2011 Toyota Kluger update sees price drop

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By Brett Davis | October 14th, 2010

Toyota has released details of the updated Toyota Kluger models as well as pricing which provides savings of up to $1000 over the existing model.

On the outside the new off-road vehicle features an updated frontal area including the grille and bumper bar, as well as a new bonnet design, headlights and tail lights, and front guards.

The model range remains the same, so there’s still two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants, and the usual KX-R, KX-S and Grande trim level offerings. Although there are changes made to these models.

KX-R models get a large rear spoiler mounted on the tail gate, an uprated audio system integrating Bluetooth technology and USB ports, and new 17 inch wheels. This model is available now for $39,990 for the two-wheel drive, five seat version. This provides a saving of $1000 over the existing model.

The KX-S gets leather trim (first and second row only) and chrome roof rails, seven seats, as well as an improved audio display for the USB-compatible six-stack CD/MP3 player. This model is now available for $42,690, $800 less than the current model.

Toyota is offering a saving of $414 for the top line Toyota Kluger Grande too, which is equipped with leather seats (first and second row only), a 3.5mm AUX input compatible audio system which is integrated into the navigation display. The car also gets 19 inch wheels.

Engine specifications remain the same – 3.5-litre V6 offering 201kW of power and 337Nm of torque – although the engine is said to be mounted on improved mounts which provide smoother and quieter engine operation.

The new car doesn’t feature a stability control warning buzzer either, like the superseded model, due to the potential startling effects it can present to the occupants if the ESP intervenes. The ESP system itself is still fitted though.

New prices are as follows:

Grade	Two-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
KX-R five-seat	$39,990 (-$1,000)	$44,490 (-$1,000)
KX-R seven-seat	$42,690 (-$800)	$47,190 (-$800)
KX-S seven-seat	$50,990 (-$500)	$55,490 (-$500)
Grande seven-seat	$60,990 (-$414)	$65,490 (-$414)

Pete

No suspension or steering changes? So it will still handly like a boat compared to Territory.

sm

@ Pete
this may (i stress the word “may”) be true but at least it won’t fall apart like a Terri, or rust, or goodness knows what else

Pariah

Pffft 205,000km out of my work Territory and its been the most reliable and best driving company car I have ever had. Much better than the Prado I had previously.

Samson

Add me to the list of another Toyota sufferer, this time a previous gen Kluger… this update hasnt fixed the issues I had with this current model though, which were tiny centre seat, awful steering and handling. I also hoped for a diesel addition. I am seriously considering a Territory next time round though, my brother-in-law swears by his.

http://caradvice.com.au auto

i bet he does swear– at it
balthazar

Small middle seat steering and suspensions, so nothing has gone wrong with it, you could have figured this out before you brought it, durhhhh!!
So in other words you have had no problems, you just want it to be a sportscar

Gogy

You gotta be joking.

Ford Falcon/Teritorry is no match for Landcruiser Prado.
It is like comparing apples and oranges.

As a taxi vehicle Falcon/Teritorry is fine but I would not put my own hard earned money in this car. Without support of fleet buyers Falcon/Teritorry and Holden would not exist.

GM and Ford in USA are different story.
They make a decent cars with the excellent engines for the half price. I would not hesitate buying a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro for U$ ( read A$) 30.000

You can continue to live in your delusional world believing that Falcon or Comodore is better than Toyota or even Hyundai. Car buyers are very well informed and smarter than ever before and total sales figures are on Toyta side. Wonder why ?? If your argument is that Teritorry is better SUV just because it handles better think again…

Yes I am Australian and I believe that we as a nation can achieve more in food than car production. We can not match Germans or Japanese for QUALITY or RELIABILITY nor we can make cars cheaper than Chinese.

Stick to your farm and ute mate, the future is in food production

Fullstop.

Ozzie

Why do people say ‘Full Stop’, is it because they are ignorant and not open to debate … try ending you rant with a . next time douche bag.

Tomas79

Territory, is that thing still around?

goferit

Considering the Kluger has been around longer whats your point?

b88lee

do your research..the territory is older than the current gen kluger
Tomas79

My point is, territory won’t be around in 5 years time!!

Rob

You have to joking? The territory is like driving a dinosaur old & thirsty, I had my choice as a company car between the territory, mazda cx9 & kluger and the kluger got my vote in every area power,fuel economy,handling, ride,looks(the territory looks like noahs ark)future resale & features! There is no comparison the kluger is hands down the choice in this market!

