Better than a LandCruiser? Bigger, three-row Toyota Kluger to debut in February as family SUV sizes up

Toyota is preparing to whip the covers off a bigger version of its popular Kluger - called the Highlander in the USA - with the sized-up family SUV to debut in February.

Toyota has earmarked the Chicago Auto Show, which takes place in mid-February, as the scene for its latest debut, with what will be called the Grand Highlander expected to be LandCruiser-sized and offer more space for the third-row passengers.

Whether or not the vehicle will make it to Australia remains to be seen – initially it will be produced in left-hand drive from Toyota's Princeton, Indiana manufacturing facility – but given the popularity of both three-row SUVs and the Kluger, you would hope Toyota has global ambitions, too.

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According to Toyota, the Grand Highlander has been designed for those who want more space in their three-row SUV, with the model transforming the rear seats from occasional solutions to a full-time option.

"That long trip three-row segment continues to grow. Our Highlander does such a good job now, and the hybrid does an even better job, but there's that compromise of that third-row seating," says Toyota USA sales chief, Jack Hollis, told Automotive News.

"The Grand Highlander answers that specifically."

Exactly what will be powering the new model remains a mystery for now.

In Australia, you can choose between a 2.5-litre hybrid engine or a 3.5-litre petrol V6, but reports suggest the bigger engine option is about to be scrapped in the USA, and swapped for a 2.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo petrol unit also found in the related Lexus NX 350 that was recently launched in Australia.

In Lexus guise, it delivers 205kW of power at 6000rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1700-3600rpm, and drives all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

More than enough to get a bigger family moving, then. But will it come to Australia? You'll have to watch this space.