New Toyota Kluger 2021 to get electric power: Hybrid 2.5-litre engine to join petrol V6 in Australia

The long-awaited next-gen Toyota Kluger will touch down in Australia in the first half of next year, with the brand offering both petrol and hybrid power in a bid to rattle the Isuzu MU-X and Mazda CX-9.

The new Kluger was unveiled in the USA in April 2019, but the wait for it to arrive Down Under is almost over, with Toyota confirming the model, and its full suite of engines, will be here next year, with the success of the hybrid RAV4 surely an influencing factor. 

The new Kluger, which rides on Toyota's New Generation Architecture (TNGA), is built in the USA, and will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive. 

The petrol V6 is expected to produce 218kW and 356Nm, which will be funelled through an eight-speed automatic and sent to the front or all four wheels. 

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But the big news here is the hybrid - the first time the Kluger has been offered with an electrified powertrain locally - which pairs a 2.5-litre engine with electric motors and battery for a combined output of 179kW and 237Nm. The hybrid vehicles are AWD only, courtesy of an electric motor at each axle, and pair with an e-CVT automatic.

Toyota is also promising "nimble handling and comfortable driving", courtesy of the weight and rigidity of the TNGA platform, as well as the full Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite. 

"The all-new hybrid Kluger is the result of combining Toyota's hybrid leadership with extensive experience in SUVs, along with an unrivalled reputation for quality, durability and reliability," says Toyota Australia's sales and marketing chief, Sean Hanley.

Toyota is yet to confirm full pricing and specification, so watch this space, but you can expect the prerequisite seven seats, of course, as well as an Apple CarPlay-equipped central touchscreen.