Toyota Kluger Review & Road Test

Pros: Power, smoothness, ride, space, quality

Cons: Torque steer, fuel consumption, centre seat

By Karl Peskett | December 28th, 2009

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Price: $31,860 to $49,920

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3
Comfort and Interior	4
Quality & Design	4
Value & Features	3.5
Safety	4
Green	3

It’ll keep Mum watching the road instead of the kids

Model Tested:

2009 Toyota Kluger KX-S; 3.5 litre, six-cylinder, petrol; five-speed automatic; SUV – $49,990*

Options:

Metallic Paint $400

CarAdvice Rating:

Here’s an interesting fact for you: From the start of 2009 to the end of November, Australians had bought a whopping 168,537 SUVs. Yes, our appetite for anything that looks remotely like a four-wheel-drive is truly staggering. Most of it was in the Compact SUV category, but not far behind was Medium SUVs. Toyota’s Kluger sits snugly in the Medium category, where (acording to VFACTS) it battles it out with Hyundai’s Santa Fe R, Kia’s Sorento, Holden’s Captiva, Ford’s Territory and Mitsubishi’s new Challenger.

In the same time period (Jan-Nov 2009) Toyota had sold 11,449 Klugers; over a thousand per month. On average that’s over 30 per day, which shows that people are still buying petrol powered SUVs in their droves. But surely we can’t afford to be filling up at the bowser every two minutes, if the pro-diesel crowd is to be believed.

That’s why manufacturers are beginning to bring out their SUVs with two-wheel-drive instead of all-wheel-drive. There are fewer moving parts, less strain on the driveline, and the result is lower fuel consumption. During ADR compliant fuel consumption testing, Toyota achieved a 0.6-litre/100km reduction by switching to front-wheel-drive only. The 2WD Kluger is also 0.2 seconds quicker from 0-100km/h, meaning there’s definite benefits to losing two extra driving wheels.

The problem comes, of course, when all that power and torque gets channeled through the front wheels only. With 201kW and a useful 337Nm, if you’ve got some lock on when at a T-junction, the steering wheel kicks and scrabbles around in your hands. This wouldn’t normally be a problem, except the Kluger has a very touchy throttle. The problem is exacerbated in the wet, when you have to rely on traction control and ESC to stop you sliding all over the place. Mum had better pay attention while driving.

Once you learn to ease the throttle on, it gets a lot better, and the steering feel is such that you know when you’ve given it more than is prudent. But once it’s hooked up cleanly, the power is very impressive. Overtaking is a breeze, and with a 0-100km/h time of only eight seconds, you can see why Toyota is using its 3.5-litre V6 in several platforms. It sounds fantastic as it builds up, if a little thrashy, and revs cleanly to its limiter.

But the big problem is the fuel consumption. The 2WD Kluger is listed at 11.0L/100km, but despite our best efforts we couldn’t get it below 12.8L/100km, bearing in mind several people climbing aboard at stages of the test. Compare this with another seven seat SUV, the Kia Sorento on our long term test fleet (around 8.3L/100km on test and 7.4L/100km ADR) and you have to wonder why Toyota hasn’t made a diesel engine for the Kluger. We could live with a second or two slower to 100km/h if the fuel wasn’t being used up as quickly, as in a diesel car. The automatic is pretty good, though, with decent shift quality and no indecisiveness.

Where the Kluger redeems itself is inside. For this price range, it’s a beautifully built cabin, and in KX-S spec, there’s plenty of gadgets to keep Dad occupied, like touchscreen SatNav, dual-zone climate with controls on the steering wheel, leather trim, front seat heaters, rear climate control and driver’s seat squab length adjustment. Importantly, there’s a reversing camera screen built into the centre console, which doubles as your air-con display when not in use.

As far as space goes, you can’t get much better than the Kluger. There is absolutely miles of room for front and rear passenger’s legs and heads, and with its sliding centre row, you can be very flexible with seating positions and arrangments. The centre seat in the second row could be a lot bigger, as the two outboard seats are almost buckets in their own right with Statesman-like lounging room. The centre passenger, though, will be either cramped, or get cramps from sitting on the bolstered edges of the adjacent seats.

The third row is quite small, although it’s reasonably easy to get to, so should kids want to sit it the back, they’ll fit with no hassles. With the third row down, the boot has excellent depth, and with hinged rear glass, whacking the shopping in is a breeze.

Where the Kluger also excels is in its ride and handling. There’s an excellent balance between bump absorption and stiffness, given its 19-inch hoops. It’s no Ford Territory in the bends, but for a front-wheel-drive it can hold its head high with reasonable turn in and nice balance. It would be worth the extra dosh ($4500) to opt the all-wheel-drive version if you’re not up for dealing with steering kickback fairly often, but bear in mind you’ll be using extra fuel, too.

