Toyota Kluger VS Land Rover Defender
Toyota Kluger
Likes
- Hybrid efficiency
- Low ownerships costs
- Great space and storage
Dislikes
- Grande grade is expensive
- Exterior design uninspiring
- Third row airbags don't fully cover occupants
Land Rover Defender
Likes
- Great to drive on-road
- Retains off-road capability
- Doesn't sacrifice Defender spirit
Dislikes
- Steep price-tag
- Like it or loathe it colour
- Auto shifter is a bit fiddly
Summary
Toyota Kluger
So, a big SUV like the Toyota Kluger Grande is on your shopping list, but how well will a hybrid version work for you?
Chances are you're a parent - the Kluger is a family favourite after all. And if you’re a parent take comfort in knowing this review of the Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid is being written by a fellow parent.
A parent who has been up since 5:00am with a toddler who threw breakfast on the floor, somebody who’s already done the school run with the eight-year old and is on their third cup of coffee. And it’s only 9:00am.
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What does this have to do with cars? Everything - well, it does for family cars, anyway.
The family car is a vital tool and if it doesn’t work properly, not just mechanically but in a practical and financial way, it’s not going to be much help. A good family car needs to be easy to use as well.
Because you’re also a sleep-deprived parent I’m not going to make you trawl through this entire review to find out if the Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid is any good.
So, let me tell you now, it’s excellent and outstanding among its rivals like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento or Nissan Pathfinder. It’s exceptional for its roominess, cabin storage and low ownership costs.
Does being a hybrid matter or change things? Absolutely. It'll save you money on fuel and make driving smoother. So, in my books you'd be bananas not get the hybrid version.
So, there you have it - buy it. Seriously. There’s a reason why it's so popular among families.
You only have to look at the car park at the pool I take my son to for his swimming lessons.
Last weekend I ended up in a Kluger traffic jam in there. See, I took a photo because I thought it was funny. My son did not. What would be the collective noun for a group Klugers?
Anyway, the reason why you should continue reading is because I think you don’t need to get the top-grade Grande as it’s too pricey. Read on to save some money and find out more…
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.6L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Land Rover Defender
The latest-generation Land Rover Defender has won ample praise (even from die-hard fans of the old Defender), it’s garnered a stack of awards around the world, and it’s also managed to sell pretty bloody well, don’t worry about that.
To commemorate a huge Land Rover milestone – 75 years since the original Landie, the Series I, was released – JLR has made available 75 of its 75th anniversary Defenders in Australia – 25 Defender 90s and 50 Defender 110s.
Our test vehicle is a 110, but is this limited-edition Landie actually worth it’s more than $150 grand price-tag?
Read on.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Toyota Kluger8.1/10
The Kluger Grande Hybrid is outstanding among its peers for fuel efficiency, practicality and ownership costs. It's just that this grade is overly expensive. Really the GXL is the sweet spot in the range for value but you do miss out on some good features such as the sun blinds and leather seats.
That said, hybrid is the way to go with a large SUV, delivering fuel savings and a more peaceful driving experience.
Comfortable, easy, practical and peaceful, that's all parents really want.
Land Rover Defender8/10
The Land Rover Defender in its current form is a revelation in terms of, well, everything. The 110 is refined, sure-footed and comfortable on-road and it’s more capable off-road than ever before – and assuredly so.
It’s wholeheartedly embraced positive change – in terms of creature comforts, driveability and safety – and has lost none of the traditional Defender spirit.
The new Defender has managed to satisfy (placate?) die-hard fans and it’s attracted a whole bunch of new ones at the same time.
The 75th anniversary treatment doesn’t add anything of substance to the Defender package, but it doesn’t need to – that’s not the point – and to Landie lovers it’s all cream on top.
Design
Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger is the New Balance sneaker of cars. Yep, Toyota has nailed Mum-and-Dad fashion with the look of the Kluger, without any hint of irony.
