Thanks for reviewing base models. It's always nice to get perspective on a car. When I'm at the dealership, I always look at all the trim levels before making a decision so I'm informed. Cheers! 🍻
My sister is picking her new kluger gxl V6 on Friday, she lives on the edge of the desert and wanted something reliable they have a territory atm which has got 400,000kms on it. We'll see how the Toyota stacks up.
Thanks for providing good non-biased views. I also would like to see more base model reviews. Please review Base Genesis QV80 RWD 4cyl with no lux option. Love the channel
Thanks for showing the base model guys. This is likely going to be the trade-in for my RAV4 next year as the kids are getting bigger and I am unlikely to step up to a higher trim.
Tom, nice video. I’ve grown to love your channel due the quality of content you cover and no nonsense approach. Can I ask where was this video shot…the waterbody in the opening shot looks beautiful? Keep doing these awesome videos !
Just test drove and brought our Kluger GX 2WD petrol! We were after the hybrid but couldn’t deal with the wait time unfortunately...luckily we live in a small town so not much stop/start driving and lots of highway cruising. Very exited for the space as our family of 4 (soon to be 5) have been framing into a Suzuki Swift for the past 3 years 😂
Thanks for the review Tom. Actually the GXL only has vinyl trim, so a comparative advantage for saving the extra $9k and getting the GX. My somewhat unlikely choice for a young family of four city runabout is coming down to either something like this, saving money upfront with the V6 FWD, or a much better-spec'ed RAV4 Hybrid .... both about early $50k's drive away. Is the luxury of extra space worth such a hefty spec-for-spec premium? Decisions, decisions ....
Hi Tom. Great review. First one of watched of yours. I'm considering a Kluger. Is AWD V6 a better choice than FWD? I've heard other reviews say that there can be a bit of torque steer when accelerating hard in the FWD version. I can't decide between GX or GXL either.
I'd recommend the gxl over the gx. It may be more expensive but it is worth the upgrade such as leatherette interior, powered tailgate, heated seats, satellite navigation, electric seats and nicer alloy wheels. The grande is super nice but it's too expensive
Have had a Kluger in the family for 8 years. Top reliability. Only a few niggles that were simply fixed and resale is rock solid. The V6 is a beauty. Don't Lotus use it with a Supercharger? ha.
I'm literally the opposite. Looking at buying my first new car, just bought a house, kid on the way, can never afford the 45k+ models and you never know how much of the comments made in the reviews filter down.
I bought the GX FWD v6 for $50k. I wanted the hybrid initially but couldn’t justify an extra $6k and that the hybrid takes premium unleaded. $6k buys a lot of petrol for a long time… I ordered on 15/7 - probably get it Dec/Jan.
I recently purchased GX Hybrid and very happy with the fuel economy. It’s a great safe, reliable and cheaper to run and service family car. V6 will drink around 15 l/100 kms in stop and start city driving.
Bit of an oversight it seems that they haven’t included the bigger infotainment screen that features on the Kluger in America, where it’s known as the Highlander! Maybe not for this base gx, but definitely for the mid-spec and flagship variants!
Just a random question, which one would you choose between Kluger hybrid, Kia Sorrento gt line (diesel) Pajero sport GSR, MUX LST, and Fortuner Crusade? Thank you
If you are from either Australia or New Zealand, then Kluger, Sorento or CX9 is fine. Or even the upcoming Nissan Pathfinder R53 is good. The Pajero / Montero Sport, Isuzu MUX and Toyota Fortuner are for developing countries / emerging markets imho.
Hi Tom, did you find there was a lot of torque steer in the 2wd or that the traction control would go crazy in the wet or accelerating into corners? I don't go off road very often so I'm wondering whether the 2wd will suffice and if it's safe to drive a large 2wd SUV in wet weather?
Matt, it was a very dry week this one so I didn't get much of a chance to floor it in the wet. In the dry the torque steer was quite well contained, but I'd still consider AWD for a vehicle like this.
