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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Taka,
You may be in a bit of trouble, start looking for a towing hire car at a good price now.
Kluger 2000kg braked towing capacity.
Lightest car trailer I found, 12 x 6:
Gross 3000kg, trailer 850kg, payload 2150kg.
Therefore with your car 1340kg + 850kg = 2190kg: exceeding the Kluger capacity. You would need 2300kg braked towing capacity as a minimum, for some margin of safety (although you might get away with a Hilux at 2250kg).
You need to check the trailer coompliance plate for details of exact weights, but I think you need to look into something bigger to tow your combination.
BTW how many times have you seen guys towing their mates broken down car on a car trailer with just a sedan. I can’t see it being anywhere near legal.
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.
Andrew M, sorry forgot to mention Novated lease. at the end of the lease, we can either buy the car or sell it and pay the residual. if we sell it for higher than the residual, we can keep the profit, and vice versa. so resale value is important. i will write my thoughts on the new kluger on the weekend.
First impression: the car looks very solid and planted on the road. due to resemblance with new Landcruiser, many perople do turn and look, i am sure its a compliment. Engine is smooth, plenty of power, very quite, and lots of goodies for the KX-R model itself. I am not in a position to compare it with Ford, but if you like this car or Toyota in general, you won’t be let down by the first impressions. more thoughts later.
Never leased a car that at the end of its lease was worth more than the residual, except I guess for the Cobra may well be. They always seem to be worth what the residual payout is.
Ive been leasing cars for 20 years!
I cant believe how big the new RAV 4 is, my trainer has just bought one and and old one was parked behind it, the size difference was huge.
litapajar,
what im saying is if you make a profit on the vehicle when you sell it you will be taxed on the profit.
Missile,
if you turn your vehicles pretty quickly you will never sell it for higher than the residual. thats why (well part of the reason why) they suggest turning them over every 3 yrs. if you keep it for longer the value will exceed the residual.
ive had my current one for 4yrs now and it is worth more as a trade for eg than what the ATO would have determined it to be worth. so if i sell it now for eg i would make around $3K on it if i traded it, meaning will be taxed on that. if i had of sold it when the 3yrs ticked over it would have been pretty much break even.
the longer i let it go the more i will make on it.
i really want to make it to see what the orion offers, if i cant make it i will not be disappointed with a good deal on a BF. (im sure they will be kicking into good deal run out time soon).
on another note why did ford release little details about the orion? it must be hurting their sales as people like myself were about to put the car buying shoes on and get the keys and then they saw there is possibly something a lot better coming out and then put the keys back on the table
A great car except for two minor changes
in the next update.
the 3rd row seat could have been split to allow storage of esky or cases on one side and a child on the other.
Secondly the middle seat in the second row could have been made to line up at the base with the other two captains chairs and be a bit more comfortable for a family with 3 kids if the rear is full of gear for a holiday making 3rd row unusable. otherwise it is very good
Hey I just did a google on the towing capacity of the Kluger and came to this page.30 mins later after reading all your “interesting” comments I have determined that yes it will be ok for towing my horse float (just under the magical 2000kg) BTW I just test drove the Kluger and was staggered at the std features and roominess. We have had a Prado for 10 years and since the family has ’shrunk’ wanted to downsize and I think it is Kluger for me- but I will miss the dual fuel tanks.
I own the previous model Kluger and have been pondering a changeover for the last 4 months. I have just today driven the new 3.6 Subaru Tribeca and the Mazda CX9. In addition I have driven the CX7 and the RAV4 V6. The Kluger 4×4 is equal heaviest with the CX9. 2040 Kilo range. My old Kluger weighed 1800. The Tribeca is 1880 and the RAV4 V6 1670. This is important if you want to replace a family wagon with a 4 wheel drive and not double your fuel bills. The front drive Kluger isn’t a 4×4 and the snow pictures at the top of this article are ridiculous. My 4X4 Kluger slipped so the front drive would have no traction in snow. The Kluger is very big and recent reviewers who have driven the 3.6 Subaru Tribeca and Mazda CX9 are now saying how vague the Kluger steering is. There is nothing new in that. What I wanted to say most here was that the car that really impressed me was the V6 RAV4 – and surprise, surprise, Toyota have withdrawn it from sale? Not a recall but what then? I think it was clear they could not meet demand and the vehicle is nearly the size of my old Kluger and has the new 3.5 motor. So Toyota thought, who will buy a Kluger for Christmas…Answer not me – after driving the RAV4 V6! The Kluger is now at the bottom of my shopping list
I ordered a Kluger end of November. KS-S AWD + front & rear sensor kits + sidesteps = $54K driveaway . My main requirement was to own a seven seater car than did not suck…
I initially test drove the Captiva, Santa Fe, Territory. At this point I was thinking of getting the Diesel Captiva (quoted early 40’s driveaway + ability to get serious discount with Altitude points).
