Aesthetic and mechanical changes see the Kluger get stronger still.
The 2017 Toyota Kluger has today been detailed by Toyota Australia, revealing a raft of changes for the new model year. Though prices are up between $1360-$2360 for the new year, there are plenty of new features packed into the range that more than make up for the increments.
Under the bonnet, the 3.5-litre petrol V6 gains direct injection which drives power up by 17kW and torque by 13Nm to make a healthy total of 218kW & 350Nm. This engine features across the range, and it’s mated exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Together, fuel consumption is claimed to have been reduced by up to 10% on some variants, while also offering smoother progress on the road.
The two-wheel drive models claim figures between 9.1L-9.3L/100km, while the all-wheel drive variants boast an official consumption figure of just 9.5L/100km. All cars gain LED lighting at the rear and a revised grille up front, new grade-specific alloy wheel designs, and improved cabin quality.
With the entry-level GX, standard equipment includes a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, hill-start assist cruise control, six-speaker audio system, Toyota Link app compatibility (the marque’s take on smartphone mirroring), fog lights up front, privacy glass, and seven airbags. Walking up to the GXL adds an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with GPS navigation, DAB+ digital radio, a powered tailgate, three-zone climate control (to reduce the temperature bickering that plagues many a family holiday), keyless entry and go, ‘premium’ steering wheel and gear knob, roof rails, leather-accented seats with heating up front, and a 12-way powered driver’s seat.
The range-topping Grande sees the most updates of the lot, though. The Grande gains autonomous emergency braking, forward collision alert, 360-degree birds-eye camera system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, intelligent cruise control, automatic high-beam assist, ventilated front seats, powered moon roof, memory functionality for the powered drivers’ seat, a 9.0-inch rear entertainment unit replete with a Blu-Ray player, heated mirrors with memory function (linked to the driver’s seat memory) and puddle lights, electrochroamatic central interior mirror, and retractable sunshades in the rear doors.
Two-wheel drive is standard fare here, with all-wheel drive a cost option. The traction advantage will incur a $4000 premium on the GX and GXL variants, while an all-wheel drive Grande will command a $3981 top-up.
The 2017 Kluger lineup now goes as follows:
- Kluger GX: $43,550 (up $1360)
- Kluger GXL: $53,550 (up $2360)
- Kluger Grande: $65,935 (up $1860)
We expect to see the Kluger solder on as one of Australia’s favourite large SUVs, with more than 140,000 examples sold since the Kluger was first introduced in 2003. Let us know what you think of the new big Toyota in the comments below.
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