Buying a Toyota Kluger: Do I Get The V6 or Hybrid?

Marcus9 on 19/07/2021 - 18:58

Hi,
We are currently in the market for a 2021 Toyota Kluger GX. The only thing that still hasn't been decided is the V6 or the Hybrid, mainly because I'm not really sure about the maths on how to work out the running costs and the fuel savings and therefore which model would be better for us.

Kluger GX V6 AWD = $56,681 (8.9L/100km & 68L fuel tank)
Kluger GX Hybrid AWD = $59,190 (5.6L/100km & 65L fuel tank)

Length of Ownership = 12 Years
Kilometres Travelled Per Year = 13,000km
Driving predominantly around town with trips here and there to regional places.

Does anyone know how to calculate the savings, if any, for owning the hybrid for the next 12 years over the V6 if the car is driven 13,000km per year? The hybrid already costs $2509 more than the V6 when purchased. I would use 95 unleaded for either.

Also, when does the battery on the hybrid need to be replaced, and how much would this cost, as I would need to factor this in as well? How quickly does the battery degrade?

Based on my research there are 3 electric motors (2 at the front and one on the rear), does this mean there are 3 batteries or is it just 1?

Cheers,
Marcus

Poll Options

  • 57
    Hybrid
  • 11
    V6
Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • Jugganautx on 19/07/2021 - 19:02
    +1

    You'll be saving a lot more than the price difference with the hybrid thats for sure.

    • Mokr on 19/07/2021 - 20:11

      Second hand if you want to virtual signal.

  • randomusername2017 on 19/07/2021 - 19:08

    oops
    can't count..

  • spackbace on 19/07/2021 - 19:08
    +10

    Toyota salesperson here, ask away!

    Kluger GX V6 AWD = $56,681 (8.9L/100km & 68L fuel tank)
    Kluger GX Hybrid AWD = $59,190 (5.6L/100km & 65L fuel tank)

    Use Urban figures, given the short trips:
    GX AWD - 11.8L/100km = 1534L/year
    GX Hybrid AWD - 6L/100km = 780L/year

    = 754L/year saving - 9048L saving over 12 years. If we said $1.50/L = $13,572 saving over 12 years.

    Also, do an insurance quote or 2. I know RAC in WA does cheaper insurance for Hybrid cars, due to the better economy.

    Also, when does the battery on the hybrid need to be replaced, and how much would this cost, as I would need to factor this in as well? How quickly does the battery degrade?

    Warranted for 10 years, though unlikely you'd need to replace it at the kms you'd have on the car (around 156,000kms over 12 years ownership). There's taxis/ubers doing 400,000+kms on the original batteries. Current replacement cost around $2500-$3500

    Based on my research there are 3 electric motors (2 at the front and one on the rear), does this mean there are 3 batteries or is it just 1?

    Just the 1 hybrid battery under the 2nd row seat

    Additionally, the Hybrid GX gives you 3-zone Climate Control, petrol GX doesn't get that

    • Marcus9 on 19/07/2021 - 19:40

      Thanks a ton mate! Very resourceful and exactly what I was after. Had no idea that the savings would be that big and that the battery would last for so long.

      Just wanted to ask, are you finding that that the interest and demand in the Kluger hybrid is the same as the RAV4 hybrid or is this less? I'm aware that there are long wait times for the RAV4 so wondering if this is something that will end up happening to the Kluger in the near future as well.

      • spackbace on 19/07/2021 - 19:45
        +1

        Yeah, GX and GXL Hybrid had strong pre-orders, and were the most popular at launch. It's a struggle to get either a GX or GXL hybrid right now, most likely a 4-5 month wait

        • oO0Dam0Oo on 19/07/2021 - 20:25
          +2

          You should buy the car from @spackbace. Coupon code Vaccinated for 3% discount.

    • dealhunting007 on 26/10/2021 - 22:57

      Thanks for info, that's really great. Sent you a PM to get some advise on 2019 vs 2021 Petrol.

  • JimmyF on 19/07/2021 - 19:13
    +4

    Driving predominantly around town with trips here and there to regional places.

    Ok then, the V6 won't be getting anywhere near those fuel figures quoted around town, the hybrid will be around 6, the V6 more like 11-12ish

    Also, when does the battery on the hybrid need to be replaced, and how much would this cost, as I would need to factor this in as well? How quickly does the battery degrade?

    Well the battery comes with a 10yr warranty etc. So you won't be paying for replacement any time soon!

    By the time the battery needs replacing most cars are heading to the great big car crusher in the sky.

    • Marcus9 on 19/07/2021 - 19:41

      Thanks mate. Comforting to know that the batteries last that long as I thought it would be less.

      • JimmyF on 19/07/2021 - 20:48
        -2

        Well taxis used to buzz around all day every day with 300k+ on them without issues. So I think you'll be ok.

