2007 Toyota Kluger Road Test
September 5, 2007 by Matt Brogan
2007 Toyota Kluger KX-R (2WD) Road Test
With excellent on-road manners, quiet and effortless performance, you’d be hard pressed to find a more suitable and practical family car.
CarAdvice rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: $39,990 (plus ORC)
Options available: Metallic Paint, Park Assist, Sunroof
- by Matt Brogan
It would seem there’s a running theme to my road tests lately, the ever-popular SUV. Now if only I could borrow some kids and a golden retriever I’d be all set. But seriously, how does Toyota’s all-new Kluger shape up?
Completely re-designed and re-engineered from the ground up, this is not some half-hearted attempt at a mid life face-lift. It’s bigger, smarter and more grown up, well suited to a discerning family buyer. Toyota aims the new Kluger squarely at buyers who’d have previously considered a Camry wagon.
Outside, the Kluger’s appearance is absolute. No edgy unfinished lines or horrible try-hard ruggedness – those days are gone. The new Kluger carries itself with poise and understated style; something lacking in many of its out dated rivals.
Standard 17” alloys, discreetly pumped guards, and a high shoulder line give a no nonsense stance that suits the larger dimensions of the vehicle. A large, high set grille with softer, flowing lines and rounded edges lend Kluger a striking and bold presence, without being too vehement.
Jump in the captain’s seat you get the sense that Toyota has tried hard to impress this time. The revised steering column position is spot on and allows you to feel more involved, just like you’re driving a real car, rather than some gawky behemoth. Plastics and fabric is of reasonably good quality, and appearance is durable and sensible rather than exciting.
Seating is practical, comfortable and supportive, and best of all you can buy a grade of vehicle to best suit your needs, similar to Ford’s Territory. Don’t need a seven-seater? Then buy the five. Don’t need an AWD? Buy a 2WD. It’s that simple.
Considering I had the 2WD (front-wheel) base model KX-R five-seater, the list of standard options was quite satisfactory. Electric everything, cruise control, audio controls on the wheel and a very quiet ventilation system (with rear outlet), it leaves the others playing catch up. The single disc stereo is reasonably punchy and the iPod adaptor very welcomed.
There’s even a reverse camera standard across the range, something I believe every high riding car should have fitted. I’m not saying you shouldn’t turn your head to reverse, but being able to see any little ones below window height could potentially be a lifesaver.
Moving up the range you’ll get a six disc CD player, blue tooth compatibility, leather trim, sat nav and even a DVD player, and with eight variants to choose from, there’s a package suited to every different buyer’s budget and need.
It’s as if Toyota has listened to what people want from a wagon, instead of dictating like Mussolini from the balcony. Bravo Toyota.
Driveline is everything we’ve come to expect from Toyota, strong, smooth and surprisingly driveable, no NVH or feedback here. The 3.5-litre V6 (same as Toyota Aurion) pumps out a gutsy 201kW, and with 337Nm on tap, the bulky 1,835kg wagon gets up to speed with vigour. Toyota claims eight seconds to 100 and, for once, this claim is pretty close to the mark.
Torque steer is negligible thanks to the amplitude of electrical assistance (ESP, TC, BA, HAC, DAC (AWD only) & ABS), which also add markedly to the overall safety of the vehicle. Consider also the seven airbags standard (seventh being driver’s knee airbag) and you’re talking class-leading safety.
The five speed auto box (no manual available) isn’t what I call spectacular, but is well sorted enough not to draw any complaints. Manual mode is there, which you may occasionally find use for if towing up to the 2,000kg rating offered, but generally speaking is a waste of time for most drivers in a car like this.
There were a few times when I found the car struggled for grip on hard starts but generally the drive was very good, and the in gear acceleration is incredible. Through varied driving I found a return of 12.5l/ 100km was about the average, just over the claimed 11.
Braking is very strong with excellent pedal feel and feedback. I could repeatedly get the big beast to stop as sure and smoothly as a small hatch back.
The balance of the Kluger isn’t easily upset either, even before the little light tells you the electronic aids have come to your rescue. The chassis is well sorted and carries the front drive dynamics of the vehicle without fuss, in fact through all but the hardest of driving, you wouldn’t know it’s a front wheeler.