Brian

Said like a true Toyota fanboy.
“.. power,fuel economy,handling, ride,looks..”

OK lets look at the facts without the emotion:
Power; 1 to Kluger
Fuel; 1 to Territory
Handling; 1, nah 2 to Territory it’s that much better.
Ride; 1 to Territory
Looks; very subjective, Territory is a bit old Kluger is UGLY, lets call that a draw, 1 ea.

Total
Kluger 2 points, Territory 5 points.

Then you could consider the sales charts (not that it is always a good indicator) Kluger drops in at 4 or 5 on the list.

Mary

Fuel to Teritorry ?????
How many drinks you had so far ?
Mary

New Kluger is quantum leap for Teritorry in almost every aspect. Looks definitely better than Ford outside and inside.
( no cheap plastic look inside )
tobby

Medium SUVs are up 27.1 percent YTD, and large SUVs up 13.0 percent YTD. ( Year 2010 figures)

The question of course is whether those buyers deserting small cars are heading into small and medium SUVs, and whether the trend is now an unstoppable wave. Certainly, the scale of the growth in sales for some of the stronger performers – in both the compact and medium sectors – would suggest that there is a permanent market shift afoot.

Putting both compact and medium SUV sectors together, here’s the top ten:

•Holden Captiva: 1315 sales in February, up 33.3 percent YTD
•Toyota Prado: 1194 sales, up 16.1 percent YTD
•Toyota Kluger: 1041 sales, up 17.0 percent YTD
•Subaru Forester: 1001 sales, up 0.3 percent YTD
•Toyota RAV4: 977 sales, up 0.7 percent YTD
•Mazda CX7: 944 sales, up 209.1 percent YTD
•Ford Territory: 867 sales, up 9.7 percent YTD
•Honda CR-V: 698 sales, down 25.6 percent YTD
•Subaru Outback: 621 sales, up 133.6 percent YTD
•Hyundai Tucson, 615 sales, up 7.5 percent YTD

jojo

Leather only the front two rows for Grande and Kx-s
NO wonder more and more santa Fe and Sorentos are on the road. Better value, packaging, warranty and with the power and econonomy of a Turbo diesel engine.

Klugers will still sell well because of its branding and dealer network though.

I got 950Km last month from 1 tank with my Sorento whilst going to the Snowy Mountains. Sydney to Thredbo with 1/3 left in the tank. Whilst our frinds in their Kluger had to fill up at Cooma.

Molly

That is not true, the facelifted model has 7 LEATHER seats, same as the run out model.

Patrick

I was at Sydney Motro Show last night and I can confirm that all seats in new Kluger KX-S and top-of-the line Grande are leather. Front and second row has new design perforated leather while the third row is standard ( non-perforated ) leather with the addition of a 50:50 split-fold backrest on the third-row seat – so you can have one passenger and additional luggage in the third row.

Bob

I took a sorento for a test drive today planning to buy it as my uncle works for Kia and could get it at a really good price. After driving it I was very disappointed. Good power but the amount of torque steer was incredibly bad also dangerous. After the sorento I tried the kluger and it was hands down the better vehicle, didn’t feel plasticky, the steering was much lighter with no torque steering when I opened her up

ron

Territory …… Hmm looked at one but NO
It was missing most of my technology requirements a list too numerous to show here.

I actually bought a Kluger after looking and driving approx 10 simular. This vehicle pleases ME very much … you do notice l said ME … because thats what its all about. I got all i wanted and extra thrown in for a very good price.
Happy Jack is this one.

Bob

The front grille looks a bit like the rukus to me.

Or is it just me?

Bob

Sorry Im thinking of another car.
Lazybones

Yeah, just when you thought it couldn’t get any uglier!!!! I don’t understand Toyota’s design plans here. The Rukus – Hideous, FJ Crusier SuperFUGLY.

Don’t they realise we have taste in cars down here?

maximark

No HID lights for a $65G car is unacceptable.