On the whole, the Kluger is a decently quick car and a safe proposition, with seven airbags and an ever active stability control system. Being a Toyota, it’s built to perfection, and solidly put together, feeling more expensive inside than it really is. A creamy smooth driveline and excellent space, ride and handling means it ticks all the boxes of most soft-roader buyers. Whether they could put up with the fuel bill is a different story.

The pro-diesel crowd may be on to something.

Ratings:

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The competition

Will

Still no diesel option…how sad.

lazybones

Yup, i took the Santa-Fe R series over this. Not to mention the Kluger doesn’t have a split rear seat so if you only need 1 extra seat you lose all your cargo space.

Wheelnut

A 2 Tonne; FWD Kluger – well maybe that’s the reason why it rolled during the Wheels Magazine SUV Comparison.

Shak

They didnt offer the 2WD back then. By my recollections Toyota officially stated that Wheels, with almost 50 years experience and some very talented drivers had done their own tests wrong. It turned out that the Kluger could not handle that speed on dirt let alone tarmac.

AAA

Who cares about Wheels. The Camira was the car of the year.

Golfschwein

HAHA…but they couldn’t roll a Camira.

The Realst

Wheels who believe the VN Commie was worthy of being Car of the Year?

Robin Graves

A car like this needs a diesel. Once everyone learns how well new diesels go considering how little fuel they use doing so, its only a matter of time before thirsty petrols dont sell any more. I’d go for a Sorrento or Sante Fe R, or even the new Tucson (ix-35) when it comes. They all share the new Hyundai R series diesel.
Baddass

I think the Kluger is quite accomplished, in terms of style. Not excessive overhangs front or rear, surprisingly good-looking tail lights, and well filled out wheelarches. Although it must be pointed out the ridiculous number of badges on the boot lid! If it is neccessary to the design that there is so many badges, place them around the car (such as above the front wheelarch, where the running boards would be, or on the C-pillar like previous generation Prado and 100 Series Landcruiser.) to even out the design.

Callous Aussie

Accomplished in style? Since when did Toyota start doing style? Just like the rest of their range (except perhaps the is300 from lexus) this car is down right aweful to look at.

Baddass

That’s my point. Toyota’s car designs are usually bland and inoffensive to the extreme, which is why I am pleased that for the Kluger, real thought was put into the detailing of the design. I can understand that this design is not exciting enough for some people, but it is most certainly not awful to look at.

Callous Aussie

Toyota have put far too much emphasis on performance in their SUV’s .Seldom are they used as sports cars yet they even market them that way. 200 killer wasps. People don’t buy this type of vehicle for performance and thirst. Wake up toyota and get some diesels in your cars instead of persuing your love affair with hybrids.

With toyota’s wealth one can only imagine where they’d be with diesels by now if they’d followed Korea’s lead.

Whitbomb07

Don’t think it coulld be said any better Callous Aussie…….

Unfortunately alot of mentalities and misconceptions need to be changed before it will ever happen. Both inside many companies aswell as the general public.

I couldn’t give a stuff about how many Kilowasps it has, torque is what matters!

“Salesmen sell you power, the buyer uses torque”

Regards

Whitbomb07
Andrew M

Callous,
totally agree for once dude,
Now these are the sort of cars that I can really see justification in having a diesel Donk. Hybrid tech really is a bit of a W*nk. Toyota rely on it heavily to “Halo” the brand with a “Green” image
Also dont forget to include the Territory on that list for much needed diesel donk.
I suppose at least the Terry has got one penned in, even if it is a bit overdue.

Oh, just one thing to pick, since when were the Koreans considered the diesel leaders???? Dont go saying that around Euro land, as they may have a bone to pick

Callous Aussie

My comment on the Koreans leading the way were levelled exclusively at the Japanese. Afterall they are bitter rivals. It’s no secret there are some fantastic diesel engines in Europe. However let’s not take too much away from the latest offerings in Korea though.

The economy to power ratio of their new engines is outstanding even by European measures. The one thing we can’t judge yet is durability, however if they are in keeping with their petrol engines it won’t be an issue.

Robin Graves

Yep, the Hyundai/Kia ‘R’ series are up there with the big Euro’s. The 2.2lt ‘R’ series puts out 145kW and 436Nm. Not far off the best from Europe. The Koreans have been making gigantic diesel engines for years in the boat building industry, mainly under license from Wartsila etc. Has anyone heard of any reliability issues from the new Korean diesel vehicles?

lazybones

I thought the R Series was a Bosch engine.

