Toyota Kluger vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Toyota Kluger features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo XC90 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Toyota Kluger gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo XC90 offers leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Toyota Kluger and 4-zone in the Volvo XC90.

Drivetrain

The Toyota Kluger uses a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid producing 184kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 183kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo XC90 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Toyota Kluger measures 4,966mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 13mm longer than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 241L in the Toyota Kluger and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Volvo XC90 a 60L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Toyota Kluger's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Kluger costs about $1,596 a year (5.6 L/100km) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $713 a year less for the Toyota Kluger.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota Kluger) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: no data (Toyota Kluger), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Toyota Kluger: the lower starting price ($62,410 against $97,990), more power (184kW against 183kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,596 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: the bigger boot with the seats up (301L against 241L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Toyota Kluger scores higher, 78 vs 67

The Toyota Kluger scores 78 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Toyota Kluger ahead by 23 points), fuel economy (Toyota Kluger ahead by 22 points), value (Toyota Kluger ahead by 18 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Kluger costs about $713 less (5.6 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 241L in the Toyota Kluger, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions