Toyota Kluger News

Toyota is in danger of being overtaken by BYD.By retreating upmarket, it also risks losing the loyalty of a generation of buyers, especially younger ones, destroying the bedrock of the brand’s success in Australia.Toyota is still the world leader and dominant force in Australia, but that could all fall apart if it gets complacent.Yes, Toyota has been number one every year since 2003, and remains the richest car company in the world after Tesla.But BYD and other Chinese brands like Chery are cutting its lunch.Toyota’s year-to-date (YTD) sales have tumbled 20 per cent, from 142,700 to 115,550 units, while market share has shrunken from 20 per cent to 16.3 per cent.In contrast, BYD’s YTD sales have jumped, from 28,000 to nearly 61,000 units while share has expanded from 3.9 per cent to 8.5 per cent.Toyota assumed its premium, hybrid-heavy strategy would prevail.But BYD’s cheaper electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEV) are both more affordable and available, while Chery, MG and others clean up in the sub-$30,000 drive-away classes that Toyota abandoned in 2024. Coincidence?Reportedly sitting on a $A96.5 billion war chest, Toyota can shore up customer loyalty by once again offering more-affordable vehicles that Australians want.Playing the long game, not the wrong game, the Japanese brand’s models already have the reputation for reliability, durability and quality required to remain number one.We understand. Today’s Yaris from $29,190 before on-road costs is measurably superior to its 2019 predecessor. But that’s a moot point for buyers who cannot stretch another $10,000-plus to own one.Here, then, are the Toyotas we reckon Australia needs right now.Although it is an all-new model in a segment Toyota has not bothered with for decades, the LandCruiser FJ is anything but ‘all-new’ underneath.Derived from the IMV architecture that is already two decades old beneath the HiLux, this compact SUV is a Thai-built body-on-frame, off-road-ready 4x4 with the Suzuki Jimny in its crosshairs.Surely that makes the LandCruiser FJ a natural for Australia?Well… no. The biggest drawback seems to be the equally ancient 2TR-FE I4 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that Toyota had to drop from the latest HiLux range due to non-compliance with our increasingly tough emissions.There is speculation galore about a hybrid alternative happening sometime in the future, and – if true – then that’s what we would expect a locally bound LandCruiser FJ to be powered by.It seems unfathomable Toyota would create an SUV with classic FJ40 retro design cues, yet not engineer a powertrain suitable for LandCruiser-obsessed Australia.As a BYD Atto 2 beater, this hybrid is a no-brainer.Japan’s second best-selling vehicle YTD after the Yaris/Yaris Cross duo on which it is based upon, Sienta is a portmanteau of siete, Spanish for ‘seven’, and ‘entertain’.And there-in lays this Toyota’s appeal.Essentially a Yaris MPV that majors on packaging, it features sliding doors and space for up to seven (hence the name), with the optional third-row seating ingeniously dropping underneath the middle bench for an instant big cavity.Along with Sienta’s eye-catching Fiat Panda-esque design and capable Yaris underpinnings, it is little wonder both hipsters and artificial-hip buyers alike have fallen for the tall-boy Toyota’s charms.Finally, a growing army of ex-Japan used imports here is further proof of concept.Developed and built by Toyota sub-brand Daihatsu (which markets it as Rocky – a tiny but tough off-roader in the style of the Suzuki Jimny), the Raize would slip in as an entry-level high-riding crossover.At round four metres long, this chunky, high-riding, monocoque-bodied urban crossover employs a unique, lower-cost architecture to help keep prices down in the South East Asian region, without scrimping on safety tech.This would make it ideal as a sub-$30,000 light SUV targeting the likes of the BYD Atto 1, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO.Engine options include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol or 1.2-litre hybrid version.A podium seller in Japan this year, the Raize is another used import from appearing on Australian roads, and it’s not difficult to see why.The original Prius of 2001 was a toe-in-the-water exercise in