New Toyota Kluger Raises the Bar
August 9, 2007 by George Skentzos
Update: Toyota Kluger Review.
Toyota expects increasing demand in the medium SUV segment with its new Kluger that is available, for the first time, in 2WD as well as AWD.
The new Toyota Kluger is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. It is also more fuel-efficient compared with both the previous model and its main competitor.
Toyota’s senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the new Kluger is four vehicles in one.
“It drives and handles like a car, it has the space and convenience of a station wagon, and it has the ground clearance and AWD to cope with off-road conditions.”
The new Kluger will be available in three model grades in both 2WD and AWD variants – KX-R, KX-S and Grande – with seating for up to seven people.
It will also feature electronic Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Active Braking with Intelligence – the combination of Anti-skid Brakes, Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution all as standard with a segment-leading total of seven airbags.
Although possibly the most important standard safety addition is a reversing camera fitted standard across the range, which should prevent drive-way accidents for which medium SUV’s have become notorious for.
Powered by an efficient new 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, it develops 201kW on regular unleaded fuel, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine in its class.
At the same time, next-generation Kluger is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor – using just 11.0 litres/100km for all models except the AWD Grande which is rated at 11.6 litres/100km.
Print it: 
I think it is seriously ugly !
Maybe it’ll look better in the flesh.
Great improvement over old model is all what matters. Looks bit like a Forester with sides of each light pulled back towards rear. Inside looks great! Side on line o bottom of glass should be bit curved upwards as it progresses backwards as looks utilitarian and bland (like an X Trail).
I like the look,
it looks big without being SUVish big, it looks more like a musculer wagon. Plus a huge improvement over it’s frumpy predecessor.
Anything over last model must be an improvement, that model look crap. This one looks much better, it will look much better in the flesh too
Until I see one in the metal I am calling the new Kluger incredibly bland. The slabness of it is completely uninspiring.
I’m not too fussed about the looks (it isn’t totally ugly) but what’s more important is function and safety, for that it appears to score highly. I’ve got a Territory which i use a lot for towing (one of the main reasons i got one) which is does extremely well. But the new Kluger being limited to 2000kg and front wheel drive is disappointing – don’t need the AWD function but probably have to option it for towing??. I haven’t towed a heavy weight with a Front WD before so i’m not sure if it will be as good as the Territory in that respect.
“New Toyota Kluger Raises the Bar”
It doesn’t raise my bar! ;-)
Froggy… ewwwwwwwww =P
If I was spending more than 40 grand of my own money on a new car, there is no way I could buy something that UGLY!!! I don’t care how reliable it is.
It looks like a car a bean counter would buy, only if they splurged a little.
They might as well all be beige.
I’m more excited about the Hyundai and Kia equivalents. And I hold Toyota in higher regard.
I guess the tables are starting to well and truly turn.
Steve
Give Toyotas some handling dynamics and styling and i’ll buy one!
until then, they still aren’t the best car maker in my opinion.
bought a new Kluger Grande today :-) the dealer was packed with people lining up to look and drive one. it looks heaps beter in the flesh and what you get for under $60k is fantastic buying compared to the now out dated territory. plus service costs are capped for the first 3 yrs and it drives fantastic with heaps of grunt and a nice note to boot. plus the kids will be entertained with the fold out DVD. cant wait 3-4 weeks delivery. these will sell like hot cakes!! good news for ford territory buyers as they will probably discount them to move them.
The new Toyota Kluger = Ford Territory Killer..Amen!
Hi Mars, We also looked at the kluger today and we are thinking of trading our Prado for a grande kluger, but we are a little worried about room since the back seats are bench not singel, how many kids do you have??? Did you drive the grande or a different modle?
thanks india
I went to have a look at the new Corolla today (Planning on buying one soon) and came across the Kluger. It was parked next to a territory (coincidence?). After seeing a few pictures on the net I thought to myself “what a ugly car”. In the flesh, it looks like one awsome car.
hi india,
i drove kx-s which is really the same car with out the extra goodies. we have one child so the captain style rear seat really suit us plus you can have the extra seats if car pooling. but the reason went for the grande is the DVD,bluetooth and sat nav which doubles up as reverse camera screen.
