Toyota Kluger vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Toyota Kluger

$49,888 - $87,777

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2025 Toyota Kluger

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Still looks good inside and out
Decent features round out comfort
Practical and easy to drive

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Dislikes

Lacking some newer charging options
No child anchor points in third row
Adaptive cruise control not well-tuned

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

2025 Toyota Kluger Summary

Straight off the bat, let's just acknowledge that there's nothing new about the Toyota Kluger large SUV for 2025 – but that might not be a bad thing.

In a world where there seems to be some new fangdangled piece of car tech out there that works on paper but not in reality - like keyfobs that don't unlock the car properly, or multimedia systems that are just too darn smart for their own good.

There is something quite charming about the familiar specs and on-road comfort of the mid-spec Toyota Kluger GXL seven-seater we're family testing this week. In true Toyota style, it has a healthy mix of the tradition thrown in with workable technology.

It's newer seven-seat SUV rivals might try to tell you that the old Kluger is starting to fall behind, but is it? Or will simplicity win out for tired parents who just want an SUV to do what it says it will?

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2026 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Kluger 2026 Polestar 2

Verdict

The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid has been the ultimate SUV this week, as it fits my gear and family in comfort, the on-road handling is excellent and the fuel usage makes owning this long term actually feasible.

This is a great example of a mid-spec seven-seater that is both functional and comfortable. There’s lots to satisfy here and even though it hasn’t been updated, it may be a case of ‘if it aint broke, don’t fix it’.

Verdict

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Toyota Kluger vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Kluger vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?