Captain Nemo

You don’t need HID lights on a Toyota Maximark. The owners are indoors when it’s dark enjoying a hot mug of cocoa!

maximark

Good one CN. But I think every car owners want their vehicles has more extra features as standard. My brother has a grande model and he had to buy the HID lights from ebay to replace the original ones, and I think it\’s still illegal since it doesn’t have the headlight washers. The problem is that Toyota use their reliability reputation for granted (which no longer the case as we saw what happened in the US) and has no respect for their Australian customers by cutting the costs of putting extra safety features to their vehichles and still ask for the same price.As I remember Corolla was one of the last small car to offer ESP. I couldn\’t agree more with filippo about the seats arrangement,it has actually only four adult and two children seaters.

filippo

The fact that you can’t get 3 car seats across the back really calls into question it’s use as a family car. The Kluger (still the most ridiculous car name in Australia) is not a 5 or 7 seater, it’s a 4 or 6 seater. The middle rear “seat” is only suitable if your child is an imp.
Smithy

CA says: “On the outside the new off-road vehicle… ”

Nope, this is an SUV not an “off-road vehicle”. And you go on to prove that by listing the Front-WD and AWD prices.

And yes Tommy, the Territory is still around, still outselling the Kluger is is still a FAR BETTER DRIVE.

And despite the slanderous comments from “cm” above, the Territory is just as reliable as a Kluger.

Rob

Territory as reliable as a kluger! ha! ha! ha! just ask all the owners about there front ball joints and brakes? yeah they are reliable enough to drive back to the ford dealership every 2nd day for warranty!

Jack

Balljoints have not been an issue here. I’ll look at a Kluger when it comes time to upgrade but it had better be something out of the box to beat our very reliable, economical, superb ride and handling Territory. I’ve driven too many Toyota 4wds/AWDs that should have a tiller in place of a wheel. I love them in the outback, nothing comes close, but around town, ouch!

adam

to be precise – the Toyota Highlander ( Kluger) is CROSSOVER. Landcruiser Prado is off-road vehicle and Teritorry is no match for Prado.

nickdl

You’d have to pay me to drive something that ugly, especially with its near-dangerous handling. And that Grande interior is truly awful.

http://caradvice.com.au auto

the handling comes from the dropkick behind the wheel
b88lee

near dangerous handling??? iv never seen a kluger in a crash..except for when idiots such as those ppl at wheels mag get behind the wheel
i bet many havent even driven it..i have and it does understeer when pushed (like many cars) but at no point is dangerous. AND the engine/transmission combo is years ahead of the territory not to mention much better quality

nickdl

Yeah I’ve never seen a Kluger in a crash either, that doesn’t mean anything unless you’re a policeman. I will admit that Wheels mag were stupid to test a car like that, but no other SUV rolled on the same test.

There is no way that the Kluger drives better than the Territory. Anyone else on this site will tell you that. As for the engine/transmission, the four speed is dated – it will be gone by next year. As for the Barra/ZF combo – unbeatable. The ZF is the smoothest transmission I’ve driven, you can hardly notice the changes and it’s never in the wrong gear. The Barra 6 is much better than the Toyota V6 with better on paper and even better fuel economy. While it is down on power it more than makes up for it with much more usable torque.

Just wait till next year, when there will be no dispute as to which is the better car. Good luck selling Klugers until then…

http://caradvice.com.au auto

as for the Kluger roll over on a Wheels test ( by a driver who may have had the esp OFF ) there was more than one Kluger on test if your memory can take you back that far, The other driver did not have a problem with the test. It all comes back to the idiot behind the wheel.

nickdl

From what I remember the ESP was on. It might have been a front-wheel drive model. Even if it wasn’t a FWD model I still think that is a stupid drivetrain on a car of this typre.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=668475019 Jake Williams

It’s a Toyota, the ESP doesn’t turn off…
Brian Jones

Doesn’t work either!

Smithy

Steve, enough of the BS already.

Sure ‘some’ older Territorys experienced ball joint wear, and Ford will fix this for you.

The original design has been revised and the problem has long since dissapeared – Kluger however still corners like an understeering Front wheel drive truck. Toyota know this, and apparently refused to correct the problem

Rob

You have no idea what you are talking about,the kluger is a dream to drive unlike noahs ark (territory)!

Bazza

Come back when you have an INFORMED opinion instead of brand biased cr#p.
Kluger might be a dram to drive compared to your 1990 Camry, but it’s still a cr#p drive compared to others in it’s class.