Australia. Its 2003 and 2009 successors proved to be successful brand builders as hybrid pioneers.But the 2016 redesign was so insectoid in appearance that buyers were repelled en-masse, despite being the first of the vastly-improved TNGA-platform Toyotas available here.That’s why the company passed on the fifth iteration locally, but what subsequently surfaced remains one of the most beautiful modern hatchbacks of this decade.Nowadays, with the dramatic uptake of PHEV as well as hybrid vehicles, Toyota admits it is gunning for the Prius’ return as a result, but it may take a while yet.Great design is timeless and, even from $40,000 as a BYD Seal 6 PHEV rival, the latest Prius would attract plenty of non-traditional Toyota buyers.It seems inevitable that a Grand Kluger will eventually appear in Australia, but when is the big question.Built in the USA as the Grand Highlander, this is a larger and longer take on the existing Kluger/Highlander model that it has essentially usurped.Born to battle the ultra-successful Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade in North America, the grandest of Toyota’s on-road SUVs is a far-roomier – and prettier – big family hauler as a consequence.It is also soon to be joined by an unrelated, all-electric SUV taking over the regular Highlander name and production line – a decision that was clearly made before the current, anti-EV US administration came into power.This mean the days of the current Kluger as we know it in Australia seem to be numbered, with no hybrid replacement in sight – except for a right-hand drive version of the Grand Highlander.The perfect foil for the BYD Sealion 8 PHEV!

This has been a bumper year for super-exciting models strutting the automotive world stage.With competition from China more intense than ever, legacy carmakers are leaning in big time on their unique experiences and strengths to keep consumers interested.But, for reasons both annoying and disappointing (mostly due to prohibitively expensive and anachronistic design rules), not all are destined for Australia.Here are the all-new 2026 all-stars we won’t be seeing in 2027 (or beyond). More’s the pity.The previous Telluride has been a runaway smash hit in its native USA since launching in 2019, and has comfortably outsold its Hyundai Palisade cousin.Kia has long wanted this large three-row SUV for Australia, but a lack of right-hand drive (RHD) and limited factory capacity have thwarted plans past and present.This includes those for the recent boxier redesign, featuring turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, extra space and heaps more tech.While VW hasn’t publicly ruled this out for Australia, the first all-electric version of the evergreen Polo may end up costing too much for it to be a worthwhile exercise.Which is sad, because the ID. Polo appears to be a real return to form for a brand that has been in the doldrums for most of a decade.Unrelated to the continuing, sixth-gen Polo that’s almost a decade old, highlights include pleasing aesthetics and a classy cabin offering plenty of surprise and delight features including near-Golf levels of interior space.Plus, the German supermini’s advanced EV architecture should re-establish VW as a technological tour-de-force.And that’s even before considering the coming GTI version.Initial reaction in Europe has exceeded expectations, meaning the ID. Polo is shaping up to be one of this year’s comeback kids.Renault is on a massive roll right now, riding high on electric vehicle (EV) success with the award-winning Megane crossover, Scenic SUV, 4 and 5 E-Tech models.But arguably the cutest, the Twingo city car, won’t make it as far as Australia, despite being offered in RHD for UK buyers, as there’s just no market for tiny city cars.No matter how much critics rave about its styling, efficiency, ride comfort and driving pleasure, this Renault is a Twin-no-go. Such a shame.Built in Morocco on a trick new modular electrified platform shared across several Stellantis nameplates including Opel and Citroen, the Kia Seltos-sized Grizzly is a small crossover/SUV charged with making the world fall in love with Fiat again.Offered in two handsome body styles and three powertrains (petrol, hybrid and EV) choices, it promises to be affordable first and foremost, as well as practical and fun.Sounds perfect