The future of the Toyota Kluger is secured in Australia, but electric cars are still a no-go

The Toyota Kluger is a popular SUV nameplate in Australia, but while the Japanese brand’s local division says its future here is secure, there are still no plans to bring the recently unveiled all-electric model down under.

In conversation with Daily SparkzToyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing John Pappas said: “The Kluger has been very well received by us in Australia and we plan to continue with the name.”

“As for the BEV in the US, we are always looking at options for what is made available to us in Australia – that right-hand drive vehicle is not available to us. If it ever becomes available, we will always look at it.”

“So there’s no evidence that we’re getting this car here because it’s not available for our market, but if it were ever available we would certainly consider that for our market as a BEV,” Mr Pappas added.

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In February, Toyota USA introduced the all-new 2027 Highlander, an all-electric three-row SUV that rivals models like the Kia EV9. Later this year it will succeed the current petrol and hybrid Highlander (known here as the Kluger) in North America. Buyers there who want a three-row SUV but not electric power still have the option of buying the larger Grand Highlander, which is not offered in Australia.

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV also forms the basis for the new Subaru Getaway, a slightly revised version of the Highlander EV that will also be available exclusively in North America, at least initially.

The timing of the new Toyota electric vehicle is interesting, as Toyota has just started selling the US-built Highlander Hybrid in Japan, as part of a new initiative to improve trade relations between Japan and the US (which also sees the Tundra being marketed there).

Following the unveiling of the new Highlander EV, Toyota Australia announced Daily Sparkz There are no plans to drop the Kluger Hybrid, which may indicate a major update for markets outside of North America. It’s also worth noting that the Highlander/Kluger is produced in China by the FAW-Toyota joint venture for the domestic market, where it is known as the Crown Kluger, based on Toyota’s long-standing sub-brand.

Speaking of China, last year the brand’s GAC Toyota joint venture confirmed that the next-generation Highlander would be offered in China with a range-extender EV (EREV) powertrain option, as part of its strategy to better tailor core models to the Chinese market. It’s unclear whether this Highlander EREV will be based on the new Highlander EV, the existing Highlander, or a different vehicle entirely.