Bazza

Sorry Ad, that is intended for Nob

nickdl

I’m pretty sure you confused the words ‘Territory’ and ‘Kluger’…

Ad

That is because Toyota know best and don’t care what the public think. Stop buying the cars and they may listen.
Jonathon

My experience with Ford Territory is horrendous. I had to have both diff carrier bushes renewed at 60,000k this happened 3 months out of warranty and Ford did finally agree to pay for 60%. The ball joints had to be renewed at the same time, this however was covered by Ford as a known fault. This should have been the subject of a recall I only heard about the problem when the diff mountings were being repaired. I had to fit new brake discs at 30,000k as well.
I would never buy another Territory due to the shoddy mechanical components – and high fuel consumption 15-17 ltrs city driving. Ford is obviously aware of this it’s why they are pushing for the diesel version. It is too expensive to run and maintain. Ford attitude towards customers leaves a lot to be desired, even the dealer was of the opinion that the cost of renewing the diff carriers should have been borne by Ford.
I am driving Kluger for the last two years and this car is impeccable. The only problem that I had was to find and replace the unique size of 19 inch wheel ( 245/55/19). There is only one brand available on the market – Bridgestone Dueller DT 400 and they are fairly expensive ($500 each).

Ian

Dude,
You Can’t Drive if you got 15-17 around town in a Territory ?

I live in Melbourne and get 13.0 around town and easy get under 10 on highway.

It’s like any car, drive like a knob and you’ll get crap economy. Maybe Klugers are a bit more idiot proof.

Toyota is like a Harvey Norman store.
The place to go to buy something you know absolutely nothing about. It’s a very ‘Safe’ place to shop. You’ll probably end up paying to much BUT it ain’t gonna kill ya.

Toyotas really are the car for then man who knows nothing about cars OR doesn’t give a sh!t about them.

Don’t buy a Toyota, buy shares in Toyota!

See you at the Ramp Signal

Terrytoweling

The Territory may be a few % better than the Kluger or maybe the other way round, its debatable

What is not debatable is resale, worth buying Kluger just for that

Jaq2

No they wont, they didn’t even contact us when they had a recall – I had complained for 1.5 years that I had a clunking sound, they though your a stupid broad how the hell would you know. I had to pay for it to be do then sold the car real fast. Now happy Kluger gal.

sm

Smithy, here’s a news flash… slanderous only if untrue… are you for a moment suggesting that the Territory is not with its substantial share of built quality issues?

Granted all cars (bar none) have issues but all this rubbish talk of boat and barge like handling is laughable…just like the silly Wheels roll-over incident… if some one wants a 4WD that handles like a sports car the choice is simple X5 or Cayanne.

Owen Petersen

Or a CRV!

At least the traction control works!
Smithy

Oh, now I understand sm, you’re just a keyboard Toyota fanboy, who hasn’t actually drive either the Kluger or Territory, because you’re lack of understanding of either the Kluger’s handling problems or the Territory’s class leading handling is appalling.
Either that or you are just another lying Toyota salesman! (‘Cause they all lie don’t they?)

BTW yes it IS slander, because the problems you are claiming, just DO NOT EXIST with the current model Territory, so yes it is untrue, and it is slander.

buyer

my neighbour has an early model terrotory and it has nothing but problems. bushes replaced in suspension 4 times in one year. you can hear the car coming from miles away. in warranty period car spent weeks at the dealer trying to fix it, she has now bought a new car (ssangyong) and given the old one to ex husband. we looking at buying kluger but it seems every car has its problems. just need to find one not built on a friday or monday, nor in yellow paint.

Snowy

I still cant believe they call it the “Kluger” in Australia. Its called the Highlander in New Zealand and i think its a much nicer name.

Bob.

Hyundai Australia uses/used the name Highlander as a grade for the Terracan therefore Toyota Australia are not able to use it here. It would have been better if it were called Highlander… shame.

It looks worse than the pre-facelift with all the black plastic along the bottom, especially on the rear bumper. Looks cheap now.

They could have at least put the 6speed auto from the Lexus RX350… could have improved fuel economy.

Guts

One ugly rig
Only thing that excites me is that Nissan now have a new v8 and someone is bound to start putting in 350z’s and 200′s
That’d wld be cool
sm

Ohh Smithy now that you’re finished with spewing all that bile its time for a Panadol and a lay down. Apparently despite my relatively neutral response to your earlier post you want to take it to the next level and make it personal. Well have fun fiddling with your keyboard mate.

A Toyota salesman….hardly, of that you can be certain.

