The Australian automotive landscape has witnessed significant shifts in recent years, with hybrid technology becoming increasingly mainstream. Leading this charge is the 2025 Toyota Kluger, a seven-seat SUV that has undergone notable changes in both pricing and positioning. What was once offered with multiple engine options has transformed into a hybrid-only proposition, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to electrification across its model range.
Current Pricing Structure: The Reality Check
Effective from June 1, 2025, prices have been increased by up to $1490 across the lineup, marking yet another adjustment for this popular family hauler. The current pricing structure positions the Kluger as follows:
GX Hybrid AWD: $62,410 before on-road costs, an increase of $1490 from the previous $60,290. This entry-level variant serves as the foundation of the range, offering essential features without compromising on Toyota‘s hybrid technology.
GXL Hybrid AWD: Now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, this mid-specification model bridges the gap between basic functionality and premium comfort.
Grande Hybrid AWD: The flagship variant commands $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220, positioning it as one of the most expensive mainstream seven-seat SUVs in the Australian market.
These price adjustments reflect what Toyota Australia describes as “increased costs and inflationary pressures both here and overseas”. The reality is stark when considering that the price increase works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago.
The Hybrid-Only Revolution
Perhaps the most significant change for 2025 is Toyota’s decision to eliminate traditional petrol engines from the Kluger lineup entirely. The Kluger remains hybrid-only, following Toyota Australia’s decision in 2024 to drop the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This strategic shift aligns with Toyota’s broader electrification goals and reflects changing consumer preferences toward more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The hybrid system centers around a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 142kW and 242Nm independently. When combined with the electric motor systems, its total system output is 184kW, and drive is sent to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This configuration delivers impressive fuel economy figures of 5.6L/100km, making it genuinely competitive in an era of rising fuel costs.
The elimination of front-wheel-drive variants means that every 2025 Kluger comes standard with all-wheel drive capability. This decision, while increasing the base price significantly, enhances the vehicle’s all-weather capability and towing capacity, addressing one of the key requirements for Australian families venturing beyond urban environments.
Dimensions and Practicality
The Kluger’s physical presence remains commanding yet refined. The length 4966mm, the height 1755mm and the width 1930mm create a substantial footprint that translates into genuine interior space. These dimensions position the Kluger favorably against competitors like the Mazda CX-80, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento.
Interior versatility represents one of the Kluger’s strongest selling points. The Toyota Kluger 2025 is a 7 seat SUV with a practical 3+2+2 seating configuration. The second-row bench can accommodate three passengers, while the third row provides space for two additional occupants. Both the second and third row seats are foldable and can split 60:40. The second row can also slide up to 180mm to adjust your space as you need it.
Storage capacity varies significantly depending on seating configuration. The boot capacity ranging from 241 to 1150 litres means families can adapt the space to suit their changing needs. With all seven seats in use, the 241-liter boot provides adequate space for essential items, while folding the third row expands capacity substantially. Maximum cargo space reaches 1150 liters with both rear rows folded, creating a genuinely useful load area for larger items.
Technology and Equipment Updates
The 2025 model year brings welcome technology improvements across the range. The base Kluger GX and mid-spec GXL have gained the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster previously exclusive to the top-spec Grande, while tyre pressure monitoring is now standard across the range. This democratization of premium features helps justify the recent price increases.
The infotainment system centers around a substantial touchscreen display that varies by variant. Higher specification models feature Toyota’s latest connected interface, shared with the Lexus range, providing intuitive operation and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes standard, ensuring seamless integration with modern digital lifestyles.
Toyota Connected Services provide added convenience and security. 1 year complimentary Toyota Connected Services, including Safety and Security features, Remote Connect, Multimedia Connect and Driving Insights enhance the ownership experience through the myToyota Connect app.
Safety Credentials and Driver Assistance
The Toyota Kluger 2025 has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, providing reassurance for family-focused buyers. This rating stems from comprehensive testing conducted in 2021, covering adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist technologies.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite comes standard across all variants. Pre-Collision Safety System, including Pedestrian (night and day) and Cyclist Detection (day only), Intersection Turn Assistance, Emergency Steer Assist, Road Sign Assist (speed signs only), Active Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist and Lane Departure Alert work together to support safer driving in various conditions.
Additional safety equipment includes seven SRS airbags, providing protection for all seating positions. A driver’s airbag, driver’s knee airbag, front passenger airbag, two side impact airbags and two curtain shield airbags which run all the way to the third row seats help protect the driver and passengers from impact.
Ownership Experience and Running Costs
Toyota’s reputation for reliability extends to comprehensive warranty coverage. The Toyota Kluger range is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty. For customers who maintain their vehicles within the Toyota dealer network, additional benefits apply. If you stick to your annual service schedule, Toyota will extend the engine and driveline warranty from five to seven years; likewise, the traction battery coverage will increase to up to 10 years.
Service requirements follow Toyota’s standard schedule. The suggested service schedule from Toyota for the Kluger 2025 is every 12 months or 15,000km. Toyota offers five years of capped-price servicing, with each visit costing $280, providing cost certainty for the initial ownership period.
The hybrid drivetrain’s inherent efficiency translates into genuine fuel savings for families covering significant annual distances. Real-world fuel consumption typically aligns closely with the official 5.6L/100km figure, particularly in urban driving where the hybrid system operates most effectively.
Design Philosophy and Visual Appeal
The Kluger’s exterior design philosophy emphasizes presence without aggression. The front fascia features Toyota’s contemporary design language, with a prominent grille flanked by sleek headlight units. 18” alloy wheels standard on GX and GXL, and 20” Chromtec wheels on Grande provide appropriate visual impact while maintaining ride comfort.
Interior design focuses on practical luxury rather than ostentatious display. Great interior design balances each feature off the next, creating harmony, flow and practical luxury without clutter. Material quality varies by specification level, with higher variants featuring premium synthetic leather surfaces and enhanced trim elements.
The Grande variant receives particular attention to acoustic comfort. Thanks to design improvements and acoustic glass, riding in Kluger is quiet and serene. The Grande variant comes standard with an 11-speaker JBL system, reproducing your music, podcasts and audiobooks with gorgeous clarity.
Market Position and Competition
The 2025 Kluger faces intensified competition from refreshed rivals. The recently updated Hyundai Santa Fe, new Kia Sorento, and incoming Mazda CX-80 all offer compelling alternatives with competitive pricing and feature sets. However, Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability and strong resale values continues to attract buyers seeking peace of mind over cutting-edge technology.
The hybrid-only positioning differentiates the Kluger from many competitors still offering traditional petrol engines. This strategy appeals to environmentally conscious buyers while providing genuine fuel economy benefits for families covering substantial annual distances.
Evolution Rather Than Revolution
The 2025 Toyota Kluger represents evolutionary progress rather than revolutionary change. The transition to hybrid-only power, while increasing entry prices significantly, delivers genuine efficiency benefits and positions the model favorably for future emission regulations. Technology improvements across the range help justify recent price increases, even as the fundamental vehicle remains largely unchanged from its 2021 introduction.
For Australian families prioritizing reliability, fuel efficiency, and proven seven-seat practicality, the Kluger continues offering compelling value despite its premium pricing. The elimination of petrol variants simplifies decision-making while ensuring every customer benefits from hybrid technology’s advantages.
Whether the substantial price increases prove sustainable in an increasingly competitive market remains to be seen. However, Toyota’s confidence in positioning the Kluger as a premium family SUV reflects their understanding of customer priorities and market trends. The 2025 model year changes suggest Toyota believes buyers will accept higher prices for proven reliability, comprehensive warranty coverage, and genuine hybrid efficiency benefits.