2025 Toyota Kluger Reviews

Toyota’s original Kluger was one of the founding fathers of the large crossover SUV segment, beating the local hero Ford Territory to market in late 2003.Such models have greatly contributed to the still-expanding SUV boom, with their balance of car-like dynamics, relative fuel economy and passenger carrying ability becoming a new stereotype for family buyers.Few have been concerned with their lack of outright off-road ability compared with traditional 4WD wagons, and thousands have embraced their general style advantage over traditional people-movers and station wagons.Now with the arrival of the new US-sourced third-generation model, the Kluger’s segment has grown to include representatives from more than 10 manufacturers, and in 2013 the once-dominant second-generation Kluger fell behind the Ford Territory, Holden Captiva 7 and Jeep Grand Cherokee in terms of overall sales.Toyota is banking on a new bigger body with seven-seats as standard, updated features and engineering to bump the Kluger closer to top spot.PRICING/FEATURESWith the boosted standard seat count, the Kluger’s entry price has crept up to $40,990, up $500 from the current $40,490 five-seat KX-R. The previous KX-R and KX-S model grades have been replaced by the more Toyota-traditional GX and GXL, but the Grande moniker still adorns the top spec. All grades are available in either front or all-wheel drive, with the latter’s $4000 premium now $500 less than before.The base $40,990 GX is $2,200 less than the previous seven-seat front-drive KX-R, and Toyota claims it packs at least $2000 worth of extra features. Standard equipment includes a 6.1 inch multimedia display with a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, the Toyota Link connectivity interface, three 12V power sockets, auto headlights, conversation mirror, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloys.The 2WD GXL starts at $49,990, and gains three-zone climate control, leather trim accents, power driver’s seat, proximity keys, and unique 18-inch alloys.The top-line Grande starts at $63,990 in 2WD guise, and adds heated and ventilated front seats, active cruise control, an 8-inch multimedia display with SUNA live traffic updating satnav, DAB+ digital radio, sunroof, second row retractable sunshades, a 9-inch overhead rear seat entertainment screen with Blu-ray and three sets of wireless headphones, powered tailgate, a 4.2 inch colour instrument display, LED headlights with auto-high beam and 19-inch alloys.DESIGNThe new Kluger’s all-new sheetmetal is significantly more aggressive than the previous model, and looks very much the big brother of the current RAV4. Riding on the same 2790mm wheelbase as the second-generation model, the new Kluger adds an extra 80mm in length –most of which is behind the rear wheels – to now total 4685mm, with the extra length benefitting second and third row passengers and cargo.Also aiding accommodation and cargo space is a more compact double wishbone rear suspension design, replacing the MacPherson strut arrangement that is retained at the front.Third row occupants now have 110mm more shoulder room and 83mm more hip room, and the access gap from the side doors has been widened by 70mm. The one-motion fold mechanism also now incorporates a reclining function.With the third row in place, cargo space has grown by more than one-third to 195-litres - leaving enough room for a small esky -  which expands to 529-litres with the third row flat, and 1171-litres (to the window line) with all rear seats folded. Loading to the window line is also made easier with the Grande's glass hatch component of the tailgate.Toyota’s recent success with interior design continues with the Kluger, with an impressive variety of textures and colours used to good effect, with an excellent perception of quality and array of storage spaces punctuated by the large padded under dash tray and a gigantic 24.5-litre centre console cavity.Despite its increase in size and standard features, the new Kluger’s weight is little changed at 1935-2065kg