New 2007 Toyota Kluger AWD & 2WD

By Alborz Fallah | June 15th, 2007

Toyota Australia originally introduced the Kluger model in 2003, with a minor face lift in late 2005. The Four-wheel-drive medium SUV capitalized on the continuing consumer demand for larger cars.

Toyota plans to launch the next-generation Kluger in August this year. The major change to the lineup will be the introduction of a new two-wheel-drive variant. The all-wheel-drive variants will also continue.

“There has been strong desire for two-wheel drive models in the medium SUV market for several years now, the introduction of a two-wheel-drive variant in Kluger will help meet this demand at an affordable price.” said David Buttner, Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing.

Details of the Kluger were released today, and from what we can gather, the next-generation Kluger is longer and wider than its predecessor. The Kluger will be powered by the same engine found in the Toyota Aurion, a quad-cam 3.5-litre dual VVT-i V6 engine (at least 200kW).

Currently the only other manufacturer offering a Rear-Wheel drive only setup in the Medium SUV segment is Ford with the Territory which comes with a choice of two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Ford is selling more 2WD Territories (55.6 percent of sales) than 4WD variants (44.4 percent), and Toyota wants to grab some of the Territory’s market share.

“We expect a similar level of demand for two-wheel-drive Kluger in addition to growing sales of the new all-wheel-drive models,” Mr Buttner said.

“Toyota’s success has been based on meeting customer demand by carefully targeting the number and type of variants within a given model range. The inclusion of two-wheel-drive Kluger is very much part of that strategy.“

Toyota will offer the new two-wheel-drive Kluger in two variants, a five-seat and seven-seat wagon. Toyota were also quick to point out the new Kluger (AWD & 2WD) will have the most comprehensive list of standard safety features in its class. Current details suggest the Kluger will come standard with

Seven airbags
Vehicle Stability Control with steering assist
Traction Control
Anti-skid Braking System
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Brake Assist
Reverse camera.

Pricing details are still unconfirmed. Toyota will most likely introduce the 2WD Kluger to compete with the rear-wheel drive territory ($39,490). The current range of Kluger variants start at $41,990.

Lexus GT500

Some basic knowledge there, 2 wheel drive Kluger will definitely be 100% FWD not RWD.
http://fordaustraliaforums.com Paxton

That thing has fallen out of the Ugly Tree, and hit every branch on the way down!

I am going to stick with my Territory.
http://www.alborzfallah.com alborz

correct paxton, typo fixed – was referring to the territory.
troy

looks like the ugly new rav 4, oh and the next cruiser is ugly too.

good work toyota!
jamezolu

The Kluger will be a very competitive thing, it IS a Toyota after all and Toyota who, despite making the most overrated cars on the road (along with the wombats at Subaru), DO know how to appeal to the majority Australian driver with a popular, no fuss, no drama vehicle with the PERCEPTION of superior quality for the price and good luck to them, because they have done it well.

Toyota will be gunning for Territory big time with this car and it will be well specced, well built and well priced. And they will do it well, even though the car looks pretty bland and characterless. That won’t hurt it though (witness new RAV and even the new Corolla) …

Ford better be prepared …. Territory is 3 years old now and basically untouched. And it still lacks basic hardware that should be standard – DSC and curtain bags on all models.
Paul

Soooooo they will have 4WD with the Aurions engine in the Kluger… but they didnt for the TRD Aurion. Disappointing. Assuming it was based on the cost vs benefit, I still would have thought an AWD TRD Aurion would do well both in Australia and the U.S.

As for Kluger, its prity bland, but so is the territory. These kinda cars aernt trying to make bold fasion statements, their market doesnt really want that (I think the Territory Turbo may be evidence of this, I havent seen many around… assuming they aint selling great).
JW

It doesn’t look bad, it looks less boring than the current model.

I’d rather have this over the Territory, as I don’t like a cheap Falcon on stilts look-a-like.

I think this car will also be more reliable and have better fit and finish, going by reports of how the Territory is like.
Myke

Looks okay, much improved over the last model. But I rather wait for the Mazda CX-9, roughly the same price.
3stripes

I drive the current Kluger and have a message for the Toyota designers. Why didn’t you graft the nose off the HiLux? The current Kluger looks like a Subaru and alas the new Kluger again looks like a Subaru. You guys are making it hard for a Toyota fan!
Kevin

AS usual Toyota have designed a vehicle that isn’t the prettiest in the parking lot, but it will be well made and functional. I have the current Kluger and it is a terrific vehicle, used constantly on unmade roads,towing and 90,000 km’s on it still is solid and trouble free. Ít is not a perception of quality as someone put, IT IS quality.
Lazybones