Callous Aussie

…and I also meant that the Koreans are pursuing diesel in everything. I am pretty sure toyota has a diesel corolla in Europe. It would sell here even with a 4k price premium. The days of buyer sensitivity in the small car market are gone. We only need to look at the way people are fully optioning the things nowadays.

So it’s a no brainer that Toyota’s SUV’s would all benefit from diesels. I am pretty sure the grey army would prefer these types of vehicles to patrols and landcruisers for towing their caravans with as they tend to be kinder to the joints. Just my observation though.

I personally think diesel tech is the way of the future. Clean diesel through biofuel is now a reality and with algal production ramping up it is even more viable and cost effective. Hybrid has a short life (the battery cost is ludicrous) and BMW have dumped their hydrogen research completely. Therefore it is logical to pursue diesel and I believe the Koreans are already wise to the fact.

It is and always has been the only effective way to move large vehicles efficiently. All those Semi drivers can’t be wrong.

Callous Aussie

After posting I found this. Maybe this is the first step towards a diesel range for them?

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/7561049FBDCEA0A8CA2570AD000A77B9
Andrew M

But diesel isnt cleaner.

IMO the diesel option only satisfies the lack of torque in the petrol equivalents.

Callous Aussie

So it matches diesel for economy then? An equivalent tank size will get the same milage? I doubt that. Very much. One of the big selling points for diesel in passanger vehicles is the ability to go an extra week without filling up.

You don’t get that with gas unless you go duel fuel and then you lose space and add weight.
Andrew M

The world operates on the dollar, not consumption.
Lets be honest with ourselves, we are all slaves for the dollar, and thats what really matters. People whinge more at the cost of fuel than the actual consumption figure.
Even if it chewed 40L I would still see it as a viable option if it still worked out cheaper
Simon

Andrew M I’m sure we’ve had this discussion before? Diesel range is far superior.
Pretend you are travelling around Oz. You’re in a medium SUV and towing a caravan. Your consumption will already be higher than normal. How much higher will depend on the fuel you are burning and obviously the kind of car. LPG will have the biggest increase, then petrol, then diesel.
Rather than stop at every major town or 2 to fill up with LPG you would rather get a day’s travel done between fills. The economic difference at this level (LPG vs Diesel) is marginal, possibly in favour of diesel depending on circumstance. The difference in terms of convenience is huge.
Andrew M

So you have travelled the country in an LPG vehicle???
Sure LPG isnt available at every servo, but its not as scarce as people may think. Diesel isnt available at every servo either, but its not scarce.
Stick to the main roads and finding LPG wont be a problem. Head off the track and you may want to at least plan your trip first

Im not saying LPG will out do a diesel for L/100k, nor have I ever.

Also, LPG wont have the biggest increase under load, petrol will, followed by LPG then of course Diesel at the least.

LPG will also make the biggest gains on HWY cycle compared to any of the other 2 fuels.

Im not saying LPG is the be all and end all, just that its a better alternative than many think, and the sooner manufacturers get more serious about it, the better
Simon

I must be missing something. LPG has a lower energy density per L than petrol and diesel. Hence why you need to burn more to produce the same output. The advantage of LPG is it’s price. Try placing any engine under load and it consumes more. The LPG will drink vastly more as, previously mentioned, it needs to burn more to produce the same output. This is why litre for litre you get more range from petrol compared to LPG.
As for diesel’s availability. I’m yet to find a petrol station that doesn’t have it. Another factor is if you run out of diesel, there are lots of trucks and earth moving machines that use it. I’ve heard of people getting diesel from such sources when they inadvertently ran out in the middle of nowhere. Good luck getting a LPG top up.
For an average car in average use, LPG is cheaper and cleaner but be prepared to load up a lot more often. For any towing/carrying, diesel is the best way to go.
Andrew M, next time you get a chance to get a hire car – ask for a diesel. I think the proof is in the driving.

Staggers

It does not surprise me that there is no diesel engine as the Kluger is made primarily for the American market. There is however a hybrid model for sale in the US, so maybe Toyota Australia should bring that model over.
Elfin

Solution for fuel use……L P G!

Whitbomb07

Yeah that’ll work 20-30l/100km, 2-300km range? I’d rather take an electric!

Or do you plan to fit a 200litre tank to it and weigh it down even more?

Regards

Whitbomb07

Andrew M

Since when did LPG economy triple that of petrol consumption???

No need to exaggerate, The old tech LPG systems werent that bad let alone the new tech versions

Whitbomb07

Andrew get a calculator out this ones straining you too much.

The review said 12.8l/100km, I said 20-30l/100km, that’s one and a half to two and third times more.

Triple would be nearly 40l/100km, now that is unreasonable.

In a car of it’s weight, size and aerodynamics it’s different to a Falcodore sedan/ute so don’t bother using that as a baseline.