This generation came out in 2021 and you can guarantee Toyota won’t bring out a new-gen version until about 2028, possibly 2030.
And even then that one will also look like a loaf of bread, just with a different face. Like this one, and the last one and the one before that.
That reminds me, we need bread.
The Kluger looks tough, but not elegant. It looks modern, but not avante-garde. It looks functional and tells the world, 'if it wasn’t for the kids I wouldn’t be driving this'.
Get past the Kluger Grande’s uninspiring exterior and you’ll find a surprisingly upmarket cabin that's full of air and light, well appointed with premium seats as well as a modern and stylish dashboard.
The Grande grade adds some nice trimmings I didn't mention in the features section such as the wood-look elements, ambient lighting, and the soft-touch instrument panel.
The exterior also gains chrome elements in the grille, roof rails and larger 20-inch chrome-look wheels.
There are some elements which bring the tone down in the cabin. The JBL speakers in the windscreen pillars look like big plastic novelty ears and the wood-look trim doesn’t look or feel like wood (why didn’t they use real wood?), but it’s not worth getting uppity about.
Land Rover Defender
The new Defender manages to balance the distinctive shape and spirit of the old-school Defender with the new-generation’s style and presence – and the striking Grasmere Green exterior of this 75th anniversary variant and its interior touches all complement that blend.
This is unmistakably a Defender but one that’s been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, whacked in the face and torso by modern styling cues, while still retaining the heart of adventure these Landies have always been renowned for.
Just one thing about this special-edition Defender, though. The Grasmere Green is certainly an eye-catching colour, but that’s a ‘for better or worse’ scenario.
Mostly worse – for me anyway – because I noticed that during my time in this Landie I received quite a lot of annoyed eye-rolls from other drivers and passengers in traffic and I reckon the polarising colour was the culprit – or maybe they were just eye-rolling at me?
No matter, because if you can afford one of these I don’t think you’ll be at all concerned about what other people think of you…
Practicality
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger is vastly more practical than many of its rivals despite them also being large and seven seaters.
That’s because the Kluger’s use of space inside is excellent for storage, luggage and people. There’s thoughtful practicality everywhere.
Take the Kluger’s dashboard, which doesn’t eat into the cabin too much and has built-in shelves running the width from front passenger to driver.
And the centre console box with its roller door opening that reveals a wireless phone charger and below that deck is a huge hidden space.
There are cupholders in all three rows and generously sized door pockets.
Legroom in the second row is excellent and I can sit behind my driving position even though I'm 189cm tall.
I could sit in the third row, but my head touched the roof and my knees were getting friendly with the back of the seat in front. As with most third rows in SUVs they’re best suited for kids.
Along with the wireless phone charger there are seven USB ports (five up front and two in the second row).
Three-zone climate control means the second row can set their temperature (this comes on the GXL grade, too), and the Grande adds sun blinds and privacy glass to the rear windows.
The rear doors also open tall and wide making entry and exit easy.
The tailgate opens high so there's less chance of bumping your head and it’s the gesture type which means you use a kick motion to open if your hands are full.
Boot space is excellent. The cargo capacity with the third row folded flat is 552 litres and with the third row up its 421 litres.
Land Rover Defender
Beyond the subtle colour treatment, the interior remains as it is in the HSE variant on which this special edition is based.
In other words, the cabin has a premium look and feel about it, without sacrificing anything in terms of how practical everything is.
It’s a pleasant mix of durable life-friendly materials – carpet mats and soft-touch surfaces – and stylish touches, such as a metal Defender-stamped section in front of the front passenger.
The leather steering wheel and shifter are standard, but a premium non-leather wheel is a no-cost option.
Just one example of where JLR gets attention to detail in the Defender so right is the small hard-rubber textured patches on the back of the steering wheel, where your fingertips naturally rest when you’re driving.
