Interior finish, Reversing camera and sensors standard across range
Lack of diesel, Sat-Nav only standard in Grande
Toyota Australia has launched the all-new Toyota Kluger in Australia this week. No longer sourced from Japan the third generation Toyota Kluger is now built and shipped from Indiana, USA.
The third generation Toyota Kluger is more American SUV than the previous model, think bigger, roomier and more in your face. Gone is the 5-seat version the latest Toyota Kluger is now exclusively a 7-seater.
Toyota Kluger Overview
The all-new Toyota Kluger line-up is launched with a six variants, with the choice of 2wd or AWD and three equipment grade levels GC. GX-L and Grande.
The Toyota Kluger range comes with a reversing camera and reverse-parking sensors, seven SRS airbags, daytime running lamps, air conditioning, Multi-information Display (MID), cruise control; Muliti function steering-wheel, full Toyota active safety package of ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, VSC and Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control (AWD models), alloy wheels including full-sized spare, front fog lamps, three 12V accessory connectors, auto headlamps on/off, cargo-area tonneau cover, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link, AUX and USB input, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment and power-adjustable exterior mirrors.
The mid range Kluger GXL adds three-zone climate-control air conditioning, Smart Entry and Smart Start, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat , driver and front-passenger seat heaters, premium steering wheel and roof rails.
The range topping Toyota Kluger Grande gains Active Cruise Control, Pre-Crash System, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, 19-inch alloy wheels, projector LED headlamps with Auto High Beam, power-operated rear door with glass hatch, two-position memory for driver's seat, eight-inch display audio with navigation and DAB+ digital radio, nine-inch rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player and second-row seat retractable sunshades plus a host of other features.
Toyota Kluger Engine
Toyota Kluger retains its trusty 3.5 litre petrol engine, however unlike most of its competitors there is no diesel engine. Toyota have worked hard to improve the engine which produces 201kW and 337Nm of torque, the engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption of the 2WD has been reduced by 7.2% to 10.2-litres per 100kms and the AWD use 10.6-litres per 100kms and improvement of 8.6% over the outgoing model. In real world driving Carshowroom.com.au managed to average about 12.5 litres per 100kms.
Toyota Kluger Interior
The interior of the new Toyota Kluger is now more spacious and refined than previous models. With room for seven passengers as standard the new Kluger is the perfect size for families or those who need the extra space occasionally like grandparents.
Jump inside and settle in to the front heated seats which are standard on the GXL, while the Grande gains heated and ventilated front seats with two-position memory for the power-operated driver's seat. GX buyers will need to settle for cloth covered manual operated seats.
Like all good family cars the Toyota Kluger is blessed with smart storage solutions include an under-dash tray perfect for mobile phones and other kid themed paraphernalia. There is also a massive 24.5-litre roll-top centre console that doubles as an armrest and is big enough to store a large handbag. Drink holders are available for all passengers.
From the drivers seats the two-dial instrument panel is split by a Multi-Information Display - 3.5-inch monochrome LCD for GX and GXL, and 4.2-inch colour TFT display for Grande. All models have a multifunction steering wheel. GX and GX-L have a 6.1-inch touchscreen that can be used with the Toyota Link System, the Grande comes with a 8-inch screen that has sat-nav, DAB+ radio and the Toyota Link System.
With all three rows of seats in place capacity has been increased by more than one-third to 195 litres, with the third row folded this increases to 529 litres and all rear seats folded the space jumps to 1,171 litres. If you pack the car up to the roof line the capacity adds an additional 700litres taking the final number up to 1,871 litres.
Toyota Kluger Exterior and Styling
The latest Toyota Kluger is straight out of the American SUV play book it's big, bold and some may say beautiful. The roofline stays at the same height but the body is 80mm longer and 15mm wider, creating a sleeker and more aggressive appearance.
At the front the Toyota Kluger has the new 'Toyota SUV Family' grille with wraparound halogen headlights (LED on Grande) and chiselled fenders for a more styled appearance.
The side view is dominated by the flared guards and the use of more metal with a reduction in glass height to added to the sporty look.
From the rear the Kluger is also receives similar trapezoidal treatment with a large black diffuser make the rear look wider. The a newly designed tailgate (power-operated and height-adjustable on Grande), rear lamps and bumper all added to the American SUV look.
Toyota Kluger On The Road
Toyota has been able to provide input in at the development stage to enhance the steering and suspension for Australian conditions. Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said 'We have also dialled up the fun-to-drive factor with extensive under-the-skin improvements that have been developed and tested in Australia to take Kluger's dynamics and steering to the next level.
Carshowroom.com.au sampled the new Toyota Kluger on a mixture of gravel, highway and country roads, the latest Kluger is now more crossover than of anywhere SUV.
Around down the Toyota Kluger does feel large but if your after a 7-seater there isn't too much you can do about that. Get the Kluger out on the open road and the size of the Kluger is no longer an issue, the six-speed transmission is adequate and helps reduce fuel consumption over the outgoing 5-speed transmission.
Locally turned for Australian conditions the Toyota Kluger nicely set-up with a monocoque, independent MacPherson strut layout. It is nicely balanced has a more subtle ride the previous model, the Kluger’s now a little stiffer and body roll has been reduced.
Toyota Kluger Issues
The lack of diesel engine will rule the Toyota Kluger out for buyers who find the fuel consumption figures on the petrol engines too high. Spending $40,000 plus on a car buyers should expect sat-nav to standard.
Toyota Kluger Competition
The segment the the Kluger plays in is a hotly contested one. You have the Australian built Ford Territory that is priced from $39,990. Nissan have recently updated the Pathfinder to make it more appealing to the urban market and the latest cross-over Pathfinder is priced from $39,990.
One of the top selling SUV's is the Jeep Grand Cherokee the 2WD Lardeo starts from $43,000. Both the Kia Sorrento (from $38,490) and the Hyundai Santa Fe ($37,990) are also worth considering.
Toyota Kluger Verdict
The Toyota Kluger has taken a giant step forward from the seconds generation Kluger. With a decent (not perfect) standard spec level, seating for seven and a great driving experience the third generation Toyota Kluger is must on your shopping list.