For someone who does nearly 50,000km a year, I won’t be going near a LPG vehicle, I prefer to get around 1000km to a tank thanks and not have to worry so much about where and when the next fillup is, especially on road trips.

Regards

Whitbomb07

Andrew M

Yep review said 12.8L, but its “official” is 11L
Wheter or not it achieves it in real world is irrelevant because its the bench mark to start from.

Triple would be 33L, so whats a few litres between friends.

Even if you want to get technical, it still wont be near 2 and a half time the consumption that you claim.

Sure its not a Commodore or Falcon, but LPG consumption will still be relative to the petrol version.
LPG will typiclly increase the L/100k by 20-ish%. The saving comes from it being 60-ish% cheaper. Some systems are better than others too.

What makes you think in the instance of a heavier Kluger type vehicle it will increase by 150%???
Actually have a look at whats going on with LPG before you start sticking your chest out.
In 2005 they did a consumption test between Diesel, Hybrid and LPG.
The LPG vehicle was a Territory.
The Terry won overall as it was a test based on the most cost effective fuel source, but as a reference the Territorys fuel consumption was 13.36 litres/100 km.
Based on you highly accurate suck of the thumb it should have been 30L/100k…..
Callous Aussie

I’d say 16-18 ltrs per 100k’s on LPG in typical driving would be closer to the mark. The “official consumption” is done on rollers in a workshop. The larger vehicles do suffer a wider discrepency in the real world due to the “movement of mass” and aerodynamics but it wouldn’t be 150% . Not a chance in hell. However performance is definately worse and torque drops even moreso due to the lack of a good explosion in the cylinders.

For mine a diesel would get the nod over LPG. Again the cost of conversion to LPG and the loss of storage space is a negative. Unlss you plan to keep the car for 150,000 k’s in far nth Queensland it isn’t viable. LPG is over 80cents a litre up here.
Andrew M

The old tech LPG system didnt even chew 18L.
These new systems are very nearly matching the petrol, and thats with out any manufacturer giving it a real opportunity.

Also incase you didnt know LPG is known to actually give you more Torque than petrol, dont know where you get your explosion in the cylinders theory.
LPG will give you a better bottom end……FACT.

Also did you not read my example of the real world test where the Territory achieved 13 odd L/100k????
Your figures are just guestimation. Ive at least come up with an example of a situation that has actually been tested

Oh and LPG conversion costs are a negative????
Since when didnt they slug you a premium for the Diesel option???
At least you get a Gov rebate for LPG
Callous Aussie

Cubic for cubic Diesel kills lpg for torque. Yes the LPG is cleaner, but that is entirely due to sulphur which in the newer engines has been reduced and in Bio-diesel would be removed completely.

My Holden V8 was on gas and there was a noticable drop in power and torque when it was switched. The kick in the back that only a V8 can give was much less noticable on gas.

As an aside, LPG will give far better results as an injection into a diesel engine at a ratio of 25% than it will running solo in a petrol engine. Diesel engines see increases of up to 40 percent in power and 30 percent in torque.
Andrew M

Your Commy was living in the yesterday.
LPG systems are now quite good.
Ive read of SS Commodores on new tech conversions that actually record power increases. The main difference I have found with LPG is that LPG doesnt rev as high, but same can be said for diesel I suppose.

Yep the diesel LPG systems do show reasonable power increases, but its not hard since diesel usually starts with much power in the first place.

Sure cubic for cubic Diesel will kill LPG on torque, but dont forget Diesel is Turbo assisted.
Boost an LPG engine and the big difference wont exist.

Also Cube for cube I wouldnt mind betting LPG might then sneek in front in the economy stakes……..
jon

Your pretty close to the mark with your figures Callous Aussie, my RTV dedicated lpg ute returns on average 17-18 litres per 100km.
Andrew M

jon,
Dont forget the RTV runs different ratios etc because it is a commercial vehicle.
Also the RTV only ran a 4sp box.
I used to have an E-Gas ute and it returned around the 15L mark whilst constantly towing, and no open road.
Open road with out a load and The trip meter would display 800ks per tank. (10L/100k)
Mine was a 5sp manual though, Im sure that would have helped a little

Also to note is the Falcon till next year still uses the old tech LPG system.
A new tech system running through the now usual 6sp box wont return 18L.
Robin Graves

I wonder just how ‘dedicated’ the dedicated cars really are. I think if it was designed from a clean sheet to run solely on LPG it would fare better. Compression ratio, camshaft profiles, induction system, ECU are areas where they need to be different from petrol to make LPG a viable option. LPG has a lower calorific value than petrol so it will always use more fuel for the same energy output – just costs a lot less. CNG would be better for Australia seeing we have millions of cubic meters of it in the North West Shelf, but its hard to store in a vehicle as it remains as a gas – unless refrigerated which is uneconomical.
Andrew M

Which is why I said I wouldnt bother with duel, just dedicated.