The new Kluger has obvious styling cues from the Rav4. But for some reason its still FUGLY, where the Rav4 looks very nice. Really not sure where Toyota are going with their design concepts

But then again do the asthetics really matter?
new buyer

im looking at buying a kluger , trading in the petrol drinking prado that i am presently driving , ( dont get me wrong im a toyota man thru and thru ) our other veichle is a camry and it petrol sniffing economy is what i am after ( and reliablty of course ) which both toyota,s we own have given us …. so if the kluger can replace the prado , with some of the off road capablity,s it big brother has …ill be impressed … without putting my hand in my pocket for fuel so often … what are other peoples thoughts on that
Thanks ….
Lazybones

“in the petrol drinking prado that i am presently driving”

If you like the Prado, and are looking for similar but less fuel. Your best option is the Prado diesel at 9.2L/100. I haven’t seen the fuel figures on the the new kluger, but I can’t be better than 9.9L (Aurions ADR).
Current Owner

I’ve had a current Kluger 3 year now. Petrol consumption is about 13 l/100 in city traffic. Best was 9.9 on a trip Melbourne up Mount Buller and back! Tows fantastic. Not a cent in maintenance apart from servicing it. Carries me and the 6 member under 18 basketball boys team. The reviews commonly miss the middle seats move forward, and recline as well. And, despite trying, I’m yet to get it stuck. (But I’ve changed the tyes as they wear out.

Good turing circle and easy to park. Quite and quick on the highway.

You might not like it’s looks – but at 8.1sec zero to 100, you won’t have to look long!
Bernie

I have the current Kluger as a work car. Two things stop me from wanting to own one, auto only and thirst 12-13l/100km in country is awful, my previous Falcon gave 10-11 for same driving. Territorys are even worse, again no diesel- but they do have a turbo option, consider you might have missed the market direction there Ford….
Toyota why no diesel option? Watch the sales going to Santa Fe and Captive with manual oilers.
Kluger needed 4 new tyres at 20k, my subaru, still as tight after 80k as a new model (surprisingly), went over 60k with same driving style.
Toyota & Subaru are very high quality vehicles, still tight after many miles and even the abused ones are still reliable.
Looks are subjctive, who cares
Richard

After owning Subaru’s all of my life, at age 40 the new Kluger is perfect for my small family. Should have plenty of go which will help to compensate for moving out of our Forester turbo. My wife & I have been fortunate enough to have already seen it in the flesh at the “Kluger Cafe” and believe me it deserves Lexus badges – the new model is simply stunning !! We have already ordered an AWD Grande.
morgasshk

Put Kluger and Territory beside each other… make sure they are the entry level options… Kluger shirts all over territory… the standard options and features far outweigh the Territory… and stylewise, I agree the first model was a bit boring and bland, and very flat faced, this next gen Kluger is hot as… Drive it and you will not be unhappy… I took one for a drive, it fracking hammers!

(Consumption is 11L/100klmts… again, trumping all the competition…)
Charles Denes

the old Kluger has pretty bland looks, I think the new one misses the mark as well. Don’t know what the new Mazda CX-9 fuel economy will be like but I think I’ll wait to see, in any case it looks a LOT more stylish than the Kluger – what’s with the name anyway???
Suresh Nadi

I have been keen on a Prado for sometime. After the Kluger came I test drove both the Prado and Kluger and there was not much difference except for higher ride position. Kluger has some Power. Not too happy with what the Kluger looks like but its better than the outgoing model. The base model comes with some good options which you wont get on a Prado GXL. Also did anyone realise that the clearance on the kluger is 206mm compared to 205mm on Prado! Cant see why the AWD Kluger will not do too well off road with such height clearance! Any comments?
Phil

Currently in the market for medium to medium-plus AWD, my research has led me to the Kluger as a good likely choice (we own a Camry and a Navara which have proved reliable). But a couple of correspondants have mentioned how bad the tyre wear has been on their cars. Were they unlucky or is this a common fault with this vehicle?
Suresh

Does anyone know how the KXR AWD compares to the likes of the Prado off road? Would appreciate any response of those have taken the new or old kluger off road? I am tossing up between both vehicles and I know I get more features on Kluger base model.
Ozzie

We have the new SX-R Kluger. Absolutely love it. Handles magnificently. Looks great and safety features are amazing.
Who ever designed the middle section of the 7 seater where you can take the middle seat out and insert a tray with drink holders or have it as a little walk thru area deserves an award!
John