Although I liked the Santa Fe, I could not mentally take the leap with the the Hyundai badge – resale being my main concern. For what I wanted in the territory (leather + 7 seats) it would have cost approx 66K driveaway. Then my neighbour suggested I give the new Kluger a go.
I test drove the 2WD & immediately liked *everything* about the car. Ironically ad I test drove the Kluger, I noticed a Captiva with 5 occupants – looked like they were stuck to the sides and roof & abou to to explode from being so compact. Standouts – space – just lots of it, Motor – quick & effortless, transmission – silky smooth changes & shares transmission with 90K lexus RX350. Safety; it’s got everything and then some (makes a nonsense of the other contenders). Tech – greatest feature is split system climate control & integarted bluetooth standard. At the end of the day easiest decision I have ever made. I even like the name – Kluger. The front looks mean – thought of getting the number plate “Freddy” – but then again no-one would get it ;-)
The new Kluger is the best affordable looking SUV on the market (people use to say that territory was the best seven seater SUV on the market, yeah right!) And is that steering wheel found in aurion and camry, it must be!
The CX-7 is not tough its gutless it has just has the looks!
Kluger was recently awared people mover of the year… so much for the Territory
Kluger a People Mover? – So does that mean Toy-yoda will be dropping the [over-priced] Tarago then?
Thats what I would have thought to Wheelnut? I thought thats the Taragos job!
Territory nothing?
1.The Ford Territory Ghia AWD has been judged as the Best Recreational 4WD in the 2005 Australia’s Best Cars Awards. This makes it a back to back win for Territory following the Territory TX AWD claiming this award in 2004. Importantly, winning successive awards in the same category is a great endorsement by automotive experts of Territory’s superb features and quality.
2.dCOTY 2006: Awards for excellence: Recreational car, Ford Territory
drive.com.au, 29/11/06
“Ford did its homework so thoroughly on the Territory’s interior that Australia’s toughest motoring critics were left literally speechless.”
3.Territory Wins Wheels Car of the Year
3 February, 2005
4.Territory taking out the Carsguide’s Star Car award. Great effort by Ford!2005
TP,
And what was eligible for the segment this year? Listed contenders were the Kluger, Mits Grandis & Honda Odyssey. Kinda degrading actually to have the 2WD Kluger only categorised as a people mover.
I didn’t notice the 4WD Kluger didn’t winning anything??
Kluger!!!!!!
You clowns haven’t got a clueGER do you. What a big chunk of shite!!
I think Big Gay Al drives one of those.
Had the new Kluger a week having got rid of a few kids and downsized from a prado. Having said that the only down size is in the motor. It certainly has more room with standard features that leave its expensive brother for dead.It has a very solid look and feel to it and tows a fully laden horse float with ease. A brilliant vehicle and the new model will certainly give the Territory a shake-up.
mmmmmmm…..maybe not though! Territory seems to stay on its wheels when road tested!
Being a Ford lover and all, I would have to say that the Kluger is a great car, and comparing to a territory is probably not a good move. I took delivery of a new Prado (Grande) 2 weeks ago for my wife, and i have to say that it was a 50/50 decision between the Prado and the Kluger. Only went with the Prado because of the extra length for towing and the extra space in the luggage compartment. But on the whole a far more modern package than Prado, and more extras as standard in the lower models. It is in fact significantly wider than a Prado, and you can feel the extra space in the cab.. Now the territory.. well that was left well behind weeks before after test driving the cars.. dont get me wrong the territory is a great car, howver a tad aged now, and value for money against a Kluger is no contest..
BM..
your comments about the territories awards are noted.. however that was back in 2005.. Cant wait for the next generation model, but I think the Kluger has its measure for now. Bearing in mind the old Kluger is a bucket of dung!! and ugly to boot.
You read them then……..yep I know it was . Well unlike the old Kluger the Territory is still a good looking vehicle though.
Are you CLUEgerless people still banging on about this sorry excuse for a vehicle.
Maybe you should all test drive the Lada Niva as well!!!