FYI the E-Gas motor does receive different tuning and piston rings etc.

The E-Gas motor is built different for LPG, its not just a gas hose drilled into the inlet manifold like you may think
Robin Graves

Nope, I didnt think it was just a bodge job. I was actually thinking the same thing you were. I think LPG gets a raw deal because manufacturers dont do it like it should be, 100% dedicated. It needs more than just rings, CR needs to be hiked, camshafts changed etc but all that stuff costs a lot of money for the manufacturer, extra parts need to be carried for spares etc etc, not to mention the development.
jon

Andrew M, oh dont get me wrong the fuel consumption and the cost of gas is the best part of this car

Golfschwein

YES! YES! Super idea! Let’s put a giant silver LPG tank in the thing and erode its practicality to Corolla level!

Andrew M

Come on Golfie,
you still havent got the hang of the concept of putting the tank underneath yet hey??? dedicate the bugger!!!!

How you been by the way??

Prob been a while since you have been striied, so hows your enviro polluting diesel going???
Cheers

Whitbomb07

There’s only so much space ‘underneath’ just accept the fact that without taking up alot of space (which is part of the purpose of the vehicle, thus defeating it) you won’t get very far before your low fuel light comes on, heck you’d be able to see the needle move constantly!

Regards

Whitbomb07

Andrew M

once the fuel tank is taken out it frees up space.
I clearly said “Dedicate the bugger”

I too am not that fond on duel fuel, not so much the space issue, but the lack of integration of instruments aswell as the inability to tune the thing properly to 2 different fuel types
Andrew M

Oh and you havent seen the new space age tanks that will solve the space issue????
Have a look around and dont speak so blindly on the LPG topic

Golfschwein

Oh, Andrew M, you’re such a seasoned stirrer! I’ll be applauding as loudly as anyone the day Holden and Ford (or any other manufacturer) offer properly integrated and dedicated LPG systems that run with the new 6 speed autos, and we don’t get spun a line that the stability control systems have to be disabled and so on. Ford’s own dedicated system has both of these issues with the sedans and STILL plonks the spare wheel vertically in the boot. Holden’s dual-fuel system reduces boot capacity to 325 litres, the same as a certain popular…uh, German hatchback, which is still going very nicely, and thank you for asking

The Falcon taxi that collected my partner and I from the airport recently only accepted our luggage with a bit of brow beating. The thing going for the Golf and all other diesel cars is that they came that way from the factory. LPG cars really need to do the same, to achieve absolute acceptance.

Safety First

We’ll see you applaud in July then Golfie

By the way, to those that state you simply put the tank underneath, the problem being (as is with Territory) A factory fitted gas vehicle must have the tank outside and behind the last seat (adr requirement). This is the hard part of E-gas Falcon, the only legal place is under the boot floor, not where the petrol tank normally is. Kinda sux as the aftermarket guys can put them in the boot like the Holden set up. Where can you fit a usable tank, given those constraints to a seven seat Freddy or Tezza? Also where do you put the spare?? No a repair kit won’t cut it as these get used a lot for towing and (awd versions) Gravel road driving….
Andrew M

Golfie,
Firstly if a Taxi collected you would I be right to assume it was your fault as you must have been standing in the middle of the road.
Not recommended old friend ……

Now with the safety issue out of the way……(surprised the Safety First dude himself wasnt the First to pick that one up)

Yep, you only have to wait till next year. (July is it SF??)

I too wouldnt touch bother with an E-Gas untill they bring it back up to scratch.
When it first came out in the AU series the LPG system wasnt too far behind. Over the years they have seemed to have forgotten about it to a point where the Petrol eclipses it by a fair margin.

Oh Golfie, stability control is available on E-Gas too

Fords system is properly integrated in that tanks are underneath, fuel guages and trip meters work etc, the Ford is only missing a new tech Injection system, not integration
Safety First

The other thing Golfie, you obviously haven’t looked in the boot of a Falcon sedan for many years now. Actually I’m struggling to remember that last time a Falcon sedan had a vertically mounted spare??? Sure the trusty old workhorse (BF Wagon) has a verticle spare but the sedan has it’s flat on the floor in a position that allows the rear seaqt to be still folded down, something that Aurion and Commodore don’t have to worry about.

Minnow

Stop telling them LPG is good! Tell everyone its bad so it leaves more for me. The less people that use it, the cheaper it stays. Everyone else who hates LPG, i agree, you the man! LPG is for Barbeques and thats how it should stay. I congratulate you on your informed and intelligent decision. Your brilliance astounds me.