thanks to greater use of high-tensile steel in its construction. All traditional US-origin foibles are absent from the Kluger, with a right-hand indicator stalk, left-side oriented third-row access, right-side oriented gear selector display and a right-hand bonnet release – despite Australia and New Zealand being the Kluger’s only right-hand drive markets.Payload ratings range between 675-735kg for both drivetrains, and the previous model’s 2000kg braked tow rating and full-size alloy spare underneath the rear overhang are retained.ENGINE/TRANSMISSIONThose hoping for a hybrid or diesel version of the new Kluger will have to keep wishing upon stars, with no current plans for either to join the Australian lineup. Following a similar formula to its Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9 and Subaru Tribeca rivals, the new model continues with the 201kW/337Nm (at 4700rpm) 3.5-litre petrol V6 of the previous generation, but the automatic transmission is now a six-speed unit, up from the previous five-speeder.All-wheel drive versions upgrade from the previous full-time system to a new torque vectoring part-time system, which along with flexible lockup of the new transmission has helped to achieve marginally improved fuel consumption of between 10.2-10.4L/100km for 2WD models, and 10.6L/100km for AWD versions – down from the 11-11.6L/100km for  previous versions. The Kluger continues to do its best on regular 91RON fuel, and an open-road range of at least 680km can be expected from the 72L tank.SAFETYThe new Kluger is expected to continue with the existing model’s five star safety rating, but is yet to be locally accredited. All models come with seven airbags – with curtains extending to the third row - reversing camera and rear sensors, traction and stability control, hill-assist, and all-wheel drive models add hill-descent control. Grande models also come with active cruise control, lane departure alert, pre collision safety alert, brake assist, and blind-spot monitoring.DRIVINGWe sampled both 2WD and 4WD versions at the Kluger’s Australian launch, and were able to assess its abilities over wet and dry bitumen and gravel roads. On dry bitumen, you’d be hard pressed to pick the 2WD model aside from a gentle tug at the wheel under heavy acceleration from rest. In the wet or on loose gravel though, easily available wheelspin from rest reminds you of the 201kW being fed through the front wheels.  This is quickly reined in by the traction control, but could be a little antisocial in unexperienced hands.This issue is absent in all-wheel drive versions though, with the new torque vectoring system quickly arresting slippage, and capable of sending up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels to do so. When embarking on properly slippery terrain like mud or sand, a centre diff clock can maintain a 50/50 split at speeds up to 40km/h.Despite being US sourced, Australian Klugers benefit from increased rear spring rates and revised damper tuning developed by local Toyota engineers to suit Australian roads and tastes. The result is impressively tight body control for this segment, with bodyroll and pitch contained beyond expectations.The steering has also been sharpened, with a tighter 14.8:1 ratio (down from 17:1) reducing twirl to 2.74 turns lock to lock, and there’s good feel from the electric assistance.The ample performance from the 3.5-litre V6 will come as no surprise to anyone who’s driven a second-generation Kluger, and Toyota claims 0-100km/h acceleration of 8.3 seconds for 2WD versions, and 8.7 seconds for AWD models. Toyota’s attention to noise reduction is also clear, with 30 percent more sound-insulating material applied throughout the cabin. Make no mistake, the new Kluger would make an excellent environment for long family journeys.VERDICTWhile it’s not revolutionary, the new Toyota Kluger represents a significant step forward from its predecessor in terms of packaging, features and drive experience, and it’s once again firmly at the pointy end of the large crossover SUV segment. 