Cornering is fluid and even mid corner bumps won’t upset its line. There’s almost no body roll to speak of and although this comes a little at the compromise of a supple ride, once there’s a few bodies and some luggage in the car, things sort themselves out nicely.
Luggage space is huge, and with extra storage in the floor (even a compartment for the cargo blind when not in use), you won’t go wanting for a place to put things. The rear seats fold flat to increase space and can be manipulated independently as required for bulky or long items when you still have bums in seats. Ski trip anyone?
Ranging from just under $40K up to $64,490 for the fully loaded Grande, I doubt too many rivals can offer the same reliability, durability and versatility for the price. It’s not the cheapest car of it’s class but when you consider the whole of life cost a Toyota offers, the value speaks for itself.
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Major huge improvement over old and Toyota are to be congratulated as whole lot looks amazingly very nice and beefy (looks like a bigger car then what it is!!!) Dash and design theme inside is first rate and very well laid out!!! Outside look is excellent and front tad Subaru Forrester there! This vehicle will sell well if priced great!
Limp Wrist Roberto – yeah, it will – just like all other Toyota’s. And, so will the TRD Aurion… sure of it !!
The Forrester is now old hat as are all Subaru’s with such dated styling. Enough refreshing boys, how about some fresh new designs but please…Let Europe handle that department or we’ll end up with more disasters like the WRX and Tribeca.
I’m not mad on the styling of the new Kluger but I agree, its much better than Gen 1, despite the fact that it drove very well and was utterly practical. Yes I’d buy one if I wanted to spend more than an Outlander.
Its an improvement but personally Im not a huge fan of the rear, I saw one in the flesh today and initially I thought it was a Kia or Hyundai before I finally realised it was the new Kluger. It certainly has some power though with that Aurion engine in it, the driver under-took some slow arse and she flew!
SMIRKING DINGO… mate you have the collective IQ of a flea dog man. You just love the TRD as will all Toyotas you love shafting the exhaust pipe. You must be one of the drongos who voted in the minority on the survey whether you would or would not buy one.
is there not any way to ban this particular specimen that is labelled , well above ^^
Toyota have been quiet on the promotional side, if this car had the hype the Ford Territory had(eg wheels car of the year)it would be a hit. it was like everyone new about the territory before it got here.
So many standard features such as 6 airbags including curtain to the 3rd row seat, the reverse camera, cruise control, toyota haven’t mucked around in the spec levels. such a great car yet toyota dont wont the public to know.
that would be nice chaser!
And the game has moved forward…well done.
Only if the styling was a little interesting!
Pity it can’t tow any more than a Commodore, OK more than a Forestor, but not up to a Territory or other, more serious 4WD. Pity, if you would like a Toyota to tow your van or boat, it’s got to be a 4WD “truck”.
Showing it’s lineage I guess, ’cause the last model towed as much as the average 4 cyl FWD.
Yes but how many Territories do you see with a tow bar… let alone towing anything. I can tell you how many I have seen, a big fat 0. This market overall isnt for people looking for a vehicle to tow a huge boat or carvan (its rating is more then enough for small caravans and medium sized boats)… you want something for that, say hello Prado/Landcruiser.
Curiuos – that is curiously simple to answer. If you are a tower then buy a Prado, a Hilux or better still -one of those Landcruiser thingies with the V8 diesel.
I’ve currently got my racing mitts on a Kluger KX-S 2WD rig and have knocked up a couple of hundred clicks in it. Having done 30,000+km in two Territory previously I have to confess I’m mighty, mighty impressed by the new Klugger. I’d really like to try the AWD just for the comparison.
The good far outweigh the bad with the new model. It’s roomy, SERIOUSLY ROOMY actually and superbly featured. Seating functionality is great and the Rear A/C system works brilliantly!!! 5sp transmission is magic, silky smooth shifts that are barely noticeable.
Only a couple of downfalls, steering….. lifeless and way too light! It provides no feel for the road whatsover and is light to the point of being oversensitive. Radio knobs in the KX-S, nigh on impossible to use! Radio is perhaps the biggest afterthought in the whole car. Bluetooth (also part of the radio)….. can someone PLEASE tell me how it works? My phone is connected to it but it just won’t work!!!