for Australia, then, but with Fiat sales on hold for now, who knows if we’ll ever see this intriguing newcomer here.Designed expressly for European markets, the EV2 is the brand’s entry-level electric city car that puts the funk in functionality.But, being sourced from Slovakia means importing it to Australia would be expensive, so Kia remains undecided. Hyundai’s struggle selling the smaller yet premium-priced Inster EV here highlights the risks.That said, the EV2 is usefully larger, looks more sophisticated and offers larger battery choices with decent range. If it’s as polished, efficient and capable as the EV3 and EV4, then perhaps the cute little Kia might find a big audience locally.Revealed in the US back in February, the Highlander goes all-electric for its fifth-generation outing, with production expected to commence in Kentucky before 2027.Closely related to the similar Lexus TZ and Subaru Getaway, as well as the just-released eighth Lexus ES sedan series, it will be Toyota’s first tilt at a full-sized three-row EV SUV.But, in contrast to its comely predecessor that is still being produced and imported successfully to Australia as the Kluger hybrid, we’re unlikely to see the slicker Highlander EV here.This is due to RHD unavailability, though Toyota also probably fears insufficient demand, which is fair given how poorly the exceptional Kia EV9 sells.Great news if you’re missing the old Subaru Outback since the latest version abandoned the crossover wagon template it pioneered 30 years ago.Except if you’re living in Australia, that is, because Renault importers Ateco may not import the conceptually similar Striker that has only just had its global unveiling.A high-riding hybrid wagon with 4x4 availability that would make Volvo XC70 Cross Country owners green with envy, it comes courtesy of Renault’s Romanian sub-brand, Dacia.This guarantees chunky styling, a smart yet utilitarian interior with acres of space, and a tough, go-anywhere attitude that is designed to last for years.That’s the Subaru Outback formula, and there’s probably a market hungry for a non-SUV crossover. But Ateco seems unsure at this stage.

A fleet of new police cars is going to be harder to spot.South Australia Police have revealed six new patrol cars that will be hiding in plain sight.Dubbed shadow patrol cars, the hard-to-see livery will be applied to a range of vehicles including a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Toyota Kluger and a previous-generation Subaru Outback.The vehicles feature colour matched and subdued police markings that are less visible in the daytime, but reflect at night when they catch the light.Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said the new subdued police cars were to boost road safety and stop tragedy before it occurs.“With 61 lives already lost on South Australian roads this year, we cannot afford complacency. Every fatality represents a person who did not make it home and families whose lives have been changed forever,” said Commissioner Stevens.South Australia Police said drink and drug driving, along with dangerous road users or behaviours contributed to 67 per cent of the road fatalities this year.He also said the hiding in plain sight nature of the cars will be a deterrence.“If people know police may be on the road in vehicles that are not immediately obvious from a distance, they may think twice before speeding, driving affected by alcohol or drugs, using their phone, or taking risks behind the wheel,” he said.The new vehicles will take part in routine road policing and targeted enforcement operations in metropolitan and rural areas, according to South Australia Police.Each vehicle will be equipped with standard Highway Patrol and road policing equipment, including speed detectors, alcohol and drug testing and safety equipment.South Australia Police said these vehicles will complement, not replace, the high visibility Highway Patrol vehicles currently used in the state.The new fleet of shadow patrol cars has already had an immediate impact. They nabbed a driver on Wednesday in Seaford, who was spotted driving erratically.He was reported for driving while under the influence and fail to comply with breath analysis.He was issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence, and his vehicle was impounded for 28 days.

