Making the right choice when your family needs a big helper in the driveway

Making the right choice when your family needs a big helper in the driveway

There’s no denying it.

Raising a family in Australia right now is a big task. On any average day you’ve got to contend with school, sports, friends, musical instruments, pets – and that’s all before you’ve even had breakfast!

Managing this all once you leave home, means you need the right SUV.

Something that is big on space, power and technology but perhaps more importantly, doesn’t put a big strain on the hip pocket.

In today’s Australia, this is the domain of the big SUV. Safety, space and cup-holders are the primary currency of these hard-working, three-row family members, which currently make up 25 percent of all SUV sales.

But, despite the size, you don’t need to spend a fortune to cart the family around. Both these cars, the Toyota Kluger GX and Holden Acadia LT tick all the big boxes, and can score an invite to Sunday lunch for under $45k.

Spacious stalwart

When it comes to being the king of the school run, the Toyota Kluger has reigned supreme since the current generation launched in 2014.

The GX 2WD is the entry-level model, and is priced from $44,850 (before on road costs), with metallic paint (9 choices available) the only option at $600.

It’s a good-looking machine on the outside and well featured and spacious on the inside.

The interior layout can be configured in a number of different ways to suit passengers or luggage, with a boot that expands from around 200-litres with all seats in place, to almost 1900-litres when everything is all folded away.

The seats fold 40:60 (curb side – in the second and third row), and the middle row can slide as well as fold flat for extra storage.

android, holden acadia v toyota kluger: head2head

Under the bonnet is a 3.5-litre V6 that offers plenty of response (218kW @ 6600rpm, 350Nm @ 4700rpm) It can get thirsty though, with Toyota conservatively claiming over 12 litres/100km around town (12.4L/100km urban, 9.1L/100km combined) – real world usage tends to be even higher.

The ride is comfortable both around town and touring, plus all rows are given the convenience of cup holders, and the middle row a trio of child seat anchor points, but none in the third row. There are rear air-conditioning controls on the back of the centre console too.

The Kluger also scores a host of driver assistance and safety technology features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision braking, seven airbags and a five star ANCAP rating.

There’s a 6-inch touch screen up front for Bluetooth phone and audio, but no navigation or digital radio. It’s disappointing and serves as a bit of a reminder that this generation Kluger is now over 5 years old. It might just be time for it to go to school…

android, holden acadia v toyota kluger: head2head

A fresh approach

The Holden Acadia brings a fresh face and some bold, distinctive styling to the 7 seat family SUV game.

Again, our car is the entry level Acadia LT 2WD, and prices start at $43,490, about $1400 less than the Toyota. Metallic paint is again the only option at $550, with 8 choices available.

It’s quite a bit longer (4979mm vs 4890mm) and taller (1762mm vs 1730mm) than the Toyota, and crucially has a slightly longer wheelbase (2857mm vs 2790mm) delivering even more room inside. Plus, the Acadia was awarded five-stars making it the safest SUV tested by ANCAP in 2018, even scoring more points than the BMW X5.

android, holden acadia v toyota kluger: head2head

The boot with all seven seats up is 50% larger than the Kluger – at almost 300L – with the total interior volume of the Acadia a whopping 2100 litres. The seats fold 60:40 (curbside) in the second row) and 50:50 in the third.

Configuring the Acadia’s interior is very easy too. The middle row has a neat one-touch system to fold and slide for access to the 3rd row, even with a car seat fitted. Plus there are fast charge USB points in every row to keep devices charged, cup holders throughout and even child seat anchor points in the second and third rows! You even get tri-zone climate control and air vents in the 3rd row so everyone can cruise in comfort.

Under the bonnet, power also comes from a V6 – 3.6-litres here with more power and torque than the Toyota (231kW @ 6600rpm / 367Nm @ 5000rpm). The Acadia is strong off the mark but also delivers better fuel consumption (8.9L/100km combined), helped by the fact the engine can deactivate 2 of the 6 cylinders when it is cruising. It also has a super smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.

android, holden acadia v toyota kluger: head2head

Feature packed

On the road, the Acadia delivers a high level of comfort for all occupants. Plus, you know where that road is heading, as even this entry level model features satellite navigation and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, delivered through the superior 8-inch infotainment system. Holden’s latest MyLink interface is great to use, with smartphone-like operation, excellent graphics and quick processing times.

The tech doesn’t stop there either, as there is a cool speed-sign recognition system that lets you know the current limit, a forward collision warning, blind spot, rear traffic and lane departure alert systems. You even get a noise cancellation system, like in upmarket headphones, that makes the cabin as quiet and pleasant as possible… that is, until the kids show up!

android, holden acadia v toyota kluger: head2head

Win with value

If your family needs a big helper in the driveway, the Toyota Kluger and Holden Acadia both bring the right amount of ‘big’ to the party.

The Kluger continues to be a solid and sensible contender, but in this company, is let down by the lack of some equipment and the prospect of more regular trips to the petrol station.

With its lower price of entry, a current seven-year complimentary service package, and stack of extra equipment, The Holden Acadia has a big-value edge over the Toyota.

Combine that with the clever interior and bold styling, and the big Holden is my pick to tackle the big job of family life.

You just need to remember whether to need to head to swimming lessons or soccer practice first…

Holden Acadia LT 2WD – $43,490
Toyota Kluger GX 2WD – $44,850

android, holden acadia v toyota kluger: head2head

Keyword: Holden Acadia v Toyota Kluger: Head2Head

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