Also, with 300km on the clock the vehicle has had several instances where the VSC light has come on and the vehicle has refused to move off the line at a set of lights. 5 instances of this within 48hrs. So don’t think you’re immune to problems just because you’re buying a Toyota!
Overall….. where do I buy one? I want one!
I have been keen on a Prado for sometime (mostly City Driving). 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 Solid Power. 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! Surely this will be a huge plus when off road? Any comments?
Paul, you need to get out more: Territory is becomeing the tow vehicle of choice for the grey nomad set. Australian 4WD Monthly describes the Territory as “the supreme tow vehicle”, overall bettered only by the Rovers. “Far more livable than a ‘Cruiser for everyday use”.
Shane T, the Hilux is a pathetic tow vehicle as well, lowest capacity (both towing and payload) of all of the twin cab utes. Still it was third in the 2007 Ute of the Year, behind Ford (2nd) @ Mazda(1st), because of it’s off road ability.
Rather a Mazda CX7, its around same coin as the Freddy.
STILL waiting for CA to test the *VAPOURWARE* CX7!!
Kluger is more SUV, CX7 is more sports!
Cheeers
F-0
Curious…agreed.
The comments that you should buy a landcruiser to tow are silly…how much do you have to pay for landcruiser/prado just to tow!?
The reality is territory can tow very well, it’s based on a falcon which is one of the best sedans you can buy for towing.
makes me curious to see why the kluger can’t tow a sustantial amount? it has the power? why can’t it pull more?
Well it can get great reviews but as I said, I havent seen any used for that purpose (And I drive around 500kms a week so I see a fair few)… also I frequent boat ramps! I do see alot however with mummy driving the kids to school… its primary use, as will be the use for the Kluger among all other things.
Paul, like I said you need to get OUT more. A weelky commute round the burbs ain’t gunna do it (and only 500 k’s too). Try having a look at the local caravan park, or the carpark at the trotts. Plenty of large vans and double/tripple horse floats hooked to Territory’s.
And Shane: “Prado, a Hilux or better still -one of those Landcruiser thingies”: Like I said if you want a Toyota and need to tow your only chice is a “truck”.
I am with Paul nothing beats a Cruzer to tow with . Grey nomads may get away with using mid size 4WD to tow their 18 footer but I bet a Cruzer would do it better. A cruzer will tow a fully enclosed 20 ft car trailer with a 1700 kg car in it across Australia with ease ,cause weve done it. Sat on 120 clicks really comfortable across the Nullaboor, passing triple road trains is a scary thing I wouldn’t want to be in any thing smaller. Husband and I took turns obviously driving took us 3 days from Melbourne , the only other thing that would have done a better job would be an F 250 ,but they are a Truck .
Obviously a landcruiser would tow better, the bigger you get the better it should get for towing. The point is, why can’t kluger tow as much as falcon/commodore sedan?
Not all of us who tow should be relegated spending ‘truck’ money just to tow…
I have many people asking me if falcons/commodores/territories have to bars fitted.
It’s no big deal, but it makes me wonder why you can’t…body strength may have something to do with it.
It cant tow as much as it has the same engine as the Aurion, which cant tow as much as its competitors. But its not a disgrace, for your average joe it can take anything they have to throw at it, medium to large boats for example. Anything larger as Bavarian has touched on, who cares if it can technically tow it on its very limits, you would go for a bigger vehicle like the Landcruiser. And as I also mentioned, I havent seen many with tow bars… because the market they are targeting doesnt buy them with towing large caravans in mind, they are Fords only alternative to people movers.
And tbh I think its smart by Toyota, they have looked at their market… why offer some car thats great at towing when they for the MOST PART dont need that. Instead offer an SUV with abit of zip! (The Territory weighs 200kg more with less power and only alittle more torque).
