2017 Toyota Kluger | new car sales price

Toyota Australia has confirmed its upgraded Kluger SUV will be subject to price increases of between $1360 and $2360 when it starts to roll into local showrooms this week.

In exchange for the extra cost, the Japanese manufacturer is promising better engine performance, improved fuel economy, an additional two ratios for the transmission, revised styling and increased equipment levels for some models.

Entry-level GX variants have been dealt a $1360 increase in price to $43,550 before on-road costs for the two-wheel drive version and $47,550 for the all-wheel drive.

However, the biggest price change is to the mid-spec GXL, which cops a $2360 rise to $53,550 for the 2WD and $57,550 for the 4WD.

Meanwhile, the range-topping Grande checks in at $65,935 for a 2WD and $69,905 for a 4WD, an increase of $1860.

An eight-speed automatic transmission – which replaces the old six-speed unit across the range – helps reduce fuel consumption by 10 per cent.

The upgraded seven seater – which is built in the United States – was first revealed at last year's New York motor show, meaning it took close to a year before it landed Down Under.

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The 3.5-litre naturally atmo V6 petrol engine employed by the Kluger has revised outputs of 218kW (+17kW) and 350Nm (+13Nm) thanks to direct injection and a higher compression ratio.

An eight-speed automatic transmission – which replaces the old six-speed unit across the range – helps reduce fuel consumption by 10 per cent, with AWD variants now offering 9.5 litres per 100km (-1.1L/100km) and 221 grams of C02 emissions per kilometre (-25g/km).

GX and GXL 2WD variants improve to 9.1L/100km from 10.2L/100km, whereas the flagship Grande drinks 9.3L/100km (-1.1L/100km).

Equipment levels for the entry-level GX remain unchanged – which is why its price rise is less than that of other variants – but it does receive the updated engine tune, new transmission and revised styling featuring  a restyled front grille, LED tail-lights, new alloy wheels and a more upmarket interior.

The mid-spec GXL also adds an 8.0-inch multimedia system with satellite navigation and DAB+ radio, as well as a powered tailgate with an independent glass hatch for loading smaller items.

Opting for the Grande range-topper will further increase specification with a 360-degree view cameras to assist with parking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping assistant with drive fatigue alert.

Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Tony Cramb said upgrades would be worthwhile for all occupants of the large-size SUV, adding that it would "deliver more of everything appreciated by families".

Drivetrain options continue to be limited to the V6 petrol, as Toyota chooses not to offer the Kluger with diesel and hybrid powerplants in Australia.

Nevertheless, 11,829 of Toyota's sales in 2016 were thanks to the Kluger, which was good enough for third place in the large SUV category behind its best-selling stablemate Prado (14,730) and Subaru's Outback (12,207).

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Are Toyota's updates to the Kluger enough to keep it competitive in the popular large-size SUV segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.