Ozzie Robbo says:
“Are you CLUEgerless people still banging on about this sorry excuse for a vehicle.”
Another Territory owner who wishes he’d bought a Kluger?
HAHAHAHAHAH Andrew and BM take that, one of your own has just complemented the Kluger and attacked the territory!!! Sweet justice. As Cobra also said and I was going to say, your awards are outdated, at the current point in time with the new Kluger in the market it is King. As for comments regarding it winning the people mover category, if you did have any knowledge on the tests youd be aware that the other category it competes in is the 4WD over $40k, obviously it wasnt going to win that… guess what did though? Another Toyota, the Landcruiser!!! That should shut you up.
That’s what we’ve been trying to get through to you all along..
we Ford and Holden fans are able to see the good points in cars made by companies other than Ford or Holden
we are also able to accept that our beloved manufacturer has a few faults..
However it appears evident [from previous blogs] that some of you Toyota lovers are eithe unable or unwilling to do so.. and yet you have the nerve to say that we are narrow-minded.
TP your comment above seems to prove how biased and stubborn you are. Grow up a little huh?
You hit the nail on the head Wheelnut. For example, myself being a Ford fan and liking the looks of the TRD Aurion.
Seems it wont sink in that we don’t have anything against Toyota just bloody extremists for the 10th time.
My points on the awards TP……was simply to show you that it has had its time also with a share of awards……Cobra045 understood that…..he likes and owns a Prado Grande as well as Fords……you can like both mate! You should try appreciating Fords and Holdens for what they can offer and MAYBE you will start getting on with us.
What Paul! Still no comeback?
It’s all well and good for you guys to go banging on about being able to like cars other than your favourite cars, yet you can’t see that the Kluger is a superior car to the Territory.
It’s kind of like you are saying:
“Yeah, I like my Territory, and I like the Commodore, the Porsche 911 and the Mitsubishi L300’s were great! But if you suggest that anything, that is a direct competitor to the Territory, is better than the Territory, then you’re mistaken….. the Tribeca, CX9 and Kluger all suck!”
For what it is worth, when the Territory first came out, my wife and I were positive that we were going to buy one. We ended up making do with the Forester for the last few years and we recently went looking at Territory’s again.
We didn’t want to go out and buy one car without doing a bit of research and without driving more than one car.
So, we looked around, drove a couple of different vehicles and ended up buying a new Kluger. The Territory was dated by comparison and simply couldn’t compete.
Having said tha, had I been looking for a family sedan, I probably would have bought a BF Falcon. The VE is highly overated and has some annoying aspects that I simply can not approve of. An Aurion would probably fall into my top 5 somewhere, but wouldn’t be my first choice.
If you have a Territory, then great. You bought it at a price and you’ve probably been happy with it.
It’s time to accept that things have moved on since the Territory was first introduced and Ford need to have a serious look at updating it to keep up with the competition.
Throughout this forum, the term “4WD” keeps getting bantered around in the same sentence as Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger. Since when is a glorified Reuban Kincaid Partridge Family wannabe bus a 4WD??????
What an insult to REAL 4WD owners!!!!!
Incorrect Big Robalski, not a Territory (or Kluger) owner.
My testacles have in fact dropped.
I have now had the KSX AWD for close to two weeks. Amazingly, nothing yet found wrong with the package. Having said that I am still checking the fuel consumption – which after 440kms of exclusive city traffic sat on 14.3/100 – it is still coming down though, but my experience is that although it comfortably runs on standard unleaded – the consumption really suffers. Although I dont pay for fuel, I do really want to get to an average of 12/100
The color is ebony (black) & with the standard rims + optional side steps & additional tinting on the two passenger windows it is easy on the eye. In fact, I had it parked next to a Volvo XC90 last week & I must say visually it left the Volvo for dead.
I must admit that I enjoyed a trip in a Territory to a company off-site three weeks ago. One thing that I did notice is that the Kluger seems much more roomier inside, and the quality of the leather & dash in the Kluger is definately in a different class. Even some current Prado & Landcruiser owners commented that the interior seems to be a totally different standard on the Kluger & probably is shared with the RX330
I really did not purchase the vehicle as a 4×4 wabbabe or to hoon around in – so no “real drivers” review here. In fact, I find my travel so comfortable I really dont mind spending time in the vehicle – so I am in no rush and not bothered about the Melbourne traffic in & out of the city. The combination of the interior, the 3.5v6 VVTI & Lexus transmission is the complete package. The additional comfort provided by integrated bluetooth (I am a heavy phone user) & ability to plug my MP3 straight into the radio cannot is also great & again allows me to cruise through the day.