Doug,
yeh i also think the styling is awsome. it’s fresh looking and a hell of an improvement on the previous model.
mars
I was quoted a driveaway price of $52,500 on a KX-S AWD (RRP: $54,990 + ORC = close to 60k). I thought that was a mad deal given the fact that I didn’t even bargain. The salesperson I spoke with dropped a hint that it can even be further negotiated. Yesterday, a mail from the dealer arrived in my letterbox containing a sachet of sugar :-), and a note saying “we are willing to further sweeten the deal”.. OMG.. Are they hard selling the Kluger or what. It’s a model just released not more than a month.
In my opinion, the Kluger ticks all the performance boxes. 3rd row space is still average, good enough for short distance and kids only. But the major letdown is its looks, the front is alright but the rear is too flat and looking too much like a VAN. The small tail lights aren’t helping either and makes the car looks cheap.
Anyway, I am going to wait for the CX-9 before making a decision with my money. From the pictures I’ve seen so far — it looks freaking awesome
hi robb,
i assume you went to the largest toyota dealer in melbourne? i too got the sugar in the mail even after i ordered the car? my take on the pricing is toyota are chasing market share and quickly. its claimed that toyota need to move 20,000 klugers in 12 months and you wont move volume selling at retail prices. all good for the buyer. plus the other reason that swayed me was the capped service cost over 3yrs….$150 per service is great value. plus i leased it over 3yrs with a 30% residual so it will owe me around $16000 which is fantastic assuming the car holds around 60% resale over 3 yrs. oh only 2 more week for delivery looking foward taking a long drive with my daughter being entertained by Hi5 playing on the DVD.
mars
mars,
Yes the biggest toyota dealer in melbourne but not sure if they still are given a few others have upsized recently. Anyway.. abt the Kluger. Congrats on your purchase of the Grande. That model has all the gadgets & toys packed to bursting at the seams. It certainly has a great value proposition for the asking price. Even the mid-range KX-S is already on par with the Territory’s range-topping Ghia model — Leather, reverse cam, premium sound, etc. Oh not.. the 7-seater is still an option in the Territory Ghia while already standard in the Kluger KX-S.
I agree with you on Toyota’s strategy with the Kluger. If I recall.. Toyota Australia’s has a commitment to Japan that they will sell the Kluger in great number for Japan to build a RHD version. So anyone wanting to get a Kluger remember to bargain real hard and not paying any on-road cost is just a beginning… :-)
I will still wait till end of the year to see what the CX-9 has to offer.
hi robb,
if you went to the ‘beach box’ capital of australia then yes they are the biggest dealer. i did take a territory for a drive and must admit it wasnt to bad however the fuel consumption really put me off which goes to show how outdated the the engine is compared to the kluger. plus with thousands out there I’m now sick at seeing one every five minutes . ideally i to would of liked to compare the CX9 but cant wait until november.
mars
I test drove the new Kluger today – I have never considered an SUV until today. I was VERY impresed with the quality, features and the way it drove – BRILLIANT. I’m putting my order in……..
Am interested in KX-S AWD version. Whats the best deal anyone has been offered on this?
I have just ordered a 7 seater KX 2WD as our “Grey Nomad” tourer… not for towing or off road, just comfortable and safe long distance driving.
We traded a 2000 Falcon wagon, and got very bottom of the red book valuation ($4000) plus $4500 discount, (or did they give me the top of the red book valuation ($6000) plus $2500 discount…..one never really knows as they don’t give a breakdown of their figures).
Another dealer whom we saw first, and without any haggling offered us $4000 trade plus $2500 discount.
When we went back and told them we had signed the other deal said, “oh why didn’t you come back to us we would have done better”.
Now, I have never bought a new car before (having had company cars for the past 25 years)so this is a new experience to me, so I don’t know if this is standard practice. Still I am happy and can’t wait to get it.
However, it appears Toyota has no stock of Klugers except for the demos in their yards, ours was ordered 3 weeks ago with a promised delivery of next week, but I doubt that will happen…. The dealer said he has about 75 Klugers on order so far, which are all on a ship and was very evasive about when we would actually see the car!