And a side note, isnt the Ford Ranger meant to be the great towing vehicle? They advertised it as that, I think their is method in this madness… if the Territory market had alot of people wanting to tow vehicles it would have made sense to use them in the advert! But these users are a minority! Although I will say on paper the Territory is better then the Ranger, only 100kg more weight but 80kw more and same torque.
im with curious i would have to say i see a lot of territories towing or at very least with a tow bar installed so they can.
missile, dont rule out the patrol as a towing vehicle it offers direct competition to the cruiser.
i think a couple of the reasons the kluger or toyotas in general cant tow as much is…
1. less torque (and yes paul it is actually quite a bit less)
2. it is FWD
curious, i also agree the hilux is a pathetic and hugely over rated tow vehicle. my mate use to tow with 2WD hilux but it was too gutless and he was worried about noises starting to come when he braked. he since upgraded to the “ducks nuts” turbo diesel 4X4 duel cab hilux for about $50K yet my Falcon ute still out tows his.
oh yeah and to add to the argument, sometimes people want a part time tower not a tow 24/7 vehicle. is it worth spending big $ on a cruiser when you might only tow one day a week or if its a caravan more than likely 2 times a year. that is where these vehicles (kluger or territory) are to become the good compromise. thats where people will look for the most comfortable car that can actually tow
Adam said” The comments that you should buy a landcruiser to tow are silly…how much do you have to pay for landcruiser/prado just to tow!?”
You don’t have to buy a New Cruzer the things go forever get a secondhand one . Territory may tow well depending on what and how far your going. A box trailer to the tip in your falcon is one thing but try towing a car trailer with it.
The level of safety for my family is high I personally would prefer a good secondhand 80 or 100 series for towing and long driving and a cheap run around for town.
True Andrew a Patrol is also a real good vehicle but as far as looks go Ill have a Cruzer thanks.
Bavarian Missile, agreed ‘Cruisers are good tow vehicles, but they are still a truck: look like one, steer like one, suck fuel like one, and give the passenger safty of one.
A Discovery is a MUCH better option! Better comfort, economy, safety, looks, dirveability and tows better, according to Aust. 4WD monthly.
You mention safety – that is one of the main reasons people are swapping their landcruisers for Territories, better active and passive safety!!
And if you are talking long distance touring (without heavy towing) there is no comparison for safety, comfort and economy – take a Falcon (over a ‘cruiser).
Ok with all this towing torque, I thought, lets look this up, Below is a link to redbook showing the different specs of the AWD variants of the Kluger v Territory:
http://www.redbookasiapacific......y=TOYO07II
SO Curious are you going to tell me a difference of 300kg braked and 50kg unbraked is that huge enough to make the Kluger useless at towing? Now the only disadvantages of the Kluger are less torque (although still plenty) and produced higher up (although 90% low down)… so its hardly that incapable of towing similar things then the territory. And then here comes the big one as you may well see from that above link, the Kluger aboves MORE features at LESS Price ACROSS the range. In fact in the base models, the Kluger is some $11,000 cheaper and in the AWD it is $10,000 cheaper. Lets not discredit the Kluger to much aye.
Oh yes and Andrew.M you show how hte Kluger is also an option, because I agree these are mostly used rarely for towing not frequently. Again another reason why the Kluger is capable enough, its not like the Territory the sought of vehicle you use to tow a Caravan around Australia, but its capable in its own right.
what im saying is the territory and kluger are an option to driving a big ball of steel on wheels. and to those who also desire the trait of good towing then surely the better towing capabilities of the territory must appear loudly when they are looking for a vehicle to suit their needs.
missile,
yep having to tow 2 tonne (like you did) is a different kettle of fish. sure the territory might do the ocassional car tow across town or to a show or the local track but as you suggested across the nullabor and quite frequently as you suggest is a different story.
but on the nullabor i know someone who used to always tow their caravan (nice van too) across the nullabor every now and then with a fairmont. he reckons it pulled it quite well.
he now has a patrol just to give it a bit more ease. but then he tells me he only does it at 90kmh!!!
oh and i personally reckon the patrol looks better. not much but just a few things i prefer on the patrol. a lot of people that are into 4 wheel driving will actually tell you that the patrol has a bit better off road capabilities too
Your right Andrew across town is a Big difference,especially when your towing a show car. We had a turbo diesel and a long draw bar on the trailer helps keep the trailer strait when towing it at high speeds. We did around 900 klms on both tanks we thought pretty good considering how fast we were going.
Last husband was a professional Abalone diver he would tow the 18 ft shark cat with a petrol cruiser no problem but the 26 ft needed the truck.