It's new Kluger time and this one is out of the USA -- which is the only place they manufacture them these days.

Australian families are about to have a new seven-seater SUV on their shopping lists. The third-generation Toyota Kluger is due in Australian showrooms in March.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

Toyota has continued its release of special Altitude packages with the introduction of a special edition Kluger SUV Altitude. Features that Toyota tells us are valued at over $9000 have been added to the Kluger.It’s available in two-wheel drive with a recommended retail price that starts at $44,490, the four-wheel drive begins at $48,990. This is only $1300 more than the price of the seven-seat Kluger KX-R on which the Altitude is based.Major additional items are a tilt-and-slide moonroof; satellite navigation that incorporates traffic updates and 3D images on its 6.1-inch LCD touch screen; and a rear entertainment system using a nine-inch screen mounted in the roof and three wireless headsets.The Altitude’s audio system includes Bluetooth streaming for compatible smart phones and MP3s, phonebook and SMS message access, voice recognition, SMS text-to-voice. Inputs include a SD card slot, USB, and iPod control.Alloy wheels have 19-inch rims and 245/55 tyres as fitted on the top-grade Toyota Kluger Grande. Other external changes include black roof rails and front foglamps. There’s an Altitude badge on the tailgate.Kluger's safety package includes seven airbags and driver assist technologies such as vehicle stability and traction control, Hill-start Assist Control and, on the all-wheel drive version, Downhill Assist Control.DESIGNKluger Altitude has three rows of seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. The split-fold second-row seat has a removable centre seat. The second row seat can have legroom that’s almost limo like, and shoulder room that’s better than in any limousine saloon. Best of all is the completely flat floor in this area.The independent seats in the second row slide backwards and forwards depending on how much passenger/luggage space you require. Toyota’s Kluger is slightly smaller than the Toyota LandCruiser and Toyota Prado and is a major player in the ever expanding soft-roader market.TECHNOLOGYPower for the Toyota Kluger is provided by a 3.5-litre petrol unit that produces 201 kilowatts. Peak torque of 337 Newton metres isn’t reached until 4700 revs, but there’s strong build up to those figures so there’s good grunt from about 2000 onwards. It’s a pleasant, easy going engine to sit behind.DRIVINGKluger’s on-road comfort is very good and it’s an excellent people mover. A bonus of the 2WD version is that it’s lighter than the 4WD, giving it slightly better performance and/or making it more economical at the same time. Handling of the Kluger on-road is better than average for the class. Though not to the standard of a passenger car in the way it reacts, it corners in a safe and predictable manner and will provide the aforementioned family with a smooth quiet ride.Away from sealed roads the limiting factor in the Toyota Kluger isn’t traction, which is pretty good for a softroader, but restricted ground clearance. This sits about halfway between that of a normal 4WD and a passenger car. On gentle off-road excursions the Kluger should look after a driver with no real off-road experience, and can tackle reasonably harsh conditions in the hands of an expert.VERDICTToyota’s ability to produce a variety of SUVs has been further expanded by this special edition Kluger Altitude. It’s likely to sell out pretty quickly so if you’re halfway interested hesitation could mean you miss out.Toyota Kluger AltitudePrice: from $44,490 (FWD), $48,990 (4WD)Engine: 3.5L six-cylinder petrol, 201kW/337NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, FWD or 4WDThirst: 11.0L/100km

Toyota Kluger Grande and Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring go head-to-head in this comparative review. 

Fact: Children grow. Fiction: Parents can "make do'' with a small hatchback.SUVs rule Australian roads for a good reason. Parents -- and singles needing space for leisure pursuits -- have picked up and run hard with prairie-size family-hauler wagons.The SUV umbrella covers different types, from front-wheel drive to seven-seat all-wheel-drives, diesel engines to hybrids, built anywhere between Australia and Slovakia. Sizes range from the compact (3.7m) four-seater Suzuki Jimny to the seven-seater (5.1m) Audi Q7. Prices go from the Chery J11's $17,990 drive-away to the Audi Q7 6.0TDI at $257,200.SUVs have a lot of metal and are in demand, so you'll find that new examples aren't cheap. A quality used model may be the best answer. The three models here are all-wheel drive automatics with seven seats. You will save some money by opting for five-seat versions but as buyer demand leans to seven-seat models this will, ultimately, buoy your resale value.You probably don't need AWD, so look at the cheaper to run front or rear-drive versions. The Toyota has a higher mileage and is older. Toyota's reputation is based on reliability and, therefore, better resale.The Hyundai is one of the better diesels for performance and economy. The Territory is good value and the Ghia example is the top-liner -- it's perhaps more suited to heavier loads. As always, these are examples of what's available and variations will occur. After this, we'll talk about how many children you want.(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSDiesels are our preference in big SUVs. If you don't go bush, don't worry about 4WD. Check that the third-row seats are in working order2010 Ford Territory Ghia AWDEngine: 4.0-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 12.2L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSAussie designed and built wagon is a sensible -- and popular -- family wagon that'll pull a decent load while having space for the family. Even the third-row seats will accommodate two adults. Fuel consumption isn't up to most rivals but the Territory has comparatively cheaper service, repair and insurance costs. The Ghia has all the fruit -- leather, electronic stability control, six airbags, premium audio and DVD, rear camera and 18-inch alloys -- at a price that is about $20,000 less than new. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander AWD Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 7.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThis is almost a new car though it precedes the latest Santa Fe. It's possible to get the new 2012 shape for roughly the same price but the equipment level may be compromised. This 2011 example appears to be barely used and has the lauded 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that has plenty of urge yet miserly fuel consumption. It's also the top-line model Highlander that in addition to the seven seats -- also able to seat seven adults -- gets dual-zone climate control airconditioning, six airbags and stability control, Bluetooth with iPod connect, sunroof and leather upholstery.2010 Toyota Kluger KX-S AWDEngine:3.5-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 5-speed autoThirst: 11.0L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSSilly name but the package works. Kluger's pricing may be more than some rivals but resale is generally higher, as is demand. The KX-S is the mid-spec model and gets a good blend of features including rear airconditioning, 19-inch alloys, reverse camera, leather upholstery and six airbags with electronic stability control. Klugers have a very versatile seat arrangement that includes a removable centre in the second-row seats for a six-occupant cabin that also gives a walk-through function. Fuel economy is average though performance is brisk.

