Toyota confirms hybrid Kluger

Toyota has confirmed the new Kluger SUV will offer both hybrid and petrol engine options when it arrives in Australia in the first half of next year.

The new seven-seat Kluger employs a similar dual-powertrain strategy to that adopted by the Yaris Cross SUV due later this year and the latest-generation C-HR and RAV4.

It will be the first time a hybrid powertrain has been offered with Kluger in Australia. Hybrids now account for more than one in every five Toyota sales.

Built in the USA, the new Kluger will be offered with the choice of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid system or a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.

Kluger’s total hybrid system power output is forecast to be 179kW when it arrives in Australia. Fuel economy and emissions levels figures are yet to be confirmed.

The hybrid’s drivetrain will include an all-wheel drive system incorporating front and rear electric motors. The battery that feeds them is located under the second-row seats.

The fourth-generation Kluger sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture GA-K architecture. It is longer than its predecessor and claimed to be more flexible.

The Kluger is by far the most popular light-duty large SUV sold in Australia, despite never previously offering a more frugal alternative to its thirsty V6 petrol engine.

Pricing of the current line-up ranges from $44,850 to $68,888 plus on-road costs.

The Kluger won’t be the first large SUV offered in Australia with hybrid power. Others are the Lexus RX450h and Nissan Pathfinder.