I too am interested in the best price someone has been offered for a KX-S AWD?
I purchased a Kluger KX-R 2wd drive last week and was after the graphite colour.Paid $40 900 with side steps and nudge bar.That is a $4 200 dollar discount on the retail price.Not bad!However recieved a phone call from the dealer today and this car will not be available until February 2008.That 5 months??
Matt,
The reason it is Febuary arrival is because of the discount. with new cars if soemone wants a discount they wait for the car. if soeone is will to pay the sticker or only a little discount,i.e. chuck in some mats or something they get it sooner. If you want to wait, haggle. If you don’t want to wait, ask first what is in stock, then ask what they can do for you.
Got a quote for $50k on road KX-S AWD. Price is no good if I have to wait 4 months.
Yer might have screwed them on price too much but have heard of other people in the same boat. The dealer did ring and said he may be able to get one in January but it would be an 07 plate one.I said i would opt for February and was garranteed it would be an 08 plate model.
Well i took delivery of my new grande 2 weeks ago and i am delighted with the vehicle. the softer higher ride took a little getting used to as i have always driven sedans.
what’s most impressive is the amount of space and the power although i am averaging 13-14L/100 city driving which is not that bad. the keys-less start is a great feature as your keys can remain in your pocket and as you approach the vehicle the interior lights come on. the bluetooth is excellent as with the sat-nav which also incorporates a calender and maintenance schedule which you can set for oil,wipers repalcement, tyre rotation etc. over all it bursting at the seams with features and my daughter loves the DVD player.
BTY – MY dealer is quoting Dec delivey on any new orders.
mars
Still a petrol guzzler, the poor old wallet these day’s feel’s very light, no money left for fun, except the thought of getting to the next fuel station, something you look forward to, I suppose thats why I bought my small 4wd so I can go more places (bush) with less burden..
I am interested in getting a Kluger Grade AWD model. What sort of deals have people been getting on this model?
60K is way too much for a car in my opinion.
I was worried about the time i have to wait to get delivery of my Kluger but if Mars is saying everone is waiting until December for delivery give me an 08 model in Feb every time.Something to think about!!!!!!
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. I have a drive away price of $44k on the AWD KXR 7 seater, is that too much?
Hi Suresh,
Great price for the KX-R awd on road.Your question about the capabilities of the Kluger in comparison to the Prado.My frend has got the previous model Kluger and it is definitely a soft roader they have no low range capabilities and are not a serious 4wd However the Prado is a true 4wd with low range better ground clearance and better entry and departure angles.It is horses for courses the Kluger will handle more like a car the Prado more truck like it really depends what you want to do with the vehicle.I have a Land Cruiser and last week bourght a Kluger in 2wd guise because i have no use for a 4wd with limmited capabilities.However the Kluger is a great car and the awd would be useful on snow covered or dirt roads.
Thanks Matt. I was always an admirer of the LC100, then I set my eyes on the Prado as my wife said the LC was quite big and intimidating she doesnt mind the Prado nor the Kluger. I would like the Prado Turbo Diesel for fuel economy but realise I will have to fork out an additional $10K on top of the Kluger price. Did you know the Kluger has a ground clearance of 206 ml?I would love to go to the Vitorian high country, not sure if Kluger can handle it? What is a better car on the long run?
Hi Suresh,
I was aware the Kluger has a reasonable ground clearance but with the absence of low range and not even the ability to have a manual tranmission its the Prado for the rough stuff everytime.I dont thik you will see to many Klugers with mud tyers fitted!I used to do some samber deer shooting in the Dargo High Plains area and i certainly would NOT be taking a Kluger there it really depends what you are doing with the vehicle.For highway driving and driving on unsealed roads the Kluger is great for anything rougher it is the Prado everytime.