I'd go for he Hybrid, fully loaded and used for short school trips the V6 would be real thirsty. BTW Tom, where did you film this review? Interested in the location for a post-lockdown cruise
Hows the hybrid towing capacity compared to the petrol? I own an older gen kluger and take the tinny and the kids away to the beach every year.... i would consider a hybrid but that would probably be the stocking point.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I just downloaded the brochure and it’s disappointing that only the top variant Grande has LED headlights. Toyota needs to step up their game
I can’t really say for sure until we do a comparison (soon). CX-9 might be older but it’s still a fantastic SUV, and even better to drive than the new Kluger. But is it as practical? We shall see.
I noticed that tis model had front and rear parking sensors which you didn't mention but I think is a good addition and also I saw front fog light. On the drive with the vehicle approaching there is a Subaru look in the grill and Toyota emblem.
Question for the Australians here: Is Fuel pricing in Australia expensive or cheap? Would a non-hybrid V6 be considered as thirsty for the Australian carbuyer? Or are Australian income levels high enough that they can afford the fuel consumption of a non-hybrid V6?
Seat configuration, they didn't change it for AUS market at all because it is exactly the same side as it is in Japan, if they changed it, they done it for market in EU, ...
Yeah, could be good. Can’t see it happening though because Americans just don’t like diesel in anything other than the biggest utes, with few exceptions.
I think GX is cheap price but seats not comfortable and fuel consumption way to high better to used it rental cars if this car keep for long time cost petrol not cheap…. I am still thinking to change my pre order Grande or not car is great but Toyota seem to play option on first launch. I guess Face lift model will be more upgrade then current one however after few years EV 7 seater will be introduced for sure….
I just brought the base model for 50k (including stamp duty and minus around 4k for being a demo model), I notice the prices on RUclips reviews are around 6k less across the board...not sure why though...Toyota website has the most accurate prices
Congrats... Whats the variant you ordered and whats the waiting time like.. In this current climate is it worth haggling or its alll fixed price as advertised in the Toyota website?
@@smsfsyd been told 5 month wait for a gx v6. Didn’t try and haggle but maybe should have. Thought it was good value especially compared to a Hilux or ranger etc
Tom bruh, I like the vids, but you may need to do some technical homework. The 2GR-FKS is a port *and* direct injected engine. The comment made in the vid of it just being ‘direct injected’ may be misleading to some.
Not an appealing design compared to previous generation imo and mini infotainment system in 2021, would people buy this only because it's a Toyota 🤷, competition is way superior I believe. Surprised on the boot space though, Prado looking bigger than this has a 100L boot capacity with all seats up.😯
Great question. We’ve worked it, based on the following assumptions: 14,000km driven per year, $1.30/L (quite optimistic I know, 7L/100km hybrid and 12L/100km V6. At those inputs it’ll take 7 years to break even if you buy a Kluger Hybrid (AWD only) rather than a V6 2WD. Or, it’ll take just under 4 years to break even if you buy the hybrid rather than the V6 with optional AWD. If the price of petrol goes up it takes less and less time to break even. And if you do all your driving in town and very rarely get onto the highway the hybrid will pay for itself 20% faster.
I guess the point is - in the RAV4 the hybrid is a no brainer: it’s not much more expensive than the base petrol and it’s also much quicker! In the Kluger the maths deserve much closer attention. The hybrid would suit people who need the car mainly for inner city commuting and the school run. Rural buyers are better off with the V6.
@@chasingcars Thanks Tom very helpful and appreciated. My tiny dilemma is I’ve averaged 33k per year over the past 20 years @ 80% rural speeds and will continue doing so. Going hybrid while clearly cheaper quicker payback wise I feel the 100km/hr overtaking times and less droning on inclines will win the day for the V6. What would your thoughts be on that from a driver perspective plus servicing aspect? Many thanks.
Wrong site to be pushing your socialist agenda. A V6 Kluger is a great option for many , myself included. We think for ourselves unlike lefties who favour group think.
Do you prefer a lusty V6 or a frugal hybrid?
hybrid looks nice tho i pick hybrid
Lifes to short to be frugal. Fuel in Au is still cheap.
V6 for sure. It sounds nice, it accelerates nice.
Always the hybrid!
Bought a lusty V6 for the seven-seater and a frugal hybrid for the tiny city car. It's great in theory, but I find myself driving 'my' SUV more!