I am using the wrong fuel, i made a terrible decision ***shakes head in horror rolls on ground crying wishing i had a diesel car**** Dont buy a LPG vehicle!!

Toyota Guru

Karl Peskett says: “in KX-S spec, there’s plenty of gadgets to keep Dad occupied, like touchscreen SatNav”

Karl, that’s incorrect. The press vehicle you’ve used has a dealer-fitted accessory satnav system. KX-S normaly comes standard with a 6 disc audio system only. Satnav is a dealer fit option.
Shak

The pro diesel crowd are definetly onto something.

Tony

LPG will do wonders to your Toyota warranty

i wonder why the koreans push diesel yet toyota doesn’t?

what are they doing?

http://caradvice.com.au auto

@ shak—check the article, there was more than one Kluger on that same Wheels test and a few test drivers.Why did’t the other testers roll the other Kluger on the same test? Maybe the test driver that rolled had the esp turned off even though he said it was on. apparently once the ignition is turned off (which i think it would have been after the roll over)and turned back on, the esp is also turned back on.Anyway ALL vehicles should be driven to the road conditions.They are selling about 1000 Klugers a month—-tell me, how many have been in roll overs?

Robin Graves

I’m sure that after the first rollover, they didnt keep pushing the car. ESP would have minimal impact on a rollover situation anyway. All ESP can do is limit engine output and apply individual brakes. Care to explain how using those variables that a rollover can be prevented? Only way is if a slide is happening and the grip levels suddenly increase, ie you slide on gravel then hit bitumen. From the photos in wheels I dont think this was the case. It was too much weight shifting too high above the center of gravity. No ESP system is going to fix that unless it can override steering input, which in itself could be dangerous.

Direct Injection

Another company copying the Ford Territory by going to 2WD. But unlike the great handling Territory the Kluger is stuck with FWD. Along with the very poor fuel consumption, torque steer and average looks, the Territory is still a better vehicle than this Toyota by far. I dont want a vehicle thats gonna roll over if I have to go around a corner or take evasive action to avoid a collision like this car can!! I hope it has a rollover warning on the sunvisor like the Hyundai Teracan does.

Callous Aussie

Just for the sake of clarifying, the Holden ute (aka Crewman) was offered in 2 and 4 wheel drive before the Fraud Terribly. If the territory had sold in its intended numbers the 2wd would never have been releases. It was done to bring down the entry price due to slowing sales.

Andrew M

Incorrect,
The Territory was always RWD and AWD from release.

The Kluger on the other hand fits the story about sales that you try to tell.
They originally had it AWD only but brought it back to a FWD model because of sales targets not being met, and to reduce entry price
Robin Graves

Those crewmans would have to go down in history as being nearly as well designed and put together as a Camira.
Safety First

Actually if you wanted to look at the facts you are so far from correct there Callous. Territory was approved by Dearborn, after Geoff Polities (respect) sold the concept on being able to sell 1000 a month. Based around a 60 >40 split Rwd > Awd. It took Territory till early 2007 to get anywhere near it’s target, and it was either late 07 or early 08 where it dropped to only 1000 units… From release it had been running at more than 2500 units. THis is the reason that Holden rushed the Adventurer onto the scene, Toyota relented and released the Kluga and vehicles like Santa Fe grew in size. Funnily enough the Territory is (given the often used GFC 30% market downturn excuse) still reaching target after only one (recent) very minor face lift whilst it’s competitors have had several.
Jack

Incorrect, Callous Aussie. The Territory was RWD/AWD from release. This was Ford’s master stroke. They realised most people do not use the off road capability, so made it a choice whether to incorporate the drivetrain for it. The other master stroke was the RTV ute, as not everyone needed 4×4, whilst some wanted ground clearance and comfort in a ute.

As for the Crewman, it was part of Holden’s strategy of model-proliferation under Peter Hanenberger (eg Crewman, One Tonner, AWD of both, Adventra, Monaro, AWD Monaro, etc), who had seen the last of the Kingswoods being modified as Overlanders, 1 Tonners, Coupes, even a few of the dual cab utes – from wagons – in the late 1970′s. A bit of a golden age for interesting product.

The strategy was sound, however, short lived. In order to actually release an AUSTRALIAN Commodore (that is VE – all others were not Australian!) much of the factory floor space of these interesting vehicles had to go.

In sales terms, the Territory killed any GM-H competitor until a dedicated SUV could be sourced.