As for not having “drive either”, i presume you mean “driven”, again you are very mistaken. The Territory does drive well despite the quality issues (current model or not) and now having said all that it still never ceases to amaze me why there are so many Kluger bashers, one can only assume that a large percentage are Territory owners, busily reading reports and write ups on the Kluger and carrying on about its handling. Maybe because there all stuck at home waiting for their car to come out of the workshop….again.

Loser!

^^
Tomas79

Dam Right, Most of these stupid Toyota knockers, are just Falcadore fanboys (And trolls with multiple identities) with a chip on their shoulder!

Funny, how they rave about their rusty territory, yet noone outside of Australia & NZ seems to be interested in one!!

Steve-Poyza

Ewwwww how did these designers get hired? Maybe they were good before but Toyota asked them to make their cars a bit uglier. Now they’ll never get a job anywhere else
Wait, I should be happy about that!
Adriano

Hmmm. Me thinks some people need to get a life…
Ezz

When the original Kluger came out they advertised it as the baby Landcruiser. How wrong could they have been.

Most mainstream Toyotas sell very well despite being inferior to their competition, except this one. It is either really bad to drive, ugly or both. That is the only explanation I can think of.

****
gavjon

My God….Get a life you Morons! It is a car for christ sake. Go else where if you want to go on with your mindless dribble.

I had a 2004 Territory, and as it was a better vehicle than the Kluger of the day, we bought it. BUT, we did have nothing but problems with it from day one. In January this year we bought a Kluger Grande (2WD) because we did not need the 4wd and we are very happy with it. Yes, it is a 4 or 6 seater, yes, the wood grain trim takes a bit to get used to, but we new these things before we bought it. Would I go back to having a Territory after driving the Kluger. Never. The car is 6yo, no new shape on the horizon. It is just an old vehicle.

And no…..I am not a Toyota salesman……….

Bazza

gavjon are you female? Sorry to stereotype but you really don’t actually know anything about cars do you. After driving a Kluger for a month I couldn’t wait to give it back – what a pig around town and unsettled at highway speeds.

(And BTW Territory will be totally refreshed within 6 months)

Ad

All Toyota’s are ugly. The japs have hired the Korean designers because they are cheaper. The korean’s are deigning their cars in Europe now and look much better.
Jabba the Hutt

If you ever needed proof that people buy toyotas because they are toyotas then this is the car. Underwhelming at pretty much everything. Styling is another example of how toyota is running out of ideas and it handles like a sofa on a wave.

Then there is the astronomical price for such a vehicle and the package of toyota arrogance is complete. I look forward to the day when the majority realise there are other “better” vehicles out there for less money and toyota might then stop taking their customers for granted.
Ex-X5

Only a deluded Toyota Fanboy would think that the Kluger is a good looking vehicle that rides, steers and handles well. The Territory has been praised universally for its ride steering and handling. It has been favourably compared to a BMW X5 and in my experience rides and steers better.

Re the Wheels incident. Their complaint was the ESP was poorly calibrated for dirt and cuts in too late and too aggressively and couldn’t correct the slide. Other Klugers reacted differently too in the same test, so they were inconsistent in their reaction. No other vehicles on the day had a problem on that bend. What actually caused the Kluger rollover was that the car hit a culvert side on and two tyres peeled of the rim and deflated quickly. Probably any car would roll in those circumstances, but not other vehicle got into that situation. So the problem with the handling and esp is the Toyota engineering.

Tony

For the tech heads, the 2WD Kluger powers the front wheels whereas the 2WD Territory powers the rear wheels. There is a difference in how the cars feel to drive but AWD Kluger drivability is pretty much the same as AWD Territory.
Kluger 2WD is fast car much faster than Teritorry.
0-100km/h was 7.9 seconds – nearly two seconds quicker than the base model 2WD Ford Territory, which drives the rear wheels via a four speed automatic.

Nick K

Maybe they should change its name to Kruger, as in Diane Kruger… Then I may be interested. Seriously,Toyotas changes are about as relevant as name change… Fail Toyota.

Matthew

Toyota Kluger is sold only in Australia and Japan under this name. It is known as Toyota Higlander in rest of the world. I think that name Kluger is appropriate and relevant to this car.

KLUGER origins & meanings:

1.German (Klüger): nickname meaning ‘(the) refined one’, ‘(the) clever one’, from an agent derivative of Middle High German kluoc (see Kluge).