Thanks for reviewing base models. It's always nice to get perspective on a car. When I'm at the dealership, I always look at all the trim levels before making a decision so I'm informed. Cheers! 🍻
My sister is picking her new kluger gxl V6 on Friday, she lives on the edge of the desert and wanted something reliable they have a territory atm which has got 400,000kms on it. We'll see how the Toyota stacks up.
The Toyota should be good for at least at much
Thanks for providing good non-biased views. I also would like to see more base model reviews. Please review Base Genesis QV80 RWD 4cyl with no lux option. Love the channel
Thanks for showing the base model guys.
This is likely going to be the trade-in for my RAV4 next year as the kids are getting bigger and I am unlikely to step up to a higher trim.
No problem - this is a pretty good base spec. Comfortable and very competent.
Tom, nice video. I’ve grown to love your channel due the quality of content you cover and no nonsense approach. Can I ask where was this video shot…the waterbody in the opening shot looks beautiful?
Keep doing these awesome videos !
Coal and Candle Creek around Akuna Bay
Just test drove and brought our Kluger GX 2WD petrol! We were after the hybrid but couldn’t deal with the wait time unfortunately...luckily we live in a small town so not much stop/start driving and lots of highway cruising. Very exited for the space as our family of 4 (soon to be 5) have been framing into a Suzuki Swift for the past 3 years 😂
Question:
Is fuel expensive in Australia? (to be able to afford the consumption of a non-hybrid V6)
Thanks for the review Tom. Actually the GXL only has vinyl trim, so a comparative advantage for saving the extra $9k and getting the GX. My somewhat unlikely choice for a young family of four city runabout is coming down to either something like this, saving money upfront with the V6 FWD, or a much better-spec'ed RAV4 Hybrid .... both about early $50k's drive away. Is the luxury of extra space worth such a hefty spec-for-spec premium? Decisions, decisions ....
Great video as usual Tom! Good work! Thanks for providing us with the V6 review which is rarely seen among other car reviews. Thanks
No problem Joey.
Hi Tom. Great review. First one of watched of yours. I'm considering a Kluger. Is AWD V6 a better choice than FWD? I've heard other reviews say that there can be a bit of torque steer when accelerating hard in the FWD version. I can't decide between GX or GXL either.
I'd recommend the gxl over the gx. It may be more expensive but it is worth the upgrade such as leatherette interior, powered tailgate, heated seats, satellite navigation, electric seats and nicer alloy wheels. The grande is super nice but it's too expensive
Great review you really hit all the salient points about the GX Kluger. 1👍
Have had a Kluger in the family for 8 years. Top reliability. Only a few niggles that were simply fixed and resale is rock solid. The V6 is a beauty. Don't Lotus use it with a Supercharger? ha.
They do!
This engine has better stats than the old prado v6 i wish they still made a prado in petrol and i would buy one.
Same but people are obsessed with shitty diesel for its perceived reliability
I’d never buy a base model - but always enjoy the reviews!
Fair enough! Responding to some requests we’ve had for more base model reviews.
Good thing the headlights are LED across the range now
I'm literally the opposite. Looking at buying my first new car, just bought a house, kid on the way, can never afford the 45k+ models and you never know how much of the comments made in the reviews filter down.
I bought the GX FWD v6 for $50k. I wanted the hybrid initially but couldn’t justify an extra $6k and that the hybrid takes premium unleaded. $6k buys a lot of petrol for a long time… I ordered on 15/7 - probably get it Dec/Jan.
My family had a gxl hybrid and it is worth it
50k is after your negotiation? Coz the driveaway price advertised for GX V6 FWD is like $52k.
@@smsfsyd - Yes. They did a price beat on what I could source through a car purchasing service.
@@paulinegill8413 Thank you
Which one will you recommend. This one or Mazda CX-9 sport?
I recently purchased GX Hybrid and very happy with the fuel economy. It’s a great safe, reliable and cheaper to run and service family car. V6 will drink around 15 l/100 kms in stop and start city driving.
Hope you're enjoying it!
15L!! Bloody thirsty!!