Direct Injection

Callous Aussie………..are you for real? Get your facts right before opening your GM mouth. The great Ford Territory was released with AWD and RWD……how come you didnt know that? The Territory is selling very well considering it is 5 years old. It still looks and drives and does many things better than many so called new models in this class. Having driven a Captiva diesel recently i cant believe anyone would waste their money on one ……it is very very very average and the fuel consumption was woefu;l for a diesel

The Realst

The Territory is also cheap and nasty bud… so much for Aussie tax payer dollars being put to good use.

Jack

Ours is so far from this. You must have got a terrible one. Or, hang on; maybe you did not buy one, or sit in one, or drive one, or own one…..nice opinion bud.

Direct Injection

Callous Aussie the crewman was a pathetic effort by GM to compete against the Territory and it failed spectacularly ! lol it was a joke and thats why it is not made anymore……..

Andrew M

DI,
I think you mean “Adventra”

Oh and Callus, since when was the Holden ute known as a Crewman???

Robin Graves

Adventra was the commodore wagon based AWD. Crewman was a ‘crew cab’ ute, some of which were AWD also. The crewman was renowned for its poor design and problems.

Andrew M

I am aware of that Robin,
if you read again you will see I was trying to correct earlier comments

Robin Graves

Roger
Andrew M

No, its Andrew……..

Wheelnut

Even though the Crewman was was more of an “experimoent” by Holden; it was still quite a popular vehicle – more popular than a nubmer of people at Holden expected it to be

So much so that there were plans to make a VE Crewman

The only real problem with the Crewman [and the most common complaint] was the entry/exit for the rear seat passengers who sat bolt upright and had very little leg room

Robin Graves

An experiment with the buying public as guinea pigs. Just because something is popular doesnt mean it was any good, something that one-eyed holden fanatics obviously cant see past. Google “Holden Crewman” and one of the suggestions google gives is “Holden Crewman Problems” Look at the complaints blogs etc, full of unhappy crewman owners. Driveline issues, diffs, dust ingress, suspension, window mechanism… the list goes on and on. Obviously Holden did not do much product testing, just sent it out to the showrooms for the public to wear, something they seem pretty good at – even back to the Camira days and earlier.
Andrew M

If it was more popular than they expected it to be, how come it got canned??
It got canned for the same reason the Tonner did. Its too expensive to run multiple platforms.

The crewman sold well to fleets where they were willing to try something as an alternative to duel cab Hiluxs.
The bosses wanted something more comfortable than a jap ute, but still wanted a back seat to utilise as a filing cabinet
The Realist

It wasn’t popular with the mining companies I consult to because they were poorly built, didn’t have the offroad capability of Hilux’s, and had issues like dust permeation etc.

So the only people who bought them are those who think Bali is the pinnacle of world travel…

Mark G

Those orange indicators on the rear tail lights are hideous.

Robin Graves

Seeing as a lot of seppo cars dont have indicators (the brake lights flash instead) its probably a last minute add-in to have a separate indicator for the RHD markets.

Mark G

No, it’s not. The US model Kluger (called Highlander there) has the orange lights as well.

Robin Graves

Thanks, I wasnt aware of that. I’m not much of a Kluger expert.

Captain Nemo

Having a bad day are we bud?? nearly all of your little rants today border on hissy fits.
Time to lay off the energy drinks.

BTW please tell me what automotive icon you drive Graves so all lesser cars can be held up to it.
Mark G

I don’t know why Toyota are going ‘against the grain’ so to speak with all these orange indicators. Not only does the Kluger have them, but the Corolla sedan and Hilux ute do too. They probably intentionally do this so that in the facelift, they can introduce clear incidators to differentiate it from the previous model. This basically screws over anyone who buys the car in the first few years of the model cycle, but hey, it’s Toyota we’re talking about here. FYI, the previous model Kluger, Corolla sedan, and Hilux ute ALL had clear indicators, so they have taken a step backwards with the new models.
Andrew M

Funny you say that Mark,
because many manufacturers used to do that.

Dont be surprised if Toyota are still stuck in that groove of orange then clear indicators to differentiate facelifts etc
Robin Graves

Nope, not having a bad day. Since when is acknowledging a correction a hissy fit? If only some other one-eyed trawlers on this site could admit they are wrong it would be a much better atmosphere. What I drive is irrelevant, I chose it on merit not badge loyalty or yobbo mob mentality.

Alex

The Holden Crewman was a useless ute and a useless dual cab, so it was canned. Along with the VY 1-tonner.

The Kluger is mainly for those who want Prado space without the Prado pricetag. Useless SUV but excellent family car.

As for the Rollover issue, its no more susceptable than any conventional 4WD, if SUV and space is what you want, then Kluger is king. Otherwise get a Subaru.