Have had my KX-S AWD for just over a week having got out of a 2003 Monaro. Yeah huge change bit with growing kids needed the leg space. Checked out “SUV’s” for some time and whilst initially reluctant to move into a mums taxi I am glad I did. Car looks good (not great), AWD handles very well and extra carry space is fantastic. As for off road work it will handle most terrains that other 4WD will except for the rugged stuff. Overall well dine Toyota.
PS Territiry was never a consideration, specced options are not value for money.
John P

I own a 2005 model Kluger CVX the one with the leather seats. It has the 3.3 ltr motor and is very torquey for a Toyota.
I just drove a new Lexus RX350 with the 200kw motor and it screamed. The Lexus is much more refined in driving as you would expect and was heaps nicer in handling, however the 2005 Kluger is much bigger inside and overall a nice car. I like the 7 seats and the Torquey motor.

I can’t wait to drive the new Kluger with the 200kw motor.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Clare

Hi
My Feb 2007 Kluger CV needs 4 new tyres after only 19600km!! Have had the vehicle serviced at 5000,10000 and now 20000 and wheels rotated at 10000. No wheel alignment necessary or done prior to deciding to have one this week with the 20000 service. Has anyone else had this problem (I see Bernie has) with city / highway driving? Predominantly Noosa area with lots of roundabouts but still – seems pretty terrible to me. What’s the recommendation for new tyres?
sonny

My December 2006 Kluger CV has done almost 17000 km (mostly city driving) and the standard Toyo tyres are looking pretty worn…… Going for better tyres weren’t an option with the Kluger (Dealers allow several options with the Prado)….

I definitely won’t be allowing the service guys at Toyota put Toyo tyres on the car when they need to be replaced – I’ll be looking at some serious 4wd tyres….

Any suggestions??

I made the decision to purchase the CV model over the CVX and decided to spend the difference on options I wanted – The only thing I wish I had is the foglights and am now looking to have them installed with some additional spotlights…..

I’m think about using the Kluger offroad and would be interested in others experiences who have done so…..
Sonny

An update:

I took the Kluger on some forestry trails around Oberon yesterday and on the way back one of the tires just exploded on the bitumen about 20 minutes later – I was driving at a rather sedate 80 km an hour!!

When I pulled out the spare tyre I compared it to my in-use tyres and couldnt believe how much tread was gone from them!!

The car was serviced about a month ago and the service guys said there was 50% wear left on the tyres – They had done a rotation. The rear tyres (previously the previront tyres)actually had about 10% left!

I’ve decided to replace all of my tyres despite them only having done 18500km…… I’m appalled!!!!

The CV Kluger has an odd sized wheel 225/70/16R 102s which means not all tyres come in its size. It took a little research on the web to find a tyre.

I’m purchasing Bridgestone Dueller A/T D694 tyres which appear to be a good mid-range on/off road tyre

I have Bridgestone Dueller H/T’s on my Forester – they are about 4 years old and have done about 40k so far. They have held up well and I don’t think they will need to be replaced any time soon.
anand sharma

what pramotion will toyota suggest for this kind of car.
Greg P

I have a 2004 Kluger CV. My 1st set of tyres got
Greg

Original tyres
Paul R

we have a 2005 Kluger CVX, very pleased with the car but have done 24k and the tyres need replacing. Since the car has an extended warrantee doesn’t this come under that. If Toyota are supplying substandard tyres why hasn’t their been a recall and why are more people complaining. I will chase this up with Toyota as they are surely aware of it.
George

Paul sorry but you have been sucked in just like I was. There is nothing wrong with the tyres, the Kluger and Camry both just suffer from excessive tyre wear. I pity anyone who owns the 2WD (Front WD) Kluger.
Murray

I have a new ’08 Kluger AWD.
Since new the front tyres appear to be scrubbing on the inner and outer edges.
Has anyone else had this problem.
Had Toyota check the alignment but it still seems to scrubbing mainly on the outer edge. They suggested that I increase the tyre pressure to around 36-38 psi up from the 31 recommended by the factory.
Any advice would be helpful
http://Austin Paul Blackshaw

The tyreman from Goodyear told me the big tyres 265/65/17 on the Prados and the like should be at 40psi not the recommended 32 that Toyota put in them.They will give you a firmer ride but will last a lot longer. The RACQ man also confirmed this and he sticks 40psi in his little service truck!
Tony

identical problem to Murry with 08 Kluger AWD Grande. Toyota dealer were not interested. They blew the tyres up to 36psi.(recommended on plate is 210 kpa or 30 psi.