@@dbachy5745 My new Hybrid kluger is sitting at 8L while majority of journalists are claiming to get 6 to 7 l/100 kms
Wow 15L, that's like 90s economy
Exaggeration of petrol economy
Bit of an oversight it seems that they haven’t included the bigger infotainment screen that features on the Kluger in America, where it’s known as the Highlander! Maybe not for this base gx, but definitely for the mid-spec and flagship variants!
Agreed - for at least the Grande they need to work out how to bring the bigger screen.
@@chasingcars will be there for model year 2023.
I have the V6 in Auckland and I can easily get under 9L/100km on a combined cycle.
Just a random question, which one would you choose between Kluger hybrid, Kia Sorrento gt line (diesel) Pajero sport GSR, MUX LST, and Fortuner Crusade? Thank you
If you are from either Australia or New Zealand, then Kluger, Sorento or CX9 is fine.
Or even the upcoming Nissan Pathfinder R53 is good.
The Pajero / Montero Sport, Isuzu MUX and Toyota Fortuner are for developing countries / emerging markets imho.
Hi Tom, did you find there was a lot of torque steer in the 2wd or that the traction control would go crazy in the wet or accelerating into corners?
I don't go off road very often so I'm wondering whether the 2wd will suffice and if it's safe to drive a large 2wd SUV in wet weather?
Matt, it was a very dry week this one so I didn't get much of a chance to floor it in the wet. In the dry the torque steer was quite well contained, but I'd still consider AWD for a vehicle like this.
@@chasingcars Thanks heaps for that. The AWD V6 sounds like it will definitely be the way to go.
I'd go for he Hybrid, fully loaded and used for short school trips the V6 would be real thirsty. BTW Tom, where did you film this review? Interested in the location for a post-lockdown cruise
Northside.
@@chasingcars Thanks Tom!
Coal and Candle Creek
Hows the hybrid towing capacity compared to the petrol? I own an older gen kluger and take the tinny and the kids away to the beach every year.... i would consider a hybrid but that would probably be the stocking point.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I just downloaded the brochure and it’s disappointing that only the top variant Grande has LED headlights. Toyota needs to step up their game
What would you pick between a Kluger GXL and a MUX LS-U?
Unpopular opinion: here is no such as thing as family SUV with cloth seat, it has to have leather seats to be even considered a family SUV.
Excellent I like it that much I Bought one ,,,,,,,
Which car would you choose between cx9 and Kluger?
I can’t really say for sure until we do a comparison (soon). CX-9 might be older but it’s still a fantastic SUV, and even better to drive than the new Kluger. But is it as practical? We shall see.
I noticed that tis model had front and rear parking sensors which you didn't mention but I think is a good addition and also I saw front fog light. On the drive with the vehicle approaching there is a Subaru look in the grill and Toyota emblem.
Good points.
Good car except price of the base GX model is now $59K drive away.
Toyota make the best V6.they should drop that in the RAV4 like they use to about 10y ago
That'd be a beast.
Yes,
That would be a great car!
Question for the Australians here:
Is Fuel pricing in Australia expensive or cheap?
Would a non-hybrid V6 be considered as thirsty for the Australian carbuyer?
Or are Australian income levels high enough that they can afford the fuel consumption of a non-hybrid V6?
I think this engine has D4S. It has both Port and Direct injection
Buy a Toyota for its hybrid powertrain!
I would, though this smooth V6 is also attractive.
Dude I normally love your videos but your Kluger reviews in particular make you sound like a Toyota fan boy.
No association with Toyota, it’s just that the new Kluger is a good vehicle and deserves credit. No conspiracy theories at play here.
The Hybrid (HV) battery is warranted for 8 years or 160,000kms, if comparing the standard V6 vs the hybrid variant.
Fair point, warranted a mention
Seat configuration, they didn't change it for AUS market at all because it is exactly the same side as it is in Japan, if they changed it, they done it for market in EU, ...
The Kluger is made in the United States.
@@chasingcars Sorry, didn't know. This car model is not to be seen here around EU at all but I totally understand why it is for sale in the USA.
If toyota put a diesel engine, I think it would be better than both hybrid and petrol.
Yeah, could be good. Can’t see it happening though because Americans just don’t like diesel in anything other than the biggest utes, with few exceptions.