        My hybrid is 10 years old now, no signs of battery issues or any issue with the hybrid. Still on my first set of brake pads too ;)

  • Euphemistic on 19/07/2021 - 19:31
    +2

    Hybrid will use less fuel, especially around town.
    Hybrid will have better resale, fuel will probably cost a lot more at resale time, so a vehicle that uses less will be more popular.
    Toyota hybrid tech is well tested, been around a long time.

    Read this re hybrid battery life. https://www.torquenews.com/6626/toyota-hybrid-owners-speak-o…

  • TruthNuke on 19/07/2021 - 19:33
    +2

    Who gets an SUV to drive around town?

    Keep that big slow hunk of garbage off the roads and get a station wagon if you need some room.

    • Marcus9 on 19/07/2021 - 19:43
      +1

      Really?

      I reckon 70% of the cars I see on the road everyday are either SUVs or Utes.

      • TruthNuke on 20/07/2021 - 07:32
        +1

        Yeah I know, it's cancer.

    • Sum-Ting Wong on 19/07/2021 - 20:21
      +5

      You need a big SUV to see over all the other SUV's in traffic

      • SF3 on 19/07/2021 - 20:28
        +1

        Got to fight fire with fire. Especially the types that drives their kids to school!

    • Cheeper on 19/07/2021 - 20:56

      Slow? Ha ha.. you definitely have never driven one.
      As for size compare the width and length with a Camry. They may appear "big" until you park next to a prado or LandCruiser.

    • dukeGR4 on 07/11/2021 - 16:20

      most people?

      they are spacious, good visibility, practical. So long as you're not getting a Merc GLS or X7 it's good. Kluger is a tad big for me but i'm sure people coming from SUVs should find it to be good.

  • supersabroso on 19/07/2021 - 20:26

    For the prices you specified, it's 3.8 years to break even or 4.2 years if you have a home loan with an offset account, so 12 years will be worth it.

    However, just note that I had similar misleading calcs when buying my RAV4 last year. My dealer was willing to give a 10% discount on the petrol version but no discount on the hybrid (plus a horrendous 10 month waiting period), this meant it would take 20 years to break even with my home loan. Obviously I went for the petrol version (2 week wait). That's something important for you to consider as it makes a massive difference to the calcs.

    • spackbace on 19/07/2021 - 20:39
      +5

      But the petrol model RAV4 is shit compared to the hybrid 😂 that 2.0L is a vastly different driving experience to the 2.5L hybrid…

  • WizMuncher on 19/07/2021 - 20:30

    I know the Toyota Prius batteries can be opened up. It's basically a large array of individual cells hooked up. You can detect any that are faulty and replace them fairly cheaply. I was even thinking of starting a business selling new batteries, then refurbishing the old ones and selling them.

    • prisonmike on 19/07/2021 - 21:20
      +1

      Eneloops or Laddas ?

  • Cheeper on 19/07/2021 - 21:25
    +2

    The only experience i have is from driving one every day for the past 9+ year so i may not be as informed as others here on things Kluger. 2WD 3.5v6 KXR (base model). I do about 15000 km yr.
    Fuel consumption… I'm not a CBD traffic light dasher but usually drive in urban areas. Rarely does it exceed 11/100. On trips i have had 7/100 a few times and it is generally low 8s if i want to push it.
    Towing a 14ft van the worst i got was 14/100.
    Generally for the size and power of the vehicle i find it to be very economical.
    AWD versions do chew a lot more fuel contrary to what Toyota specs say and i cant see the need for AWD in it anyway as the handling is fine. Mine has never come close to losing grip on a wet road. I can't say the same for rwd cars i have driven.
    For me the initial outlay for the hybrid is not worth it.
    The battery life is of no concern as the Toyota hybrid reputation is a market leader. The best place to get real end user feedback oh the hybrid would be on the US site Toyota Nation. They have had the hybrid version there for a while now. Its called a Highlander over there BTW. I have seen some with reports of incredible mileage.
    Because of the cost of hybrid batteries you may find that insurance is expensive.
    You may recover the extra outlay at resale time with a hybrid but there is no guarantee of that.
    One place you will save is on servicing. Once outside the factory discounted servicing period you will find your local mechanic will be able to service it without insane rip off charges.
    They are very well engineered and well built vehicles. A trouble free service life of over 20yrs would not be unreasonable.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 19/07/2021 - 22:33

    This could be just me, but I find the Toyota hybrid engine coarse and hollow under relatively hard acceleration (when it kicks into engine (non-battery) mode). It would be for this reason only that I would choose the full petrol model.

  • Drakesy on 19/07/2021 - 22:48
    +3

    Going kayaking?

  • utsc on 23/09/2021 - 21:17

    Are you happy with your Toyota Kluger Hybrid purchase?

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