I sell new Toyotas and it was good to read everyones feedback. I sold a Kluger Grande today to a family who wanted sat nav and when priced on the kxs it was far more viable with all the goodies that come with the grande to go for the top of the line. I used to sell hondas and the only vehicle that felt anywhere near as great to drive was the mdx. I see a big future in Oz for the new Kluger but it does not pretend to be a serious 4wd like cruiser. I am told that even the last model Kluger was ok in the rough and this is a vast improvement on that model. Truly if you see the vehicle in the flesh and drive it you will love it, it is just a matter of whether it suits your needs and I guess more importantly taste. I am very surprised to hear of those sort of discounts on a vehicle that is still in short supply and bubbling demand. Not to mention the fact that I think it is such great value for money. I wish everyone the best and hopefully you will visit me at surf toyota tweed heads. kind regards mike
Hi all, its funny how everyone says the Kluger is going to do well but at the same time I just find it so difficult to spot one on the road! I know many dealers dont have the vehicle in stock… I also had a look at the new Sante Fe parked at the local shopping centre..looks great.
I’m about to order a Kluger.
One writers review on the Kluger says this about the head lights.
“The low beam spread of the headlights is good but the spread of light in front of the Kluger diminishes when the high beams are used. Considering these vehicles are likely to be driven on dark country roads, better coverage when the lights are on high beam would be welcome.”
I’m going to fit a nudge bar with twin dealer fitted lights. Based on the above comments should these extra lights be pencil beams or spread beams.
The writers comments can be read with out defined meanings.
ie the part better [b]coverage[/b] when on high beam. Like is he referring to depth of field penetration or side spread?
My purpose for these lights is night country road/highway driving. So I’m inclined to go for pencil beams to spots things on the road ahead at speed, like truck tyre remains/animals.
Opinions appreciated.
I bought a new Kluger in 2004 – done 50K, very reliable. My model didn’t handle well on the bitumen and I fitted bigger anti-sway bars – none of these vehicles are going to handle the same as cars!
I chose it because it wasn’t a TANK and unfortunately everyone – that is what the new Kluger is – all 2020 Kilos of the 4×4 model. My 2004 CVX 7seat weighs 1770 Kilos and with 172 Kilowatts I think its at least as nimble as a vehicle that weighs nearly 250 Kilos more, with the same engine but for an extra 190cc and 29 Kilowatts. However don’t take my word, go to the Toyota website – but be careful to look at the 4×4, 7 seat figures – because that’s what the old model was – oh and have a look at the NEW Landcruiser F200 – look familiar? Thats right its the Kluger body – the new Kluger is according to Toyota USA, 5 cubic feet bigger inside than the old Landcruiser the F100. Now that means someone is telling fibs when they call the Kluger a mid-sized vehicle.
I might consider the new 2008 Subaru Trebica 3.6 – saw at the 2008 Sydney Motor Show – 1870 Kilos – same torque as 2007 Kluger – and a nicer looking car after the re-design.
I took delivery of my KXR 2wd 2 weeks ago, and the next morning my wife and I set off from the QLD Sunshine Coast to Sydney via the Pacific Hwy, and what a great drive we had.
It is the first large car we have had and at first it felt a bit daunting, but after a while we found it very easy as it is actually shorter than our old Falcon Wagon so easier to park and the high seating position is great.
The economy readout showed us getting 7.9 as we sailed along the 110km sections, which rose to around 9 once we were in the Sydney traffic. Our return home was via some very hilly routes including gravel as we took the back roads through Wisemans Ferry, Bucketts Way, Thunderbolts Way and some back roads through the Somerset Dam area in the Brisbane hinterland.
The safety features worked a treat in one downhill section of a winding gravel road where we met a truck coming around a bend on our side. A sudden swerve and hard braking on my part was handled as if we were on bitumen… no sliding at all.. just a few beeps from the dashboard which I suppose was it telling me it had switched on some sort of anti skid thing.
The trip was 2,500km, extremely comfortable, and the overall economy was 8.5 L/100km which, while not quite as good as my old AUII wagon (7.5 on similar trips)was perfectly acceptable for such a large and safe feeling car.
I am more than happy with the Kluger, which we bought to do exactly the types of trips described above as we enjoy our retirement. Next week it’s out to Cunnamulla and Bourke!
I am interested in buying a Kluger Grande AWD. What is the best drive-away price one can expect in Melbourne? I can wait till Feb 08 for a ‘08 plated car.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Lee,
Can’t give you a Price on the Grande.