I am going to take it to a wheel alignment specialist to see if they can stop outer edges of tyres feathering. If i dont they wont last 20,000km, have done only 8,800km now and have been rotated twice
Scotty

We have 1985 Diesel 5 speed Diesel Toyota Landcruiser. We are trying to decide between a second hand Kluger, Prado or Territory. I don’t know what the luggage capacity is in the Toyota’s. Territory is 1153L / 523L. Does anybody know and do you have any comments? Our cruiser has 367 000 Bitumen Kms and no rust, 100% reliable. what do you think the chances are of getting the same reliability these days?
Monty

Scotty … I think the chances of getting 367000kms these days without some trouble are pretty slim. The big difference between now and and the 85 Diesel Cruiser is that your old Cruiser is relatively simple and solid in design, whereas nowadays everything is electronic, lightweight and complex.

I’m at a bit of a crossroads now too with a 1999 Holden Jackaroo Monterey with 150000 on the clock. Nowhere near the longevity of your cruiser so far but also no big issues ever. I’m considering whether to sell it now or do it up and keep her for another 5 or 7 years.

I won’t get $10k selling her, but it will cost me around $50k to replace.
Scotty

We thought about doing our cruiser up, but which bits do you do up and I guarantee the bit you don’t do up is the bit you will need to down the track and as you say, it will end up the value of a new car anyway. We still cling to our old cruiser hoping for some inspiration. We have checked out second hand cruisers on line and there seem to be some great buys out there. We find we love the luggage compartment the most as there is ample room, somewhere to sit with the top/bottom doors and protection from rain if you can load in the right spot at supermarkets. I think we’ll end up going the second hand cruiser. Another factor which helps us make this decision is that the older we get the harder it is to get out of a sedan. We’ve also taken an interest in the holden captiva, but who knows.
Doug

At 41000ks we are wrapt with our KXR. We are about to replace original tyres with winter coming on- they could have done 45000+. Fuel cons. has only been over 10l/100k once, almost always in the low 9l/100k area and has been into the 7l/100k range on open country interstate trip. Car has good sit up seating position, great back seats, great air conditioning system, big wheels for country road comfort and clearance.
not so happy DB

My wife’s Kluger’s tyres all needed replacement at 26000K’s?Was first warned of wear at 20,000k’s. At $500 a picee what a great addition to the family annual costs?

all dealers response was, thats usual! I hope not and am investigating further
Nitin

Gentlemen!! Allof you who wrote about their Klugers. I own an 07 2WD Kluger. So far i have already done around 59000K’s and it is now that i am looking at replacing all the four tyres. The key is, I always maintain equal and correct tyre pressure in all the tyres, check them once every fortnight. Always fill up 34psi in all four tyres. And always get the four wheels rotated at every scheduled service. Believe me, it helps !!!!
http://caradvice.com.au KLUGERLUGER

Just coming up to 50000kms in my 2WD and the tyres are still good for another 10000kms – and I NEVER check them! I’m more than happy with this car – I do a lot of freeway driving, the cruise control is smooth, the ride and comfort better than my old Merc! Fuel economy overall averages around 10.2litres/100kms but on the freeway gets down to 9. My only gripe is that now I’m considering buying a caravan and the max towing weight is a conservative 2000kg – 300kg less than the up-spec’d Territory and well below the designed towing vehicles (Landcruiser etc), I’m a bit limited.

Is it possible to get an after market upgrade to tow (say) another 300kgs legally?

Carfanatic

Just wait til the Territory owners see this one and start telling you all how much better their cars are.

Tip: Just ignore them, you got the better vehicle.
Tomas79

I belive so, but that might require replacing parts of the suspension (coils and dampers).

I used to own a Jeep Cherokee that had seriusly beefed up towing capacity..

Tomas79

I sugest you talk to the guys at your nearest ARB store with regards increasing your towing capacity.

http://caradvice.com.au KLUGERLUGER

Thanks for the tips guys!

One of my best mates owns a Territory – engine blew up after 20000kms. Now I’m not saying that’s a common problem – and Ford replaced the engine under Warantee – no problems. However he was without his car for 4 months! and no replacement vehicle from the dealer! Shame, shame, shame!

http://caradvice.com.au KLUGERLUGER

Er…sorry – that’s warranty….a ‘warantee’ is a cross between a warranty and a guarantee!
http://CarAdvise Klugerdave

I have been the proud owner of a 08 AWD Kluger Grande for about 18 months.
After hearing abought excessive tyre wear. I guess I expected the worst.
To my surprise we are almost at 50,000 kns and tyres still have life in them. Yes it done mostly touring
Trips include Noosa Darwin and Perth had tyre damaged at Devils Marbles.
I damaged a tyre in thcar park. Do you think I ciould find a replacement anywhere in NT nope. This was and is the only problem I have had with this vehicle. No complaints at all. To me its a superb vehicle.
http://none rene

Its not whether you take care or not, i look after my car and if you aint checked your tyres and your up to 50k, your irresponsible.