Reports out of the US overnight point to a significant delay in the start of production for the all-new, pure-electric Toyota Highlander large SUV, marking another faltering step in the Japanese giant’s shift towards broader adoption of battery-electric models.According to American automotive marketplace Cars.com, a Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) spokesperson told it the company is making “additional adjustments to the vehicle prior to launch.” Toyota uses the name Highlander in the USA and selected export markets while the Kluger nameplate is well established in Japan and Australia, with local Klugers coming out of Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana plant.The top-spec all-wheel drive 2027 Highlander has two electric motors, producing 252kW/438Nm and there are two battery options - 77kWh for a 462km range and 96kWh for 515km between charges. Initially set to launch in North America before the end of the year, a “minimum eight week delay” to production ramp up means the new-generation battery electric vehicle (BEV) may not hit showrooms there until early 2027.With no confirmation of revised launch timing for the new Highlander, TMNA also advised the current 2026 model will stay in production through to the end of the year.It’s worth noting while the Kluger is hybrid-only in Australia, the current Highlander is offered in pure-combustion and hybrid form in the States and US Highlander sales are currently strong, especially for hybrid variants. In fact, Cars.com has theorised part of Toyota’s motivation for holding back the new model is to “enjoy some extra profits on the fast-selling, top-dollar Highlander hybrids to keep that cash machine ringing while RAV4 production continues to slowly ramp up.”There’s no doubt a production extension for the current car will be welcomed by Toyota Australia, its dealers and Kluger buyers. Local sales for the first half of this year were down 46.3 compared to the same period in 2025, but additional supply could add a much needed boost.The new-gen Highlander EV is currently off the agenda for Australian consumption, with a Toyota Australia spokesperson previously telling CarsGuide there are no current plans to add a Kluger version to the range Down Under.But we’ve heard that line before, so don’t write off the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90 competitor for Australia just yet.On side note, the hold up will surely upset launch plans for the Lexus TZ, the Highlander’s premium counterpart and the Subaru Getaway, based on the upcoming model’s platform and basic architecture, both initially planned for 2026 introduction.After single-mindedly sticking to its long-term hybrid-led new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy Toyota has gradually moved towards EVs, introducing the bZ4X and more recently the bZ4X Touring and Electric HiLux locally, with the C-HR+ EV locked in for 2027.The plug-in hybrid RAV4, just-released in Australia, is on the same TNGA-K platform as the 2027 Highlander, which also opens the door to a future EV version.

Fuel prices in Australia are soaring, meaning fuel efficiency in vehicles is a more important consideration than ever. Hybrid cars offer the potential for superior fuel efficiency compared to internal combustion power without the big price premium if fully electric or plug-in hybrid options. This makes them an increasingly attractive option for buyers given the current global climate. Hybrid sales are already booming in Australia, but will increases in fuel prices accelerate the shift away from pure internal combustion cars? NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said that while hybrid sales are increasing, an even swifter transition is less than clear. “If you’re driving a standard vehicle with a 55-litre tank, compared to what we were paying before the war began to now, it’s a $45 increase on one tank of petrol. That applies regardless of whether it’s hybrid or petrol,” Khoury said. “Historically speaking, looking at what happens after an oil shock, it certainly opens up their consideration. “No doubt that if this crisis continues and these prices hang around for weeks or months, Australians will look at those alternatives more seriously.” Below is a comparison between popular petrol and hybrid choices in each segment to see how they stack up in a changing fuel context. Fuel cost has been calculated using current data from the New South Wales’ government’s average fuel price for unleaded 95 petrol and diesel. Toyota’s Corolla hybrid hatch offers superior fuel efficiency and driving range compared to the Kia K4 petrol model. The Corolla is also cheaper to fill up with fuel thanks to its smaller tank and offers a substantially bigger driving range. The Kia Seltos is a petrol-only variant, but despite its bigger fuel tank, it has less driving range than the Toyota Corolla Cross, courtesy of the hybrid powertrain. The bigger fuel tank means the Seltos is also more expensive to fill up. The mid-size CX-5 has a non-turbo charged petrol engine, which sees it offer an impressive estimated driving range of more than 800km, but once again the Toyota competitor’s fuel efficiency wins out in the RAV4 hybrid. The Toyota Kluger continues the Japanese juggernaut’s fuel efficient theme, with a hybrid set-up offering a driving range of more than 1122km, which is significantly more than the MQ QS, despite both cars costing a similar amount to fill up at the bowser. Utes are some of the worst affected by the fuel price increase as many of them are powered using diesel engines, with diesel fuel rising more than petrol. It has now risen to well beyond the $2.60 mark per litre. The BYD Shark’s plug-in hybrid set-up uses petrol, which makes it an affordable option, given the price of diesel. It should be noted that the Shark 6’s fuel efficiency is significantly reduced when the battery is not charged. It’s a similar story for the GWM Cannon Alpha, which should be noted is no longer on sale, but remains one of limited plug-less hybrid utes in Australia. 