The Oracle

I just came across this discussion, so I am a little late, but anyway here’s my say.
If I recall correctly at the Wheels COTY drive, the Kluger rolled after it skidded of the road. Wheels say that the ESP cut in too late and too abrubtly after the car started to slide and was poorly and inconsistenty calibrated between different vehicles. Their main complaint was with the ESP tuning in both AWD and FWD versions and that similar spec’d vehicles behaved differently from one vehicle to the next.
I believe that the actual cause of the rollover was that when it skidded off the road, it hit a drain or some other water course sideways and caused a tyre or two to dislodge from the rim.

There was a lot of talk on a variety of blogs and news articles about the driver, the speed and the road conditions, but I think all agreed the dynamics of the Kluger are much inferior to the Territory and other vehicles in that class. Not all ESPs are equal. Some such as the Territory, X5, ML series, XC70 & XC 90 and so on are calibrated much better.

Brian

Why persist with the Kluger at all if they can’t even put the 3.0 D-4D engine from the hilux in it. How about bringing in the diesel Fortuner Toyota sell in South Africa and south east Asia?? Packs 120kw, 340nm, 8l/100km and awarded best SUV buy CAR magazine in 2008.
Peter .C

Hi All i would have to agree with alex 29 dec (The Kluger is mainly for those who want Prado space without the Prado pricetag. Useless SUV but excellent family car.)
as with all cars it comes down to what the average Joe can get best dollar value in
a car.Ive had 4×4′s for 24 years now and driven many brands ect and on thing ive learnt is they all like to fall on there side if you can get gravity to help you.
So no mater which brand you choose drive for the conditions and if all falls to
sh#$% just hope gravity is on your side.
Cheers
Patrick

The navigation system doesn’t look right.
http://Caradive jordan

Hi

Im buying a toyota Highlander (Kluger) HYBRID from north america. The hybrid has better fuel consumption then the one here. I dont really know if they are bringing one here so im importing it next week,i currently went there in holiday for 3 weeks.
And took it for a test drive all i can say is im buying this had great everythink. So next week its coming here yeah so can’t wait!!!!
David

I bought a new KX-S a month ago. I estimate it’s the 18th car I’ve owned – the 4th new one.

Best of a large lot by a country mile. Anyone who wants a cut price Lexus ought to have a look. Smooth, creamy power train [not overly torquey], exceptional cabin, limousine ride and near silence. Depends what you’re after, but if you’re looking for a family commuter, have a look – the quality is streets ahead of most. Nearest competitor was a Santa Fe Highlander which I liked, but my wife didn’t like the truck-like noise under acceleration. Not used to diesels I guess. I’d have either but I found the Territory good but dated, the Captiva really bad quality and anything else a bit small.

Only bad point? The engine is really a gem, but after having a Santa Fe for a weekend and averaging 8.2, I’m a bit disappointed with the 12.3 I’ve averaged – and I’m no leadfoot. Does 8 at a steady 100K, the drops away alarmingly to about 9.5 at 110. Around town, you need to watch the foot to avoid not only petrol usage but also speed cameras. It is a smart and effortless performer, no doubt. Overall, I think it’s a cut price Lexus. Very nice car. Were I looking at a sedan I’d be passing the Commodore and Falcon for the Aurion for the quality and creamy engine.
Brett

Didn’t you read the fuel consumption sticker on the window in the showroom David? That turned me off it straight away. I’ve worked out that I can roughly save over $1000 a year on fuel by opting for the more fuel efficient Challenger and still retain the size I want in an SUV with much better 4×4 capabilities.Throw in the 5/10 yr warranty Mitsubishi offer and it’s an easy decision.
martin

For a such big car the fuel consumption of 12 – 13 L/100 km @ city driving – is not bad at all. I am using E10 mix in my Kluger as this is approved by Toyota and also indicated with the sticker on the fuel cap. It is a little bit more expensive than LPG but lot cheaper than 95 or 98 ULP.
Anne Meguyer

Am buying a Motorhome and am trying to get information on Diesel run motor verses ULP + LPG run motor in Toyota Hilux or other similar vehicles. Also in Mercedes Sprinters or similar.
We have ULP + LPG in our Falcon and have found it exellent, but have been told Diesel is better in M/Homes.
Would you be able to help with suggestions please.
Thank You.
Regards Anne
Anne Meguyer

Am buying a motor home. which is better diesel or ulp + lpg? Have been told diesel. It will be in smaller M/H such as Toyota Hilux, Sprinter etc.
Thanks
Regards Anne
Dreama

these Klugers are very nice cars to live with. a workmate of mine has one and its a sweet car, he tows a boat with and it so the power comes in handy too.

pretty good pricing too, especially for toyota
Captain Nemo

Come on Graves don’t be shy tell me what automotive icon you drive.

None of this its irrelevant i chose it on merit not on badge BS i’m guessing probably a chicks car like a Honda Jazz.