It’s those kinds of seemingly minor additions – as well as grippy cargo-area floor surfaces and the like – that add worthwhile tactile elements to the overall Defender package.
Overall, cabin layout is user-friendly with all controls easy to locate and operate.
Storage spaces include a deep centre console, glove box, twin cupholders in between driver and passenger, sunglass storage, door pockets, and shallow spaces peppered around for your pocket gear.
Charge points include USBs up front, and a wireless charging tray.
The driver and front passenger get plenty of room and amenities and those behind them also fare well with adequate room for everyone.
All seats are very comfortable (can this really be a Defender?) and the front seats are 14-way power-adjustable with heating, cooling and memory.
The second row – a 40/20/40 folding configuration – is heated and has a centre armrest. Second-row passengers have access to air-vent controls and USB charge points in the rear of the centre console.
The rear cargo area seems a bit small in this five-seater, although it offers a listed 1075 litres. With the second row folded down, there is a claimed 2380 litres of space. It has cargo-restraint points.
That area has a sliding cover which conceals your valuables from the prying eyes of nefarious types.
Obviously, there is a lot more to admire here for those who love the interiors of prestige cars, but rather than spending my precious time fondling leather accents or going ‘ohhhh-ahhhh’ over a sunroof or the warming qualities of a heated seat, I like to actually drive.
And drive I did.
Price and features
Toyota Kluger
If you’re reading this you’ve decided to find out more or possibly just want to know why I called out the price of the Kluger Grande Hybrid in the introduction.
Here’s why. The Kluger Grande Hybrid lists for $80,230. That’s before on-road costs like rego, stamp duty, compulsory third party insurance and dealer delivery charges.
That’s a lot of money and it’s because this Grande grade sits at the top of the range.
The entry-level Kluger GX Hybrid lists for $58,290. That’s $22K less than the Grande. You could buy an entire car for $22,000 - a Hyundai Venue, a Kia Stonic or a Suzuki Swift.
So, why does the Grande cost so much? I don’t know. The features don’t seem to justify the higher price.
All Klugers come standard with alloy wheels, LED headlights, proximity unlocking and push-button start, three-zone climate control, rear privacy glass plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And all have seven seats.
The GXL adds built-in sat nav and a big 12.3-inch media display, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and an auto tailgate.
The Grande then adds leather seats (heated and ventilated up front), a wireless phone charger, head-up display, panoramic glass roof, kick-function tailgate, sunshades for the rear windows and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
Really, the GXL Hybrid is the one to get and it lists for $67,810.
Land Rover Defender
The limited-edition Defenders are based on the high-spec HSE variant and are available in the three-door 90 body style, or the five-door 110 body style.
Our test vehicle is the 110 and has a recommended retail price of $156,157, excluding on-road costs.
Each special Defender is a P400 MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle), so they have a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, supported by a small electric motor.
As you’d expect, the standard features list for this 75th Limited Edition is humongous, however, for the sake of brevity, we’ll list only some of the more notable items, which include a 11.4-inch 'Pivi Pro' multi-media system, 3D surround camera, configurable 'Terrain Response' system, Meridian sound system, Matrix LED front lighting, a head-up display, a wireless device charger, as well as 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, cooling and memory, a sliding panoramic glass sunroof and three-zone climate control.
Elements specific to the 75th anniversary edition include an exterior paint finish of 'Grasmere Green', as well as 20-inch alloy wheels in the same colour, with matching centre caps.
There is also a ‘75 years’ graphic, 'Ceres Silver' bumpers and privacy glass. Inside, the Cross Car Beam is finished in brushed Grasmere Green powder coat, the interior is Ebony and there are “Ebony grained leather seat facings”, according to JLR.
Defender buyers may, of course, option up their vehicle with a plethora of accessories and packs, which include grouped accessories to suit your specific lifestyle, i.e. 'Adventure', 'Explorer', 'Country' or 'Urban'.
