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.
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HI ALL,
we pick up our kx-r in a few weeks. my advice is to hound toyota dealers as we got a great deal. 7 seater, uv cut and tinted windows throughout, and full leather upgrade for $39,500. yes, it is a 2008 build and that price is on the road. cheers and good luck
which dealer was this at because we are looking into buying a kluger too.
I am interested in buying a a new suv…Kluger Grande AWD. Subaru Tribecca,mazda cx9,or simillar i drive them all and find really hard select.
price almost the same,feature all different,but as an Toyota employee i do get 21% discount on the Kluger
please give any advised….
Any advice would be appreciated.
Here is some advice, why would you NOT get the Kluger? People who dont get discounts are going for them in great numbers, you get a discount on a market leader (its one a number of awards such as people mover of the year by Drive)
hi TP
thanks for your advised
one more question .Do you have any idea when the new update version of Kluger will be here.i ve seen Kluger (call highlander )in Japan look quite different (side indicator on the side mirror like the Toyota Aurion )and how often they will upgrade their Model?
Hi ROBERT TRAN,
Finally they have got the design correct as before this model was an ugly hideous look to it. The new design looks well proportioned and right and no real flaws in design in my opinion. Concerning upgrade it would be only minor if at best to change as spot on, sweet inside too and classy. But then again with Mazda 7 and 9 released they look the goods as well across the board….go for a drive in them all and there is no better indication then that!
As for awards; dont forget that the Mazda’s not that long released and they look hotter then others in my view. Particular the 7 and there is a fair amount around.
hi
would anyone know Toyota Kluger in the Hybrid form ever come to Australia,?in happen oversea ….and when???
thanks
Hi there – to those who have purchased the all new Kulger Grande, we just looked at the Kluger Grande on the weekend and are pretty impressed. But given the talk about discounts, I am now very keen to know how much to negotiate – if you don;t mind sharing how much you paid. The options we need are tow bar, roof racks, carmats, side steps, boot mat, tinted windows, front and rear parkings sensors. All advice welcome.
to those who have purchased the all new Kluger Grande, we just looked at the Kluger Grande on the weekend and are pretty impressed. But given the talk about discounts, I am now very keen to know how much to negotiate – if you don;t mind sharing how much you paid. The options we need are tow bar, roof racks, carmats, side steps, boot mat, tinted windows, front and rear parkings sensors. All advice welcome.
Price up some trainer wheels for the door handles while you’re at it, Millie. Or buy WHEELS Car of The Year issue to become truly informed.
These cars age quick on me as slab sided and average from side on….like the model it replaced!
Ugly AND Unstable, Naughtyius Maximus.
I am not planning on driving the car on a closed dirt road. Would get a Landcruiser or Land Rover if that was the mission. So, can you help me with my question?
Millie,
You can negotiate all you want but you will still pay to much for what it is. Its a over-rated overpriced Vehcile.
Thats what toyota stand for, right TP?
You would be better off looking at the Hyundai Santa fe elite Deisel. Twice the car for a fraction the price and save the pain of negotiating a better deal.
I have just ordered a 2WD Grande in Graphite.. I purchased it for $55,000 on road… Not bad, love that car..
I have had Holdens most of my life, they are crap, rattles, squeaks, engine problems, you cant compare the Daewoo Captiva with the Kluger or Territory.
Best buy, Toyota, best cars in the world.
George we are looking at the same car, did you specify any options and how long do you need to wait? I have been quoted $61K on road.
Cheap at twice the price and good resale should get at least 25k as a trade in 4 years time.
Skid steer or semi skid steer version?
At least the old model was based on Lexus 330 and offered genuine AWD as standard.
Got to hand it Toyota bring out a new inferior model which is cheaper to manufacture and charge more for it.
Love it. Come in spinner. Ha Ha Ha.
Kluger leads the category in sales. Realcars Id really like to here why this is the case… given people actually test drive all the vehicles and then decide on the best vehicle… you havent even driven the Kluger let alone the others. Another Ford armchair Fairy critic.
I have just purchased Kluger KX-S AWD. Delivery in 3wks.
Researched plenty before purchasing but nobody on forums seemed to be putting forward the deals they were getting. You never feel like you ‘win’ but I was happy with the deal I got and more wrapped with the car. Probably could have pushed them harder in hindsight…don’t go there!!
On Road $52,500. Incl Towbar; Mats; Rubber Cargo Mat; Roof Rails and Probike Rack…all genuine. Also included access to ‘gold-fleet discount’.
