FUEL SIPPERS
Large SUVs have typically been thirsty beasts but these two break the mould
The business of transporting a large family has traditionally meant big fuel bills, but modern engines have softened the blow somewhat. Toyota’s new Kluger Hybrid takes seven-seat efficiency to the next level, using roughly the same fuel as a small hatchback.
We pitch the new Kluger into battle with the cream of the seven-seater crop, Kia’s Sorento.
TOYOTA KLUGER HYBRID
The waiting list for Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid stretches beyond six months, so the new petrolelectric Kluger seems a sure bet for success.
It’s not priced as attractively, though, because it’s not available in front-wheel drive.
If you want a hybrid, you have to order allwheel-drive, which adds another $4000, bringing the total price difference over the cheaper front-drive V6 model to $6500.
That means you won’t get much change out of $70,000 for the GLX model in this test.
The new Kluger is longer and wider than its predecessor, which means more space for all three rows of passengers. The middle row of seats can be slid forward or back, so you can mix and match legroom between the rows.
It’s a noticeably bigger car than the Sorento, but the Kia offers similar third-row legroom because it has a much smaller storage area behind the third row.
Access to the Kluger’s third row is simple and quick, operated by a manual lever. There are vents for all three rows and individual temperature controls in the second row, as well as five USB ports.
The Kluger’s cabin has been comprehensively updated and feels more modern than before. The GXL has a decentsized screen in the middle of the dash and a digital readout in front of the driver, although the resolution isn’t as sharp as some rivals and both screens can be hard to read if the sun catches them.
Handily, though, the driver display shows the prevailing speed limit, which glows red if you’re going too fast.
The front seats are supportive and comfy and the Kluger absorbs bumps like a luxury car.
Toyota has also improved the dynamics. The previous model didn’t like stopping or changing direction in a hurry, but the new one feels more composed through corners, although the steering feels a little detached.
The 2.5-litre engine teamed with electric motors on the front and rear delivers decent acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, particularly in the city. At one stage we saw 4.8 litres per 100km after a long stint of city driving, compared with 6.5L/100km for the Kia. It was also more frugal on our highway test.
KIA SORENTO
The Kia immediately impresses with a cabin that looks more modern and luxurious than the Toyota, despite a much cheaper price tag. The Sport+ diesel we tested was about $9000 less than the GXL yet had similar features. Kia also has a cheaper front-drive V6 option, but charges only $3000 for all-wheel drive combined with a diesel engine.
The Kia outdoes the Toyota with heated and ventilated leather front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel and heated outboard seats in the second row. Cabin presentation is smart, but there are some low-grade plastics in the less visible areas.
There are eight USB ports and third-row passengers are more pampered than those in the Toyota, with two USB plugs and their own individual airconditioning controls.
Access to the third-row is gained by a onetouch button and unlike the Toyota, the Sorento has wider access to the third row from the safer kerb side.
While it competes well on creature comforts, the Sorento is noticeably narrower than the Kluger in the second and third rows. Families with bigger teens might find the Toyota more accommodating.
The Sorento also can’t match the Kluger for quietness around town, as you can still hear a typical diesel rattle at idle and lower speeds.
Out on the freeway, the tables are turned. The diesel lopes along at lower revs and is more relaxed and quiet than the Toyota when overtaking. The conventional eight-speed auto also helps. Toyota’s CVT tends to create a whine when accelerating hard.
The extra torque of the diesel makes it better suited to towing, but it’s not as frugal in town.
It is more city-friendly in other ways, though, feeling more compact and manageable when parking and turning.
It feels more nimble and composed than Toyota through corners, with more precise steering and better turn-in. The Continental tyres help , providing more grip than the Kluger’s Toyos. The trade off is you feel small bumps and corrugations at lower speeds.
As with the Toyota, the Sorento has a comprehensive list of driver aids.
The seven-year warranty is more generous than Toyota's five but servicing is expensive.