Under the bonnet
Toyota Kluger
If you're concerned a hybrid system will have trouble pulling a large SUV around, let me tell you, the Kluger is powerful and has no problems doing the work. This hybrid SUV could well have more grunt than any car you've ever driven.
Okay, so the Kluger Grande we tested was a petrol-electric hybrid variant which combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motors powered by a battery.
The engine’s output is 142kW and 242Nm while the motors make a combined 184kW. The front two electric motors make 134Nm and 270Nm of torque while the rear motor produces 121Nm.
The continuously variable transmission keeps the motion smooth and sends the drive to all four wheels, so yes, the hybrid is all-wheel drive.
Land Rover Defender
As mentioned earlier, this Defender is a P400 MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle), so it has a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, supported by a small electric motor.
That engine produces 294kW at 5500-6500rpm and 550Nm at 2000-5000rpm and it’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The P400 MHEV has a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, aimed at reducing engine load and fuel consumption, and it has a 7.0kW electric supercharger aimed at minimising turbo lag.
The Defender has permanent all-wheel drive and a dual-range transfer case with high- and low-range 4WD.
It has a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech, including Land Rover’s 'Terrain Response 2' system, with switchable modes such as 'Grass/Gravel/Snow', 'Sand', 'Mud and Ruts', and 'Rock Crawl'.
That system optimises throttle response, engine outputs, transmission shifts and diff control to best suit the terrain. It also has centre and rear diff locks.
Our test vehicle also has Land Rover's configurable terrain response system (giving the driver the ability to select and save powertrain, traction and diff settings for off-road driving) and a wade program, which increases air-suspension ride height and closes off the climate control vents to reduce the ingress of moisture in the air.
This Defender has an official 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.0 seconds, and I can confirm that this has plenty of punch off the mark and when overtaking on open roads. It has a listed maximum speed of 191km/h.
Efficiency
Toyota Kluger
There are plenty of large SUVs with big V6 and V8 petrol engines out there with heaps of power but they use three times the amount of fuel the Kluger Grande Hybrid does.
I know this first hand. I’ve just tested a V6 powered seven seater SUV which used 20L/100km month in, month out.
I drove the Kluger Grande Hybrid on exactly the same roads every day, doing the same things like school drop offs, the supermarket run, swimming lessons and the work commute and it used 6.6L/100km. I measured this at the fuel pump.
So, 20L/100km for another V6 seven-seater SUV or 6.6L/100km for the Kluger Grande Hybrid? Which would you prefer?
Toyota’s official consumption figure for the Kluger Hybrid is 5.6L/100km (based on a combination of open and urban roads) but mine was mainly suburban and city driving when more fuel is used.
The Kluger Hybrid has a 65-litre fuel tank which means a range of approximately 1160km is technically possible.
The Kluger Grande Hybrid doesn't need plugging in to charge. The battery recharges on the go through regenerative braking.
So, unless you’re a driving enthusiast who loves high-performance or classic cars I’m not sure why you wouldn't choose the hybrid option when it comes to a large SUV. Or a small one.
Land Rover Defender
Fuel consumption is a claimed 9.9L/100km (on the combined cycle), and we recorded actual fuel consumption on test of 11L/100km.
The Defender has a 90-litre tank so, going by that fuel-consumption figure, you could reasonably expect a driving range of just under 800km on a full tank, factoring in a safe-distance buffer of 20km; 818km without the buffer.
Driving
Toyota Kluger
Smooth, easy, comfortable. Let’s be honest, the Kluger is the SUV version of the Toyota Camry and like that sedan it’s not trying to be a performance vehicle.
Besides, as a dad of small children, smooth, easy and comfortable is all I want these days. I’m still hurting all over after giving piggybacks down a hill all after yesterday. I think I’ve punctured a lung or something. So yeah, smooth, easy, comfortable please and dull sounds good to me right now.