Hauling people isn't a fun job. That's why people in yellow cars get paid to do it. When the passengers are your family, everything changes. Comfort and safety, not revenue, are prime considerations. A vehicle that is versatile conjures up images of a lumbering people-mover van which may live uneasily with an ability

Kia Sorento Platinum and Toyota Kluger Grande go head-to-head in this comparative review.

SUVs like the Toyota Kluger have replaced the station wagon as the   favourite transport for many families. Their appeal lies in their flexibility, size and perceived safety. Toyota has been one of the innovators in the SUV market with a number of models to suit all sizes and budgets.The Kluger is the mid-sized model aimed fairly and squarely as the average family. The Kluger was a close relative of the Camry and that's a pretty good way to look at it. Like the Camry it was conservatively styled, but does everything pretty well without being too outstanding in anything.Typically Toyota really. It carried up to seven and still had a bit of space for those things families seem to need to take with them when they hit the road. It had a capable all-wheel drive system, which was able to cope with most rough roads the average family adventurer would encounter. On the upper models there was an array of electronic helpers to keep you out of trouble in the rough stuff. Power came from a smooth 3.3-litre double overhead camshaft V6 with plenty of punch, and all models had a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.While it felt safe and sound it was a little vague on the road and felt disconnected from the driver. Off road the suspension soaked up the bumps with ease, and it was capable on bush tracks that upset other similar cars.Three models made up the Kluger range. The base CV had cloth trim and carpets, the CVX had leather, a sports steering wheel, powered driver's seat, and alloy wheels, while the Grande also had wood grain highlights.IN THE SHOPThere are no serious flaws in the Kluger; any problem will be unique to the individual car. It's important to check for signs of offroad use. Few will have been taken down anything more challenging than a gravel road, but it's best to be safe and check underneath.Look for sand blasting of the underbody, bent or dented brackets and fittings, and torn rubber boots and seals. Check for a service record to confirm the oil and filter have been changed regularly. The Kluger engine has a cam-timing belt that needs changing at around 150,000 km.IN A CRASHThe CV has dual front airbags, but the CVX and Grande had an array of   front and side airbags, plus traction control and stability control. It was enough to win a 4-star stamp from ANCAP. AT THE PUMP Toyota claimed the Kluger would average 12.3 L/100 km. The   recommended fuel was 91-octane regular unleaded, and E10 blend was approved.Toyota Kluger - 2003-2007Price new: $43,990 to $58,990Engine: 3.3-litre V6; 172 kW/328 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 12.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: CV, CVX, GrandeSafety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICTTypically bland Toyota looks hide competent, well-built family wagon.