Hey Curious I am sure the discovery is a good vehicle my Dad loves them and has had a few. Safety doesn’t just come down how well the vehicle recovers from a crash but also preventing it and that’s what I meant with my statement. You ever towed something that is REAL heavy down hill? It pushes the vehicle and can jack knife real easy ,the longer wheel based vehicle you have the better. I still pick the Cruzer or a Patrol.
Even Mr Clarkson put the worlds best together a Range Rover and Cruiser he thought both pretty similar but for obvious reasons picked pedigree over the Toyota.
RE open road your probably right a Falcon may have better safety features than a Cruzer but it cant seat seat 8 and I do belive the Cruzer is equally as comfy. We travel to see our friends 600 KS away in the BAGT we have now but I still would prefer the Cruzer for long runs,except passing the GT is a little faster on that LOL.
missile,
hey did you see there is something on a current affair tomorrow about a million $ bid on a phase 111. im guessing it is about the phase 11 cause they showed one in the advert and they said it was a ford. by the sounds of it the guy doesnt know whether to sell it or not
Andrew yep saw it, I think its the one for sale in Unique cars. Dimond White XY Phase 3 had it for sale in 2 issues now. I shall be watching though.
Looks better than the previous models box with flared guards look. Old model always reminded me of that dog mobile featured in the movie dumb and dumber. High and narrow stance and disproportionately long snout.
New Kluger looks like a Hyundai Santa Fe which is a good looking vehicle.
For towing, I wouldn’t touch the Aurion or the FWD Kluger. Power or torque isn’t the problem – its the fact that FWD just doesn’t “do the job”.
I have now seen three (x3) Aurion’s on boat ramps who couldn’t get their boat up the ramp because their front wheels were just spinning. The ramp I go to is very busy, and during the peak periods the ramp and causeway is almost always wet because of the traffic.
Its actually quite funny to watch – but lots of people get pissed off because they waste alot of time.
In two of the cases – they had to re-float their boats, re-hitch their trailers on to some others vehicles to get their boats out..(embarrassing …)
For any serious towing, I would go the AWD(4WD) as a minimum.
I still dont understand why Toyota wasted time, money on two separate drive trains to produce separate FWD and AWD models. Who is going to pay $55k for a middle range Toyota 4WD ??? – might as well save a few more dollars and go for something more upmarket.
Why dont they implment an intelligent AWD system where for every-day driving the rear wheels are driven (2WD), and include either an automatic (sensors detect loss of traction) or lock feature to turn all 4 wheels.
The new Kluger looks reasonable, but I wouldn’t call it great or stunning. Have now seen a few on the road, and their not exactly that much larger than the previous model – but at least the wheel base is wider. I have not seen the new model’s interior in the flesh, but from the photo’s above – the inside “looks cheap”.
The new Kluger seems decent, but I recon Toyota has priced this new car out of most people’s budget ! – I see discounts and maybe even some re-pricing in the near future if their going to make any serious indent on Territory sales – so I’d wait.
Kluger still sounds like the noise my grand dad makes when he clears his throat in the morning.
stupid name for a car!
The new kluger certainly looks heaps better than its predecesser, but i still reckon it looks bland and boring. But then again all toyotas are bland and boring. I reckon the Santa Fe looks heaps better. Its more unique in terms of styling and it definitely looks a lot more classier than the kluger.
JamesA, I dont think you know what your talking about…
- You say the Kluger is crap becaause its only FWD, there is a AWD version
- You say they are to overpriced, the Kluger is some $11,000 cheaper in base form then the territory base vehicle, its also $10,000 cheaper in AWD form then the AWD Territory. Hardly overpriced.
Andrew.M, Im sure the towing capabalities of the Territory would appeal to the occasional tower, but as I showed I think this image that Curious portrayed of the Kluger being piss poor at towing is wrong. And he quotes all these 4WD magazines, not that I think it would make it in as a great tower, but being a new car it hasnt had a chance to be thorooghly reviewed either.
Paul, You should learn to read properly. Does the following sentence from my blog mean anything to you…
“For any serious towing, I would go the AWD(4WD) as a minimum.”
