Toyota Kluger GX Hybrid 2022 Review

Kluger GX Hybrid – Over the years the Toyota Kluger has proved extremely popular as a family car. The latest model is without doubt the best yet with a choice of a petrol or petrol hybrid engine.

Hybrids work well for SUVs as they combine the benefits of excellent fuel economy with no range anxiety.

The hybrid system is available in all three GX, GXL and Grande grades in combination with the e-Four electric all-wheel drive (AWD) system. We have previously driven the Grande and this week we drove the entry GX model.

Its comfortable and spacious inside, especially for the front two rows, has cavernous storage areas, and particularly good leg room for middle row passengers.

TO LISTEN TO THE KLUGER GX HYBRID RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

The GX comes with fabric seats, LED headlights, three zone climate A/C, 8 inch central infotainment screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

The hybrid system delivers a combined maximum power of 184kW through a smooth electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that offers driver selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT modes.

Hybrid AWD models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for more demanding off-road performance.

Economy is claimed to be 5.6l/100k and we weren’t too far off that on test.

Priced from $54,150 plus the usual costs it’s a well-equipped, comfortable and spacious SUV for the family

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Also Look At

• Kia Sorento PHEV
• Haval H6 Hybrid
• Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
• Peugeot 3008 PHEV

Some Other Toyota Kluger Articles

• 1- Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid AWD SUV 2022 Motoring Minute Review
• 2 – Toyota Kluger is all new and includes a Hybrid
• 3 – Toyota Kluger GX Hybrid AWD 2021 Review
• 4 – Toyota Kluger all new 2021 4th generation
• 5 – Toyota’s all-new Kluger large SUV has arrived in Australia
• 6 – Toyota’s all-new Hybrid Kluger large SUV has arrived in Australia
• 7 – Toyota Kluger GX Radio Review
• 8 – Hybrid Power Features In Next-Generation Toyota Kluger
• 9 – 2018 Toyota Kluger GX AWD SUV Review
• 10 – Toyota Kluger AWD SUV Video Review
• 11 – Toyota Kluger Grande 3.5L V6 Review

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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Some more Kluger hybrid GX notes

We have reviewed the Kluger a number of times and continue to be impressed with just how much internal space they seem to have.

Even as a base model the seats were comfortable, everything is well laid out and visibility relatively good. Middle row seats are spacious, and third row acceptable.

Internal storage is a feature, the dash has little convenient trays and the central console bin is huge.

Lights and windscreen washers are good as well

Toyota need a technology upgrade though, their infotainment systems seem a little old now, even though they have been updated.

The latest model is not bad looking. Alloy wheels and 18 inch tyres on a base model are good value

Kluger is a natural candidate for the hybrid engine. It allows SUV space and practicality with the excellent hybrid economy.

Think of the AWD capability as more a safety feature rather than allowing anything more adventurous than the gravel driveway on a weekend away or trips to the snow.

The new platform and multi-link suspension provide a smooth and comfortable ride, with reasonable handling. It does a fair job of soaking up the suburban goat tracks we call roads in Sydney.

Being the base model there are obviously things missing like electric seats and leather, that’s why upper spec models sell more as people want those things.

Overall though the Kluger doesn’t do a lot wrong and it does a lot right, that’s why they sell so many of them? Toyota has a premium price though and other cars like a Kia Sorento offer more value in lower spec models.

Kluger Hybrid Engine more details

The hybrid system is available in all three GX, GXL and Grande grades in combination with the e-Four electric all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motor generators – two at the front and one in the rear – and a large Ni-MH hybrid battery to provide seamless performance and traction in all road conditions.

Under the bonnet, the petrol engine generates a maximum power of 142kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 242Nm at 4400rpm.

With a long stroke and high 14:1 compression ratio, the Atkinson cycle petrol engine is designed for high thermal and fuel efficiency.

The latest D-4S fuel injection system that combines both direct and port injection, and electric variable valve timing (VVT-iE) on the intake and variable valve timing (VVT-i) on the exhaust ports, further enhance efficiency enabling a combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 5.6l/100km¹.

Transmission

The hybrid system delivers a combined maximum power of 184kW through a smooth electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that offers driver selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT modes.

In SPORT mode, the Kluger’s AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system automatically adjusts throttle control, transmission shift schedule, drive force distribution and electric steering assistance to provide a more dynamic drive experience while ECO mode modifies throttle control and the transmission shift schedule for improved fuel efficiency.

The e-Four AWD system uses a 40kW/121Nm electric motor generator mounted in a rear transaxle to provide additional drive force to the rear wheels in slippery or off-road conditions.

Controlled by the AIM system, drive force can be varied between the front and rear axles depending on conditions and driver behaviour with a torque split front to rear of between 100:0 and 20:80 with an instantaneous readout able to be displayed on the MID in the instrument cluster.

Hybrid AWD models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for more demanding off-road performance that is able to adjust throttle control, shift schedule, drive force distribution and brake control to deliver optimal traction for the conditions.