The tyre wear, i had my first set, scrubbed in 10k! toyota gave me 1 new tyre and used my spare, and left me with a used spare, hence, i pursued this and now i simply dont rotate, my rears are originals, still got 10k+ left in them at least, maybe 20k, but im on my 3rd front sets.

I have 4 spare in the garage and got them at 200 each bargain! lol

I wont align it anymore, did it over 10 times and made absolute no difference except to my bank balance! So now i simply strip and fit it, where the outer side is swapped around and the good inner side goes to the outside. Hence, i get 20k from each set now!

Well dont toyota, love the car, too bad about the expensive appetite for front left tyres!
Scott

Yes, I have purchase 2nd hand 2007 new release model with the 3.6 Ltr V6. Figures are similar to those quoted. Approx 9 to 10 Lts per 100km out of town no towing, approx 12 to 13 in town. When towing a Jayco Flamingo Campervan around the 14 to 15 Ltrs per 100km. Not to bad for a petrol V6. Unfortunatley Toyota Kluegars are not yet in diesel which would certainly give more back on the fuel figures and overall running costs. Agree also with the increased tyre pressures being a 19 inch tyre I am currently running at 38 psi and 40 when towing in the rear tyres. They are comfortable, reliable and plenty of room for the growing family. Have three boys over the 10 years old mark, they all fit and have plenty of room. Leather seats are easy to clean and maintain, 7 airbags are great safety features. Steering can be a little light being the 2WD model on slippery roads. The manual traction control feature is very handy. The factory Toyota Towpack fitted is rated for 2,000kg more than enough for a campervan or small to medium pop top. Tows very well. Having the front wheel drive model gives extra leg room for the adjustable rear seats. Agree that the middle rear seat could be a little more inviting in size. Very happy with overall added a tjm nudge bar, vehicle came standard with fog lights. The design has certainly taken into consideration for the growing family in mind, we fit 5 of us in no worries the two smaller rear seats do fold down to a reasonable boot space, however is relatively small when the back rear seats are setup.

Did not like the look or feel of the Ford Territorys, too bulky, get out there and test drive the latest Toyota Klueger’s you will not be disapointed.
singer jerry

this is attractive, worthy of some observation yet a very vulnerable due to its front wheel drive system + the mass it has. Put it simple, if this was a 4.0L V6 with at least 360Nm of torque and over 210kW of power I would buy one tomorrow or in a week because i would love to enjoy that front wheel drive under steer while overtaking and a bit of a tire squeak and so on. But just 337Nm at high 4700rpm and peak of somewhat low 201kW at very high 6200rpm reminds me of the old auron 2006 i traded in for a 2008 bf mkiii wagon which is a lot more responsive, simpler less advanced at least in the dashboard clock area, but again if this was say supercharged by TRD then i would not mind having one. Still go for Ford Territory, a better car all round, the RWD model. After all you may opt for a nice VZ SS 6.0L manual for under twenty grand.
singer jerry

it is an absolute shame that an old GL Falcon non injected which was about to be crushed keeps up with the 200kW+ RAW 4, i have seen this last year before we crushed the falcon, it was the managers raw 4 with half a tank on premium while the GL 1988 was running what ever was in the tank, it was next to the RAW 4 V6 3.5 the whole time before we wrecked the car buy revving it with no oil in it!, that is a 120kW/320Nm sedan versus a 204kW/337Nm V6 in a 4WD car which is still supposed to destroy the old 3.9L carby powered GL Falcon 1988 inline six, people stay away from the V6′s, stick with I6s and V8s, they are balanced at least!

Scott

Yep, hearing what you say unfortunately you might as well be driving around in a Ford Courier 4.0 Ltr V6 certainly are very responsive, but use fuel like a V8 and are about as comfortable as driving down dirt corrigated roads.

The current VVTI – Toyota V6′s were revamped after this period on the newer models above and are more responsive. Why would you go to a bigger 4.0 ltr V6 front wheel drive anyway, might as well go the whole hog and put in V8′s and have no traction at all. Also have a Mk 11 Falcon straight six XT on dual fuel as recommended for towing and change over to gas.

Does certainly all the above, but lacks for a growing family and creature comforts on bigger trips. Is quite reasonable on the gas approx $25 to $30 to fill.

As a 2nd vehicle around town great!! but on trips I would prefer the Kluger hands down compared to the Ford Territory. Very standard features and cabin fit out.