The hybrid powertrain with the continuously variable transmission means motion is smooth with no jerky gear changes and at lower speeds the Kluger glides in silence under the power of just the motors.
If you've never driven an EV before a hybrid like this is the perfect place to start. There's no plugging in to charge yet at low speeds it operates just like an electric car, moving silently and smoothly through the world.
It's serene and makes traffic far less taxing with no gear changes or idling engine.
The steering is light and accurate, while the visibility is good making the Kluger easy to pilot and park.
The suspension is set up for a composed ride and this is helped more by the big, comfy seats.
The Kluger Grande Hybrid isn’t fast in a straight line, but it isn’t sluggish either. The combination of the torque from the electric motors and petrol engine make it feel just as quick off the mark as some V6-powered SUVs I’ve driven lately.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender’s 75th anniversary touches are all cosmetic which is fine because, as is, this Landie is surprisingly impressive on-road, and supremely effective off-road.
This 110 variant is 5018mm long (including the rear-mounted spare tyre), 2008mm wide and 1972mm high with a 3022mm-long wheelbase.
It has a turning circle of 12.8m and a kerb weight is 2297kg.
So, it’s not a small vehicle, but it never feels unwieldy to drive and it even manages to consistently feel lively and dynamic.
The Defender has a real planted feel on the road; it’s composed and very comfortable, no matter how hard you drive it.
It’s also quiet. Very quiet, and oh-so-refined, with noise, vibration and harshness levels having been subdued to almost nothing.
The new Defender’s cabin is a pleasantly cocooned space, in which you feel insulated from the world around you. There is a bit of wind rush around the Defender’s wing mirrors, but nothing atrocious.
Throttle response is crisp, and the 3.0-litre petrol’s 294kW and 550Nm are readily available for a punchy standing-start, or to safely and smoothly overtake another vehicle on the highway – or during low-range 4WDing, but more about that later*.
(* Okay, if you can’t wait, skip ahead to read about the off-road section of this test.)
The eight-speed automatic transmission is very cluey – it’s smarter than you and me – but I found the shifter’s size (stubby) and position (just under the multimedia system’s touchscreen) a bit annoying to work with as I preferred to use Sport/manual mode, sometimes requiring quick shifts up or down.
Road-holding is tremendous, especially considering previous Defenders were about as composed as wonky tractors, and comfort levels are exceptional for something that was once considered a form of punishment to travel in.
Our test vehicle was on 20-inch rims and 255/60 R20 Goodyear Wrangler ‘all-terrain adventure’ tyres and those are perfectly fine for driving on blacktop.
However, they became quickly gummed up with clay and mud during our 4WD testing phase, but more about that soon.
So, how does it perform off-road? Very well, thank you very much. It does what older Defenders can do – and more. And it does it all with supreme levels of comfort and composure – something that can’t be said of older Defenders.
In terms of off-road measures, the Defender has a claimed 228mm-291mm of ground clearance (courtesy of height-adjustable air suspension) and a wading depth of 900mm (again, with the benefit of the air suspension).
If the Defender’s under-carriage hits dirt, the air suspension automatically applies an emergency 75mm of extra height.
This Defender has approach, ramp (breakover) and departure angles of 38 degrees, 28 degrees, and 40 degrees, respectively.
So, it well and truly ticks all of those boxes.
On the dirt-track drive to our 4WD testing and proving ground the Defender demonstrated, as it has before, that it’s able to master and make bearable pretty much any road or track surface, no matter what sort of terrible condition that terrain is in.
This Landie was always stable and planted on the track, with plenty of the credit for that going to a robust monocoque chassis, as well as a multi-link set-up and fully independent air suspension, which as a combination works supremely well to smooth out surface imperfections at all speeds.
Ride and handling at speed through deep-rutted and potholed sections of dirt road was impressively smooth and composed.
With the air suspension raised to off-road height and tyre pressures dropped to 26 psi, we were ready to put the Defender through its paces.