2.Jewish (Ashkenazic): nickname from an inflected form of German and Yiddish klug ‘clever’, ‘wise’.

Hogan

I know many south african driving Toyota Kluger so I thought itmust be a south african name.

Bob.

I wonder why it is always the Toyota articles that get the most comments… They seem to attract the most discussions.

Reality

Probably because enthusiasts don’t understand or hate Toyota’s attraction to the masses.

Luke

The new facelitfted Kluger looks awesome, a heaps better than previous “boxy” model. Kluger Grande which is based on Lexus RX platform and use the same direct injection engine& sport transmission can compete with luxury European petrol models such as VW Touareg 3.6 FSI or Volvo XC90 3.2i.
Toyota finally started to realize that they have to improve the design of their otherwise excellent car. Talking about Toyota reliability – I just came from Wagga Wagga where I was driven in Toyota Landcruisers 70 model. The car travelled almost 400.000 km without any major repair and still goes and goes even after 40 years of bush bashing. That speaks for itself…

Ex-X5

Well, if you use 40yo cars for comparison to a Kluger, that doesn’t say much for the Kluger. Plenty of cars go 400,000km with regular maintenance, haven’t you ever ridden in a taxi?
You seem to be suggesting that the Kluger Grande has a different platform to the rest of the range, surely you need to correct yourself. AFAIK, the engine is the same as the V6 Camry-Aurion and isn’t DI and what on earth is a “sports transmission”?

Luke

Can you see Ford Falcon I6 engine on this list ???

The Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2009 (engine and tested vehicle):

•Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
•BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
•BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
•Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
•Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
•General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
•Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
•Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
•Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
•Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

The electronic control unit for the Toyota U151 transmission can deduce if the vehicle is travelling up or down a hill and hold gears accordingly to provide better acceleration uphill and increased engine braking downhill. It can also deduce – using information on vehicle speed, throttle opening angle and accelerator pedal angle – the optimal shift points to suit the manner of driving.

The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) will introduce torque converter lock-up earlier if the vehicle is cruising. Features of Kluger’s transmission include a super-flow torque converter. Toyota designers minimised lag and shift time in the U151 transmission, all with minimal shift shock.

The U151 transmission has high-precision hydraulics, advanced solenoid valves and new electronics, for maximum shift quality. Kluger’s five-speed transmission has ratios of: 1st, 4.235; 2nd, 2.360; 3rd, 1.517; 4th, 1.047; 5th, 0.756 and reverse, 3.378. It is matched to a 3.478:1 final drive ratio.

Cheers,

Luke

Ex-X5

Wow, you know how to cut and paste from a Toyota brochure, that’s really impressive.

You still haven’t answered the question about the DI engine in Kluger, have you? The Toyota gearbox has grade control logic, that’s no big deal, just about every transmission in the last ten-twenty years has it, include the Falcon/Territory 4 speed.

Luke

That 40 years old car with 400.000 on odometer was TOYOTA…….

Adam

I like the sharp styling of new Kluger. Looks very modern compared to old model.
Graham

Holden Captiva vs. Ford Teritorry vs, Toyota Kluger
WHEELS MAGAZINE

VERDICT:If the budget stretches only as far as the Captiva, buyers won’t be disappointed if the car is going to be used mostly for suburban commuting. The engine is underpowered compared with its peers but for most uses it’s probably fine. It has more standard safety equipment than a Territory, even though it is cheaper. Our only real reservations with the Captiva are that its quality and reliability are unknown and it will take a few years for it to establish a reputation, good or bad. And it has a temporary spare wheel and tyre.

The Territory is going to feel the most pressure. As the biggest seller, Ford has the most to lose. Recent changes have improved its appeal and it is still the best-handling vehicle among its peers.

The Kluger, however, beats it in areas arguably more important to families. It is roomier, has more standard safety equipment, is quicker and yet more fuel-efficient than both its main rivals. To top it off, it has Made-in-Japan build quality, a full-sized spare wheel and tyre, and cheaper, fixed-price routine servicing.

To sum up, the new Kluger is a step above the two other contenders in almost every regard. Rarely is an outcome of a comparison test so clear-cut. Perhaps the Kluger’s sales targets aren’t so ambitious after all.