Nearly 35,000 examples of the current-generation Toyota Kluger are being recalled over an issue with the second seating row.According to the Federal Government’s vehicle recalls website, because of a design issue, the second-row seat recliner mechanism might not fully engage when adjusting the seat back. As a result, the seat back could move inadvertently.“In the event of an accident or hard braking, if the second-row seat recliner mechanism is not fully engaged and the seat back moves inadvertently, it could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants,” the recall notice says.All up, 34,370 examples of the 2021 to 2023 Kluger are being called in for a fix and it covers all model grades - GX, GXL and Grande in petrol front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and hybrid.Toyota will contact owners of impacted vehicles in writing and encourage them to make an appointment at their local dealer for a fix that will be free of charge.Despite its age, the Current Kluger is still a popular model for family buyers. Last year it was the third best selling monocoque-based large SUV in Australia, with 8098 sales. But it was beaten by the Subaru Outback (8384) and Kia Sorento (8745).

With the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV potentially replacing the existing Highlander/Toyota Kluger in America, the doors open up as to which big Toyota Australia receives from the USA, including the big Grand Highlander Hybrid.

The next-generation Toyota Highlander — known as Kluger here — three-row SUV has been revealed in the United States as an electric-only model.A spokesperson for Toyota Australia said there are no current plans to add the Highlander to the range Down Under. That does not definitively rule out the new-generation Highlander as an option for Australia in the future.The new model will ditch hybrid power, so its unsure if Australia's US-sourced Klugers will continue.An electric Kluger would offer Toyota a three-row SUV EV rival to the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90 in Australia. The top-spec all-wheel drive model has two electric motors, producing 252kW and 438Nm.There are two battery choices on the Highlander, which are a 77kWh with 462km of driving range and a 96kWh battery with a range of 515km. It is also available in a single motor, front-wheel drive layout.The 2027 Highlander is built on the TNGA-K platform, rather than Toyota's electric car platform that has spawned other models such as the bZ4X.The incoming RAV4 plug-in hybrid launching in Australia this year is also built on the TNGA-K platform, which opens the door to a future EV version.It has similar design elements to the new-generation RAV4 and Prado SUVs, with a boxy look and sharp creases in the bodywork, riding on 19-inch wheels. Overall, the car is bigger than its predecessor, but it sits slightly lower than the outgoing Highlander/Kluger. On the inside, it comes as standard with a 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display.The seats are covered in a synthetic leather, with the front seats heated as well as the steering wheel. The car is expected to officially launch in the US towards the end of 2026 and the start of 2027. 

Large SUVs are the big, spacious heroes of suburbia, favoured by families with more than a couple of kids and picked for their adventurous and sporty looks when probably a people mover would do.Of course, there are the large SUVs that aren’t just tough looking but incredibly capable off-road, too. Then there are those which are fully electric, and bring supercar acceleration to something that feels like the size of a small house.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUV model ranges from the sub-$100K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced February 6.Chinese carmaker Chery brought its flagship Tiggo 9 seven-seater SUV to Australia in late 2025 and in one grade only - the Ultimate.CarsGuide reviewers found the Tiggo 9 to be outstanding value for money, but also standing out is its ‘Super Hybrid’ system which offers a large battery, fast charging and a long combined range with excellent fuel efficiency.Add to this a superbly comfortable ride and you can see why the Tiggo 9 has made our shortlist.  Hyundai’s Santa Fe quickly became an Aussie family favourite after it was launched here 25 years ago. Loved for being spacious and affordable, this large SUV became safer, better to drive and more refined over the years until we come to today’s fifth-generation model, which is the best yet.The Santa Fe is a three-row large SUV available in both petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains. It has some fierce rivals in this large and affordable SUV segment, but CarsGuide reviewers loved the way it combines practicality and value for money with style and refinement that can withstand all the spills and rough treatment delivered by families.  