“I still dont understand why Toyota wasted time, money on two separate drive trains to produce separate FWD and AWD models. ”
In terms of price, maybe you dont know what your talking about. The Territory AWD Ghia is around $56,990 (start price) – about the equivalent AWD Kluger Grande starts at $64,490. Being a new model, I doubt Toyota dealer are going to do much discounting. With that sought of price, people would rather put a few more thousands in and buy a Lexus SUV.
Next year we also see a Diesel Territory arriving, so all I am saying is that its going to get more competitive in this segment – so I’ll be waiting.
The other thing Toyota can do is change that dumb name (Kluger) to something more suitable. I agree with most people on that. Toyota has lots of money, they should have made Hyundai an offer to buy the “Highlander” name back.
^
No you are wrong. The EQUIVALENT Kluger is $10k cheaper. Yes in terms of top model the Kluger is more then the top model of the Territory, but thats like trying to say the top model of a HSV is more then the top model of a Corolla. I already posted a link, here is another comparing the actual equivalent, territory Ghia and the top of the range Kluger (which has double the features, many of which aernt seen as even an option in the Territory):
http://www.redbookasiapacific......2=FORD07MV
Im also interested how many people can the territory hold? (This is a geunuine question, I dont know). The Kluger can take 7.
And just looking, showing how much of a rip off the Territory is something like the Ghia turbo asks $65k for literally half the features of the Kluger Grande which is $64k. On top of this its performance advantage in acceleration terms at least only amounts to a second faster to 100km/h with 3L per 100km extra fuel consumption.
And in respone to why they bothered for two different drivetrains, its called price, there is a $6k difference… not everyone needs AWD afterall so why won earth would you offer something with a feature people dont need for more $$$!?!
Paul, that’s right its called price, and why the extra price is questionable – its called Marketing.
That’s why Mazda and Ford have the Tribute/Escape which you can get for drive away at less than $38k.
This is a system that is both 2WD and 4WD (albeit in this case the 2WD system only drives the front wheels) – but its still ONE DRIVETRAIN, and thats got to be cheaper than having two seperate drive train systems, which means having two different manufacturing configurations and production runs ..etc..etc.
I doubt the extra cost of the AWD Kluger is attributable to just the drive-train – basically those paying for an AWD are subsiding the cost of TWO production runs for those who buy the 2WD version who, as you say, “dont need” AWD.
O.k, the Tribute/Escape hasn’t got 7 airbags like the Kluger or 201kW of power, but as someone said in a blog a while back which I still laugh at today – I think people will need that many a/bags in the Kluger to stop themselves getting hurt when they fall asleep behind the wheel in one!..as for the power, people who “drag” their SUVs at traffic lights or try to “show-off” their power (like you alluded to earlier) or try to treat them like a plain sedan are just idiots and need to grow up.
Lol they need that many bags becasuse they fall asleep at the wheel… I know what they meant by that, but I agree from another perspective, becasue they will be driving in luxury!!! While your territory which asks more money for way less features will keep you wide awake Im sure, if not only because you’ve got no money left over after paying $65k for the Ghia Turbo which offers a very distinct lack of features. Makes the TRD Aurion look like a bargain in terms of boosted versions of the same model, they ask the same amount extra for it yet you actually get alot more features, unlike the Ghia Turbo.
Oh and I forgot to mention, yet another plus for the Kluger… not only is is significantly cheaper then the territory with way more features, across the range, but is also consumes a whole 1L per 100km less in fuel. I think Toyota are on a good thing here, apart from the 50kg different when towing unbraked lol!
Paul, 1L/100km is irrelevant when you’re spending upwards of $40k on a car. Even if you drive 25000km/yr, its only about $300 difference a year. Depreciation alone accounts for many times that amount.
Also, it still bewilders me as to how someone can be so passionate and protective of Toyota, a company known for its bland cars, and one which hasn’t produced an interesting vehicle for many years. Good on you for defending them, but have you considered that maybe it is possible for another car company to produce a car which is better?
Ahh, the more FEATURES on price comparison arguement – a must for the ” fully certified car nerd” who needs to play with something (apart my himself) while driving.
The problem with “all these features” is that by the time you actually discover (or even use) half these – it’ll be time to change cars again. That is unless you actually spend most of your life in your car and go looking for things detailed in the manual that you didn’t know you had (and payed for).