But my AWD 7 seater Kluger prices varied in price for the exact spec’s with the exact number of Genuine Toyota Acc’s. By $3900.
A major Melb dealer scored the $3900 extra trophy award. They didn’t even contact me later on to see how their quote was going with me. I personally believe they over quoted to save any delivery hassles as I don’t live in Melb.
Shop around is my advice and it’s better to do it in person not via the phone.
Good Luck with Grande.
Cheers Gaza.
I had booked Kluger with one of the biggest dealers in Melbourne. During booking I was promised a Mid November 07 delivery. Now it is impossible to get them to commit to a delivery date. Since I can’t wait for an extended delivery date, is it possible to cancel the booking? Has anyone gone through this process?
Cheers
I tried sittting the back (2nd row) and found the middle seat completely useless. The 2 window seats were alright but the middle seat provide close to zero under thigh support. Its back-rest was also way too short and seriously lacked shoulder support. I reckon you will have to extend the head rest to the max or the poor passenger might break his neck in the event of hard braking. The Kluger is essentially a 4-seater without the 3rd row option. Btw, how did you find the 3rd row’s legroom? I wonder if anyone noticed this.
We have just bought a Kluger KXR Dec 2007, and I love it! It handles great on the open road, hill driving and in the city, handled a full load of 7 with ease (3 adults and 4 kids, or 4 adults and 3 kids depending) and comfort, and the back (3rd row) seat was comfortable for a 5ft6 adult for a country trip.
The middle seat size in the 2nd row is disappointing, especially if you need more than 2 kids in car seats, but was OK for even a tall 10 year old for the trip. As for the look, I actually really like it! (well anything above a Daewoo is a bonus, right?!).
We considered a higher model, but in the end optioned up the KXR with what we wanted and still came out ahead. The reversing camera screen is an adequate size in the base model, but is prone to a little sun glare at times.
The handling is light to the touch and on the accelerator also (making it easy to speed unintentionally!) which makes it a very easy car to drive on long trips. The lift up glass tailgate is great when you want to squeeze in that last bit of luggage, but the automatic open on the higher models would be handy with arms full of stuff! Heaps of storage pockets all over the car.
I would like to see consideration to fold down booster seats a la Volvo, and fold down arm rests in the front seats a la some Foresters. Also it is not clear that the bluetooth can handle more than one phone without re-pairing every time drivers change, but we may not have worked that bit out yet…But hey, can’t have everything…! Overall, a great family car, and we are thrilled with it so far.
Can anyone give information or advice on purchasing an 04 toyota kluger cvx. Have read some bad reviews re transmission and now not so sure if purchase we’re about to make is the right one.
Hi. I’m going to buy Kluger KX-R 2WD. I have 3 kids, 13 11 & 9. They say they were very comfortable sitting in the 2nd row seats. Skippy, Can you please let me know, do you still have luggage space while driving 6~7 people ? My dealer gave me a $2500 discount and our KIA Carnival LS 2000 trade in price is $4500. Is this good ??? or should I haggle more ??
i rekon the guys that think it looks ugly dont know what they are talking about. it is a great improvement on the previous modle toyota should be proud.
took delivery of our KX-S AWD about 4 weeks ago. looked at all the competitors before deciding including cx9 and updated Tribeca. Value for $ was the clincher as well as the array of standard features. CX9 looked good but way to loooong, over 5 meters in length and quite heavy on petrol even on our 30km test drive and Tribeca dash was ghastly.
we have done 3-4 long trips to date and i have to say that freeway driving is just as economical as our previous RAV 4, while city driving has trip meter showing between 13-14 lit/100kms so not too bad considering 1900kgs and V6 AWD.
skippy i’m having similar issue with bluetooth, but will speak to dealer soon and post any update as it comes to hand.
To date no regrets on our purchase whatsoever.
I just bought the ks-x awd drive and love it, people that think this is an ugly car must not have any mirrors in there house. I think it looks like the porshe cayene . has anybody had there kluger on the beach yet. i am heading up to foster and would like to take it onto the beach but i am a bit weary of it not being a 4×4 .