So much kudos needs to go to Kia for launching its largest SUV ever - the EV9 - as an all-electric model only. A brave move that even made the EV9 unique in its segment as the first fully electric, seven-seat, upper-large SUV on the market.CarsGuide reviewers found the EV9 to be practical, superb to drive with outstanding levels of comfort and performance, and while it can be pricey there’s large fast charging batteries, with long ranges and vehicle-to-load power capability.Add to all this the futuristic chiselled looks and you have an SUV that’s bravely different, and beautifully fit for purpose.The Land Rover Defender is iconic. Famous for being the choice of transport for decades of hardcore adventurers to royalty and everyone in between, not many SUVs can combine prestige and off-road prowess like the Defender. The new Defender is a far more luxurious affair than the early Land Rover Series 1 from the 1940s that started the whole off-road SUV thing, but the blocky looks are still reminiscent of its agricultural ancestor.CarsGuide reviewers found the Defender to be comfortable and great to drive, with excellent practicality but fuel consumption can be high and towing capacity less than rivals.Available in a short- and long-wheelbase, with a choice of powerplants from supercharged V8s to hybrids the Defender is an exceptional go-anywhere luxury SUV.The Polestar 4 is a prestige electric coupe-style SUV that arrived in Australia in 2024, causing chins to wag due to its complete lack of rear window, and a digital review mirror.The rear window controversy was good publicity for the brand which arrived in Australia in 2022 with its Polestar 2 sedan but had seemingly gone off the boil with the arrival of a multitude of new Chinese electric SUVs.At 4.84m end to end, the Polestar 4 is about a finger’s length longer than the Tesla Model Y, but more expensive and would see its rivals as Audi’s Q6 e-tron Sportback and BMW iX3.  CarsGuide reviewers found the Polestar 4 to have an impressive driving range, excellent performance, great styling… but that lack of back window and the digital rear view mirror, not so great. The new-generation Skoda Kodiaq arrived in 2025, bigger and more refined than the previous version, even if the styling appeared to have barely changed. CarsGuide reviewers found this seven-seater to be practical with excellent cabin storage and packed with loads of standard features, making the Kodiaq excellent value.Superb to drive with great handling and a comfortable ride, the Kodiaq is the alternative to more mainstream rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Kluger.  Toyota’s seven-seat large SUV has also been on the shopping list of Aussie families since 2003 and while there’s more rivals to pick from than 20 years ago, the Kluger remains popular.CarsGuide reviewers found the Kluger to be spacious, practical, effortless to drive and with a fuel efficient hybrid powertrain, it is also outstanding value for money and comes with low servicing costs and Toyota’s reputation of reliability.Aussie Klugers are made in right-hand drive at Toyota’s Indiana plant in the United States.  Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series is a legend in its own time, acclaimed worldwide as one of the most capable large off-roaders, that’s comfortable, and with an exceptional reputation for reliability.With rivals such as the Nissan Patrol and Land Rover Defender, CarsGuide reviewers found the LandCruiser 300 Series to not only be great off-road, but also have good on-road manners, too. Reviewers noted, however, the high price tag and the need for better off-road tyres.The new-gen Toyota LandCruiser Prado arrived in late 2024 amid high expectations given the popularity of the previous modelsThe new Prado had a completely new retro cool look, but also a higher price tag. Still CarsGuide reviewers found the Prado very effective off-road and a big improvement over the previous gen with an increased towing capacity of 3500kg. But CarsGuide reviewers also found the Prado to be underpowered and not as good value for money as a Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X.   Volkswagen's Touareg is a large, luxurious SUV that’s closely related to Audi’s Q7 but without the higher price.While all Touareg’s are five-seaters only, CarsGuide reviewers found it to be practical, full of sophisticated tech and refined in design and quality.A plug-in hybrid in the sporty R grade is available but CarsGuide reviewers found energy consumption to be high and EV driving range to be low.

Toyota is reportedly gearing up to begin producing electric versions of the RAV4 and LandCruiser Prado in the US.