Toyota's next-generation family SUV takes shape: 2026 Toyota Kluger could bring plug-in hybrid power as the Japanese giant goes full steam ahead with petrol-electric power to battler the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe

Toyota’s family-friendly Kluger SUV is due a facelift.

The seven-seater is now approaching the half way point of its eight-year lifespan, which means big changes are on the way.

It is sure to wear a new face, bringing it into line with the company’s updated styling language as seen on the new Toyota Camry and coming next-gen RAV4.

We’ve commissioned digital artist, Thanos Pappas, to mock up what this new family-hauler could look like.

It brings slick narrow headlights and a light bar that runs across the bonnet. It gains a perforated front grille borrowed from the new RAV4 and a sleeker profile with a two-toned paintwork.

Recent reports state the updated Kluger is adding plug-in hybrid power in China, which points to a similar set-up in markets such as Australia.

It is likely to use a variation on the next-gen RAV4’s plug-in hybrid set-up, which is available in front- or all-wheel drive and use a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with either one or two electric motors and a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Toyota is aiming for more than 100km of driving range in the RAV4 plug-in hybrid, with the Kluger likely to have a similar target.

It should get a power bump compared to its smaller sibling, which is due to make 201kW in front-wheel drive guise and 227kW when matched to all-paw grip. 

The current Kluger is now hybrid only and conventional petrol-electric power is expected to form the bulk of the range going forward.

Potential buyers shouldn’t expect big changes here with it likely to maintain the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor set-up as the current version.

Power might be adjusted down from the current 184kW to help better meet CO2 emissions regulations here and abroad.

Inside there should be a bump in tech with a bigger multimedia screen and digital driver displays deeper into the range.

Toyota could continue the trend of adding sportier-looking GR Sport variants to its updated ranges with a chunkier styled Kluger grade, too.

This wouldn’t bring any performance upgrades, but is purely cosmetic.

The current Kluger is built in the US and there is no reason to think that would change, with the big seven-seater being a core model for the brand in America.