Is this Cheaper Petrol Kluger presented 4WD or FWD?
FWD
Smaller wheels get a big tick of approval - less chance of kerb rash compared to the large diameter alloys.
And great bump insulation
I think GX is cheap price but seats not comfortable and fuel consumption way to high better to used it rental cars if this car keep for long time cost petrol not cheap…. I am still thinking to change my pre order Grande or not car is great but Toyota seem to play option on first launch. I guess Face lift model will be more upgrade then current one however after few years EV 7 seater will be introduced for sure….
I bought my Kluger GXL FOR 62000$
Why are the prices different?
I just brought the base model for 50k (including stamp duty and minus around 4k for being a demo model), I notice the prices on RUclips reviews are around 6k less across the board...not sure why though...Toyota website has the most accurate prices
I don’t think you really need navigation anymore given we have car play. Easier to use through the phone.
I think that’s true 90 per cent of the time, but if you’re out of phone reception it’s hard.
Order in and waiting…. Patiently
Congrats... Whats the variant you ordered and whats the waiting time like.. In this current climate is it worth haggling or its alll fixed price as advertised in the Toyota website?
@@smsfsyd been told 5 month wait for a gx v6. Didn’t try and haggle but maybe should have. Thought it was good value especially compared to a Hilux or ranger etc
@@curlzbean Thanks, Enjoy your new car.
V6 baby
I think the 1997 Camry door trims are better plastics Tom
Quite possible.
Plus, the hybrid only takes premium duuuuude
Tom bruh, I like the vids, but you may need to do some technical homework. The 2GR-FKS is a port *and* direct injected engine. The comment made in the vid of it just being ‘direct injected’ may be misleading to some.
Fair point
Santa Fe Hybrid ✌😆
V6 petrol for me.
Fair enough!
You lose your intro though. Hope you will still include it Tom. Thanks! 😊
Looks like it’s there on my end!
@@chasingcars I see. I'm halfway watching the review though.
Base model review brought out the monotone 😂
In 2023, the NA V6 will be replaced by a 2.4 liter four cylinder turbo engine
Not an appealing design compared to previous generation imo and mini infotainment system in 2021, would people buy this only because it's a Toyota 🤷, competition is way superior I believe. Surprised on the boot space though, Prado looking bigger than this has a 100L boot capacity with all seats up.😯
Anyone done the price difference payback in km’s ?
Great question. We’ve worked it, based on the following assumptions: 14,000km driven per year, $1.30/L (quite optimistic I know, 7L/100km hybrid and 12L/100km V6.
At those inputs it’ll take 7 years to break even if you buy a Kluger Hybrid (AWD only) rather than a V6 2WD.
Or, it’ll take just under 4 years to break even if you buy the hybrid rather than the V6 with optional AWD. If the price of petrol goes up it takes less and less time to break even. And if you do all your driving in town and very rarely get onto the highway the hybrid will pay for itself 20% faster.
I guess the point is - in the RAV4 the hybrid is a no brainer: it’s not much more expensive than the base petrol and it’s also much quicker! In the Kluger the maths deserve much closer attention. The hybrid would suit people who need the car mainly for inner city commuting and the school run. Rural buyers are better off with the V6.
@@chasingcars Thanks Tom very helpful and appreciated.
My tiny dilemma is I’ve averaged 33k per year over the past 20 years @ 80% rural speeds and will continue doing so. Going hybrid while clearly cheaper quicker payback wise I feel the 100km/hr overtaking times and less droning on inclines will win the day for the V6.
What would your thoughts be on that from a driver perspective plus servicing aspect? Many thanks.
Coming soon to a police station near you.
Probably true.
What a mess of an interior its looks out of wack. the Chinese are making better looking interior
Hi
A terrible car especially internal finishes are very poor in quality.
You dribble on too much!
You guys are dinosaurs. Which way do you think the petrol price is going ? What are your paris 2020 commitments ?
We just review the cars, mate.
Wrong site to be pushing your socialist agenda.
A V6 Kluger is a great option for many , myself included.
We think for ourselves unlike lefties who favour group think.
I use all the fossil fuel I can!