Does anyone have any recommendations about Leather Protection; Paint Protection and UV window tint/glaze for privacy glass. They say its a clear UV glaze for privacy glass and tint to match on front windows. Is the clear UV necessary?
JUST ORDER…….LOVE IT……A NEW GRANDE 2WD….IN GRAPHITE….IT GOT EVERYTHING ..NO NEED FOR ANY OTHER OPTION…ALL FOR 49K DRIVEAWAY…
TEST DRIVE LOT OF OTHER CX9,TRIBECA,RAV4 V6,BUT NONE OF THEM CAN MATCH THE kLUGER GRANDE IN FEATURE
IT IS THE RIGHT DECITION??????ANYOTHER IDEA????LOVE TO SHARE…
CANT WAIT
why doesn’t toyota bring out a diesel manual version of the kluger so you can utilise the awd while getting the improved fuel mileage – l guess l’ll have to look elsewhere maybe vw passat station wagon – don’t trust the holden captiva resale value and they are too small and narrow. l have always owned toyota cars and have had no regrets at all.
I drove a few SUV the kluger KXR was the smoothest quietest and the best we traded in our 2007 model for it for the toeing capacity and luxury of the Kluger. We are picking it up in November, we got 30k for out rav we paid 30k for our rav 12months ago and we did 25000km in it the trade in price was just 14k AWESOME we are rapped we can toe that caravan as well WOOHOOO smooth quiet and people who know NVH!! We got it in Graphite as well ROBERT TRAN!!
we purchased a new 2008 kluger recently and we love it, the first day we got it we packed up the family and went camping.Lucky kluger was straight onto the off road tracks down the coast , sensational.kids love the back seating arrangements and comforts, we love everything about it. One thing we have found is that when you drive it you can tell every territory driver wishes they had one.
Good to see it hasnt rolled on you yet !
But how can you tell Territory drivers want one,you maybe confused with that startled look on their faces,its not envy its “my god I cant believe someone bought one”
Crow Eater – have you ever considered that when a person in a territory drives by they are actually thinking to themselves – my god I can’t believe they bought an over-priced over rated soft roader.. they obviously got bamboozled by the marketing and the smooth talking salesman…. oh well they’ll be sorry when it comes time to repair their beloved Toyota
I am hoping someone can help me out. My husband is looking at an 06′ Kluger for me tomorrow, and i can’t get over there to see it myself. I am just wondering how good the 3rd row seats are? As in, is there much leg room? I am not too worried about head room, because it looks to be ok, my main concern is leg room. Do they have much space, or are they basically flush to the floor similar to dickie seats in regular wagons? Any help anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated.
I can’t see why certain individuals consider the Kluger an ugly car. Compared to the Ford Territory, the Kluger is what you’d consider a car, not some wanky, heightened Ford Falcon.
The interior of the KX S, R models certainly do look a little bland… My main gripe is that the third row seats don’t offer a 50/50 split.
Thinking about it, certain individuals may hold a stigma against Japanese manufactured cars. To the person who suggested the Hyundai Santa Fe, or the like, be prepared to pay for major repair costs in the near future; it might even be tomorrow.
needs split folding 6/7 seats . no room for luggage if carrying 6 passengers and would preferr red and blue buttons for front aircon adjust instead of the huge knobs
Went around looking for a Kluger…
Got quoted 41.5K for a 2WD-7Seat, what is the best price you think I should pay.
onroad
got a grande 4 by 4 today, 62000, including mats, cargo mats etc… very hard to get one now, with the colour we want, have to wait till nov this year… is this a good price?
that’s a good price! Which dealership is that? Just bought one Kluger Grande this week for $65K on road but i get the car in 3 weeks
I am not sure if I will add the reverse sensors as the new model Kluger Grande 2009 comes with a reverse camera. Any opinion on this?
tayota kluger is the best!
its soo good
i cant believe you guys got it for 62,000 or 65000 thats too much!
where did u get it from?
pleasee reply
thank you
Hannah,
if you think $62,000 or $65,000 is too much for a AWD Grande, please tell me where you can get any cheaper, as i am looking for AWD Grande at the moment. i would even be interested knowing where the $62,000 vehicle was purchased from.
thank you
mick
mick,if you are in Perth you could get it for around $56000 (demo ones) I saw about 5 AWD Grande demos in the West Australian motor section, it’s really worth to buy a demo one.