The driver’s seat is broad and flat in appearance but actually very accommodating and comfortable, no matter what your size. Being a GXL, there’s electrical adjustment including for height and lumbar support, which is a bonus. 

Their tombstone backrest profile also improve the feeling of space and airiness, especially for folks behind. Note, however, that the front passenger seat does not adjust for height – a long-time Toyota fail.

Moving on to the rear seat area, it is clear this is created for kids of all ages. Middle row first. Entry/egress continues to be stupendously easy, on firm yet flat seats that recline a long way to optimise comfort – almost to the point where you can lean in and nap. They also slide forward as far as your legs will allow. Big feet can fit beneath the front seats too – another thoughtful detail.

Thanks to the one-third centre-row split being on the correct kerb rather than dangerous road side, accessing the twin-seat third row only requires that one person and not two people get out first. It’s clearly been designed for right-hand markets like Australia and the UK – which is new to the Kluger universe (though as the Highlander).

Despite the Toyota’s big, boxy proportions, the third row is essentially a kids-only area, really, though adults should be able to handle smaller-distance journeys without too much discomfort. A very low cushion means awkward knees-up seating for longer-legged passengers, but at least there is room underneath the middle row for feet, as well as a reclining backrest to ease a bit of pressure – as long as the middle-seat occupants are willing to slide their seats forward a little.

Exiting is made easy thanks to shoulder-height latches that automatically fold and slide the middle seat portions to allow egress, though their heft might have you wishing for the simple and easy press-and-push button that Hyundai and Kia use for their three-row chariots.

All Klugers include Toyota's full suite of driver-assist safety systems, as well as seven airbags. 

There are also LED auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, push-button start, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, digital radio, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, remote central locking, power windows and 18-inch alloy wheels. And the reverse camera features a cleaning system activated via the rear screen washer switch. Clever. 

Stepping up to the GXL ushers in synthetic leather upholstery instead of the standard cloth coverings, a power-operated tailgate, satellite navigation, powered/heated front seats, three-zone climate control and roof rails.

Vast inside and out, the Kluger is shaped to fit the needs of most families and folk needing seven seats.

Is there an easier vehicle to get in and out of? Wide doors, massive seats and the room to move see to that. Sliding in and getting comfy in reassuringly familiar surroundings has long been this big Toyota’s way.

The chunky dash is still multi-layered in presentation, with a big new floating-style touchscreen and shelf area complete with access to charging ports carrying over. The centre console is wide, housing a massive bin.  Ventilation is easily accessed and controlled.

The instruments are essentially analogue based, but with a similar digitised middle section for additional vehicle functionality, multimedia and GPS data. And the same old cheap plastics abound everywhere where there isn’t stitched leather-esque material.

Moving on to the rear seat area, it is clear this is created for kids of all ages. Amenities are generous, and include ceiling-mounted face-level directional air vents, overhead grab handles and twin reading lights, mid- and rear-seat climate control with fan, temperature and directional choices (though the driver has overriding control), rear-seat map pockets, twin USB-A ports, door pockets (good only for smaller bottles) and a wide centre armrest with cupholders that are too large for smaller coffee cups.

Thanks to the one-third centre-row split being on the correct kerb rather than dangerous road side, accessing the twin-seat third row only requires that one person and not two people get out first. 

Despite the Toyota’s big, boxy proportions, the third row is essentially a kids-only area, really, though adults should be able to handle smaller-distance journeys without too much discomfort. Width isn’t a problem, but headroom for people over 175cm is limited. Kneeroom is dependent on the generosity or otherwise of the middle-row travellers. Note that, vinyl aside, row number three is a sometimes noisy and dark place to be, though the windows are deeper than some, due to that cheap plastic finish that’s even more obvious back here.

More overhead directional air vents are present (unlike in the Mazda CX-9), four large-circumference cupholders (which also act as storage for phones but not tablets) and a single centrally located light.

Exiting is made easy thanks to shoulder-height latches that automatically fold and slide the middle seat portions to allow egress.

The 0-100km/h claim is 8.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 180km/h.