For those of you who haven’t seen any of my videos or read any of my yarns, our testing site offers more than enough of a challenge to push any standard 4WD to the limits of its reasonable use. I’ve even seen modified vehicles struggle on some of our set-piece challenges.
The terrain here is a mix of steep rocky hill-climbs, slippery descents, mud-holes and water-crossings and, depending on the weather, it can either be seriously challenging or pretty bloody dangerous.
No need for any concern though because the Defender did everything asked of it – and did it all with relaxed ease. I’ve driven an all-conquering 90 at this test site before and the 110 this time was just as impressive.
Steering has a light but precise feel about it at low speeds and that's crucial for such a big vehicle during low-range 4WDing, especially when picking your right line on challenges or manoeuvring along tight, twisted tracks.
There’s plenty of low-down torque from the petrol engine and in low-range that’s evenly applied.
The Pivi touchscreen system is the new Defender’s command centre and, using it, you’re able to cycle through the terrain response programs, you can set driving modes, and essentially operate everything.
It's generally easy enough to use, but it is a bit tricky to operate on the move – and that’s one of the few niggles I have about this Defender.
The terrain response system, which enables the driver to dial through driving modes, including Mud and Ruts, and Rock Crawl is a clever set-up and would certainly feel out of place in an old-school Defender.
You can calibrate the system’s responses – acceleration, traction sensitivity, and diff control – to suit your driving style and the terrain you’re traversing.
The tread of the Defender’s Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres, as mentioned earlier, swiftly became gummed up with sloppy mud and we lost a fair bit in terms of reliable traction from that rubber on the rock surfaces we moved to straight after driving through a series of shallow mud-holes.
Wheel travel is decent with the Defender able to get useable flex out of that multi-link set-up and air suspension combo.
Another of my very few gripes about the Defender is the fact that while all of the off-road-focussed driver-assist tech, especially terrain response, is so seamlessly effective – it’s almost too good for its own good.
As the driver I almost feel removed from the experience of tackling the terrain I’m on.
Driving this doesn't feel like such a visceral experience as it does in the Defenders of old, or even as hands-on as it does when driving off-road in rebooted old-school 4WDs, such as the Suzuki Jimny, or the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The new Defender is very capable, and comfortably so, but it feels a little bit too clinical and calculated in its execution.
In terms of its potential as a towing platform, the Defender has a claimed maximum unbraked trailer capacity of 750kg and a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.
It has a maximum roof load of 300kg. GVM (gross vehicle mass) is 3165kg and GCM (gross combined mass) is 6665kg.
Safety
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2021 and all grades through the range come with the same high level of safety tech.
So, like all the other grades the Grande has AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, there’s blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, plus front and rear parking sensors.
The rear view camera’s view is wide and the resolution is excellent - vital for reversing out of driveways.
Child seats can be fitted only in the second row with three top tether anchor points and two ISOFIX mounts.
You should also know that airbags don't fully cover the third row occupants in the Kluger.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender range has the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing conducted in 2020.
It has a stack of safety gear as standard and driver-assist tech includes AEB, adaptive cruise control, driver condition monitor, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, forward traffic detection, a 3D surround camera, 360-degree parking aid, traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter, and more.
It also has tech that comes in useful for on- and off-road tourers including its ‘transparent’ bonnet view, wade sensing, tyre pressure monitoring system, and tow hitch assist.
It has three top tethers for child seats across the second row and ISOFIX points on the outboard positions only.
Ownership
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger Grande Hybrid is covered by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The hybrid battery is covered by an eight-year/160,000km warranty.
Servicing is needed annually or every 15,000km and is capped at $265 per service for the first five years.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender has a five year/unlimited km warranty with five years roadside assistance. Pretty much the expected norm in this part of the market.
Service intervals are set for every five years or 102,000km (maximum), whichever occurs first – and that’s for a total cost of $2250, or an annual average of $450, which is pretty handy.