My only small gripe is that I added dealer fitted front & rear sensors. I will need to have this looked at @ the complimentary 1000kms service – as I do find it does detect ghosts at both high & low speed – which is quite annoying. Nothing against the ghosts though – they probably all come to checkout the new rig :-)
Any comments on the comparison between the Kluger, hyundi Santa Fe SLX deisel 7 seater, and the the Honda Odyssey ???? Looking at buying one of these for reliability, fuel economy and a people mover – FWD part not so much a factor, it’s really the room I’m after for a large family. Any suggestoins out there?
“reliability, fuel economy and a people mover” you can’t go past the Hyundai, especially if you add value for money and after sales ervice.
Kluger is much over rated, and will shock you with it’s poor economy in the real world.
Jim, listen to dingo for he is a wise old man. The Hyundai is the better car and will save you a packet.
Jim,
The money you save on the purchase alone will pay for the deisel fuel for years to come.
Jim,
Whatever you do, just dont buy the Holdenwoo Captiva!!!
not to mention the santa fe will save you a bucket load on price before you drive out.
ive also heard the economy of the diesel is very good
Dingo said:
“Kluger is much over rated, and will shock you with it’s poor economy in the real world.”
I have done a number of highway trips since purchasing my Kluger. It averages 8.9l/100km on the highway. Not sure how the AWD version compares, but I’m blown away by this.
The average fuel consumption around town is anywhere between 11 and 12l/100.
The Big Bobo
Thats not real flash for something that is just an overweight FWD V6 Camry wagon!
The much more roomier, better handling and more comfortable Territory easily matches that, and it is RWD. There are much better options out there.
But hey Bobo snuggle up in bed at night cause you baught a toyota, and the adds said it was good so it must be.
BTW Craptiva is, well, crap. Don’t touch it.
Fake Dingo interst but who won Drives recent awards for this Catogory? Hint: It started with K, not T,
spam word Hyundai – didnt the Terrican beat the klugger?
And if you mean Territory, it wasnt eligible for the people mover category dimwit.
I have had my black AWD KXS kluger for the last 4 months. Driving around Sydney south west, it averages 12-13l/100k which I think for its size it’s not too bad compared to the Ford Territory which I drove before which averages > 15l/100k
It drives like a dream and no problems so far. I must say I have been researching for a good 12 months and it has all of the things I wanted for the budget. It was a close call between it and the CX9.
Personally, I have no regret choosing the Kluger. It would be nice to have an extra cog though ( if the aurion has it why can’t the kluger?
I bought a new Kluger in October and it was the best move I ever made car wise for the family. Plenty of room. Great economy, power and handling for a vehicle it’s size and an excellent finish allround. A friend bought a Territory 2 years ago and what a piece of junk it’s been! To put his complaints in a nutshell the quality control from the factory is pathetic! Loose trim everywhere, a motor that doesn’t just drink fuel it skulls it and after sales backup only nominal. I’ve never bought a Toyota before now it won’t be my last. I’ve owned plenty of Fords (and Holdens) through my business and neither company offer the after sales backup Toyota does (not that it’s needed it)!
Before you buy a Captiva, round up the family & cousins and fill up all the seats & then re-assess. Now take the aggressive and angry mob over to Toyota and stick them in the KX-S Kluger & watch them relax and smile. The Kluger is a BIG car and absorbs all passengers – no worries. I was recently bitten by build quality with a Holden and was not sure what I would get from Hyundai – long term… Toyota is an easy decision when you think of owning a car for at least 5 years.
Folks, please be careful if considering a Kluger, mine has been back to the dealer four times in the first three months- automatic transmission failed in second, engine pinging and respray of rear door to remove rust bubble under the paint. Now there is a vibration from the engine at 2300 rpm and the dealer won’t admit it is a problem. I won’t buy a new Toyota again.
Byron: Before you buy a Captiva, round up the family & cousins and fill up all the seats & then re-assess. Now take the aggressive and angry mob over to Toyota and stick them in the KX-S Kluger & watch them relax
If you need space because you have a Basketball/Football Team instead of a family – why not look at Hummer
Very intelligent comment Wheelnut
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?
Izzy Good luck mate, I hope your experience is a better one than mine. I wouldn’t bother with the paint protection, the rust was under the paint on mine.
Your deal is OK, mine was similar but purchased through lease company not direct.
Go george the tool. Get some sum man.