One year on from its debut, Toyota has revealed updates for the Kluger which bring larger screens and new tech to the SUV.
Revealed last year, Toyota has confirmed an updated version of its fourth-generation Kluger with new technology.
The Kluger in Australia is currently limited to an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch display inside the driver’s instrument cluster, however, that might change with Toyota bringing a much larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and fully digital instrument display to right-hand drive models.
Shown so far for the UK market where the Kluger is not as popular as here, the model now includes the latest version of the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system. The screen sizes up to 12.3-inches, matching the specification offered in left-hand-drive Kluger markets. Along with the larger size it includes expanded cloud-based navigation with real-time information on road events and an on-board voice command system.
The cloud system can also operate the central locking and the hazard lights. While there’s and perform over-the-air updates. Apple CarPlay features wireless connectivity, but Android Auto users will have to use a wired connection.
Instrumentation goes fully digital in the Kluger too, with the adoption of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customisable themes.
The Kluger is built on Toyota’s GA-K platform, which it shares with the Camry and the RAV4. However, it’s larger than both of those vehicles, measuring 4950mm long, 1930mm wide and 1730mm tall. It also has a 658 litre boot capacity, expanding to a claimed 1909 litres with the second and third seating rows stowed.
Like the RAV4 Hybrid, the Kluger Hybrid uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT transmission – although it features an electric motor on each axle rather than just a single motor at the rear. The Kluger also offers an EV mode, which allows the SUV to run on electric power alone for short periods of time and up to 30km/h, using electricity recovered from the car’s regenerative braking system.
Toyota has fitted the Kluger with a broad selection of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and a traffic sign recognition system. There’s also a pre-collision system with active steering assist, that can automatically recognise pedestrians and cyclists that stray into the vehicle’s path.
Toyota Australia is yet to confirm if the interior technology updates will be introduced locally.
Alastair Crooks
Keyword: Toyota Kluger 2023 update brings new tech