vehicle of grander proportions. Maybe the kids aren’t so small any more, or another one’s on the way, or perhaps you find yourself regularly fulfilling the role of taxi driver for your offspring’s social set; when you need to upgrade to a supersized family chariot, Drive has the answer.

In this automotive realm, supremacy is defined by space, comfort, and practicality. A trifecta of seating rows is an advantage, complemented by an array of storage compartments, cupholders, and power outlets – the holy trinity of family-friendly features.

For a vehicle of this calibre, practicality extends beyond its spacious interior. Considerations for running costs and overall value rise in importance along with the weekly grocery bill.

Large SUVs have garnered significant favour among Australian buyers, with Toyota’s enduring LandCruiser Prado currently dominating sales. Despite its popularity, it was not included in Drive Car of the Year this year because it has not changed significantly since it last competed and lost. The same fate befalls the also popular Ford Everest and Nissan Pathfinder, two worthy cars that tried – and also failed – to dethrone the current champ, the Toyota Kluger last year.

This year, the Toyota Kluger faced off against two newcomers – the GWM Tank 300 and the Mazda CX-90 – and won, making it three in a row for the perennial family favourite, proving that age has not wearied it one bit.

Drive’s pick: Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD from $67,810 MSRP

Securing the Drive Car of the Year Best Large SUV Under $80K title for the third time is no small feat, and Toyota’s Kluger has not only defended its crown but has done so in the face of fresh competition and updates across the field.

Toyota’s Kluger is renowned for being one of the most cost-effective and practical large SUVs on the market, a crucial attribute as petrol prices spiral ever upwards. Its economical profile seamlessly aligns with a comfortable and pragmatic design, ticking all the right boxes for everyday use.

The Kluger spans nearly five metres in length so it generously caters to occupants in the first two rows with ample space and amenities, while the third row, although accommodating for adults, leans toward shorter humans or shorter journeys.

Toyota’s powertrain lineup embraces a new entrant this year in the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which replaces the old V6 and gives the Kluger a much-needed boost in performance. Even so, the Kluger’s petrol-electric hybrid is the powertrain to have.

This hybrid configuration, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, front and rear electric motors, and a small battery pack, offers a smooth and seamless driving experience through the CVT automatic gearbox. Real-world fuel consumption impressively hovers at just 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

A noteworthy advantage of the Kluger is the availability of the fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain across its entire range. This makes the $58,290 Kluger GX hybrid a frugal and affordable option for families being relentlessly squeezed by interest rate rises. If you’ve somehow retained the financial ability to look higher into the Kluger range and still keep up with school fees and mortgage payments, then the $67,810 Kluger GXL Hybrid is the sweet spot.

For that extra $9520, the Kluger GXL Hybrid brings a raft of comfort, convenience and technology enhancements that make everyday family motoring less stressful. These include roof rails and a power tailgate outside, while inside, the GXL adds power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, more durable synthetic leather trim instead of fabric, and a larger 12.3-inch colour touchscreen with satellite navigation.

While the Kluger shades all rivals for overall excellence, there are a couple of specific areas where it is not the class leader. Third-row seating space is one example. The Kluger is capable of housing adults back here for short journeys, or shorter humans on longer journeys, but it doesn’t match the cavernous comfort of the Nissan Pathfinder or the Hyundai Palisade.

Toyota’s infotainment system hasn’t been overly impressive in the past, but a 2023 upgrade is a dramatic improvement on previous iterations. The large 12.3-inch touchscreen with colour graphics brings the Kluger in line with some of its more modern rivals, offering wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, plus Android Auto through a wired connection.

While there might be more budget-friendly entry points into seven-seat ownership, especially with the Kluger Grande at the top end, the Kluger’s consecutive wins underscore its effectiveness and purpose-fit. The hybrid powertrain is its trump card, further cementing the Kluger’s status as a standout choice in the competitive family truckster field.