Most of these “additional” features are about as useful as having Internet access on the front of your Fridge. Oh no, I’ve mentioned a “Whitegood” – something most Toyota’s have an uncanny resemblence to…
Paul, I am sure at party’s you bore people to death with how many features your car has and the fact you save 1 litre per 100km on fuel – good onya !
For the price of a Kluger you can get a Disco 3 driveaway.
The disco 3 is not especially pretty, but it craps all over the Kluger in every department.
jbot…
I defend the Kluger as it should be defended, you have people claiming it cant tow when its rated for only 50kg less unbraked and 300kg less braked or that its more expensive, which are totally incorrecet, so I think there is good reason to right these wrongs. Even if I wasnt a Toyota fan, I would want people who are incorrect to be corrected, afterall people reading this article and its comments might actually take them for more then they are worth and think the Kluger is a POS when in fact it is superior to the Territory is every aspect. As for fuel, it was just making a point… CHEAPER, MORE FEATURES, MORE POWER and MORE FUEL EFFICIENCY then the territory.
JamesA…
Lol mate just admit it, the Kluger isnt all that bad. You wouldnt say no to getting MORE features for LESS money, thats ridiculous even suggest that. Even if you somehow didnt use its for example DVD player or GPS (highly doubt it), at least your getting more for every dollar you spend on that vehicle. And might i mention many of its additional features are practicle, not just crap that you dont need to use like a sunroof or say, a turbo charged tank on wheels (This opens a whole new can of worms when talking about relative useless features, $10k more for a turbo on a car that has the dynamics of a brick).
Reckless…
Im going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you have some form of mental disability. I know you have lots of anti-toyota sentiment, you’ve made lots of stupid comments in the past… but this would have to be up their with your DUMBEST.
Now admittably I dont know a great deal about Landrovers or the Discovery, but it took about 1 minute to confirm what I suspected, that you are talking more shyte.
http://www.redbookasiapacific......y=LAND07DQ
Now explain to me, how exactly does it crap all over the Kluger? The only thing right you have said is yes its the same price, but everything else…
* FEATURES : WAY LESS (Literally half the stuff listed, obviously some of Toyota stuff is crap but the Grande does have ALOT of decent features)
* POWER: WAY LESS (40kw in fact, 100km/g in 2seconds more)
* TOWING : IT IS BETTER (Although I have be doubts, they say max towing 3500kg which is hard to beleve given it has the same torque but less power then the territory and way less power then the Kluger albiet more torque, but not heaps more. I assume its torque is delivered low, but still, 3500kg!?)
* FUEL EFFICIENCY : 4L per 100kmh more, please dont tell me this means nothing as this now translates into a large amount. Also you have to consider thats combined, when it comes to city (what most people drive under), its going to blow out. And again yes it will for every car, but given the Discovery is some 300kg heavier city driving will hurt it badly
* ENGINE : Doesnt even have VVT… no doubt contributing to its signifcantly worse emmissions.
There is more as well but I couldnt be bothered as quite simply, your a goose Reckless.
paul please check your pricing before you embarass your self further.
you can get the territory “base model” for 34,990. so are you saying you can get a kluger for 11K cheaper? that would make it 23,990 for the kluger?????
your example you showed with redbook isnt comparing apples with apples.
you comared the ducks nuts (the ghia) with the “pov pac” kluger
also you cant compare the turbo ghia with anything toyota has. but not bad i suppose that you can get a hairdryer on a territory and still arrive at the same price as the kluger. also you cant compare the ghia with the TRD because the TRD doesnt offer AWD. both hairdryers and AWD are costly additions. they far out weigh the cost of an extra airbag here or there.
so will you get your facts right before calling the territory a rip off
also with towing, and james A gave a perfect example (on the boat ramp) the biggest problem with the kluger (and aurion) is its FWD. when you put weight on the back of a FWD they become a lot more unstable than a RWD because you cane use drive to control the car and they become “skatey”.
mate i wouldnt care if the territory were 2L/100k worse. i doubt many people turn to these cars in an effort to curb their fuel bill. hell a 1L/100k difference in a small car wouldnt sway my purchace either. and i suppose since the territory IS actually cheaper then im sure there is plenty of money left to more than cover that
Hey Andrew M did you get the pics I sent you ?
missile, no how was i meant to recieve them?