Roger Ramjet

Why dont you include a date of that review? Like all reviews, when the new kid on the block arrives its all puppy love till further down the track when things settle.
The more current reviews highlight the Klugers rubbish dynamics on road, lack of any purposeful ability off road, and no proper centre rear seat.
The Territory excels where the Kluger fails and its initial quality issues have passed with the new model.

allan

I was at Sydney Motor Show today. Many well known brands including BMW or Jeep were absent this year. I was keen to see new VW Touareg but unfortunately the new model would not be available Down Under until early next year. The sales rep from Germany couldn’t say much on the price but apparently in Germany the price is within the same range as outgoing model ( from $75.990 + on road costs). The standard equipment remains basic – 17 inch wheels, no satnav or rearview camera ).
My big surprise was new Toyota Kluger. They had a black top-of-the-range Grande on display, with beige leather & mahogany combination inside. I liked a huge SatNav display and LED Optitron instruments. There is a new design of 19 inch alloy wheels on KX-S and Grande.
Without exaggeration the exterior but particularly interior of new Kluger looks a heaps better than Land Rover Discovery 4 or even Audi Q7. It looks very classy and more expensive than $65000 (price for 2WD model). The new car is apparently little bit heavier (50 kg at the front axle) and bit lower than outgoing model.
Martin

Hi folks,

Did anyone on this Toyota Kluger blog asked about Ford Teritorry ?

I am really not interesting in Ford vehicles at all and all comments positive or negative about Ford Teritorry should be moved to Ford Teritorry blog.

Cheers,

Martin, Sydney

nickdl

It relates to the Kluger because it is in direct competition with the Kluger. People here are merely comparing the two cars.

craig

I think maybe their is alot of biase bull being spewed out,
both the teritory and the Kluger have their good points and their bad points, personaly for me the ford territory
cannot meet my needs as it cannot fit 4 growing kids in it comfotably where the Kluger does, as for the handeling
the territory is very good or maybe even excellent but the kluger I find is still very good but not up to the territory, quality would haave to go to the kluger hands down, territory good, kluger excellent,
power and fuel economy easily go to the kluger with 9lts to 100k common on highway, and the engine on the kluger doesnt seem to labour like the territorys, there used to be a kluger near where I live and its average was 9.4 mostly on country roads, 20% city 80% highway, under a 10 lts average is excellent for such a big machine,again Im not trying to bag the territory they both have their goods and bads, crash test I would say has to go to the kluger aswell because of the 3rd row airbag, as for looks I personally like the look of the klugers but the territorys are nice also, lets face it if everybody bought territorys would you still want one and I say the same for kluger fans, variety is a good thing

Ian

Craig,

Your Territory is labouring with 190kw and 390Nm of torque ?

Check your handbrake mate!

Ian

Suby Boy

Not sure i really like the changes to the new Kluger….mixed bag i reckon. Well i can see what has happened to the Kluger – Toyota buys Subaru (so i was told) and then tries to make the Kluger an Outback or Forester to look at – come off it Toyota, you need to put more than some plastic grey trims on the car to make your Kluger as good as an Outback or any Subaru for that matter! I looked at the Kluger before buying my Outback a few months ago – in my opinion they are very overated and the only thing that keeps them selling is the Toyota badge, like everything Toyota. I have friends who are both reporting tyre wear on their KX-S AWD models – done 15,000 kays and the tyres look like they have done about 30,000 – that can’t be good – but maybe its another one of Toyota’s endless array of problems that keep popping up! Maybe they have always been there but we have all just been too blind or proud to admit that Toyota’s can have problems, like all makes and models! Anyway each to their own, you buy what you want and i did, but i just hope that Toyota doesn’t start making the reliable Suby’s have the problems the Toyota brand has had in the past year now that Toyota have taken posession Subaru all the way
Mark

I have recently traded my 5 year old Territory TS 7 seater for the new Kluger KX-S. The Territory was thirsty and not very reliable. 2 Batteries and a starter motor with poor build quality inside and out. You cannot compare to the quality of the Toyota Kluger.

D

Mark, you can hardly blame battery failure on the car or the manufacturer. You take the good with the bad with batteries.

matt

I recently traded my 09 XR-6 on KX-R 7 seater. In terms of ride, handling and performance the XR was fantastic but unfortunately that was where the good points ended. The build quality of the car was shocking,cheap substandard plastics that look appealing but once the novelty wears off are nothing but junk. Window and door seals that whistle and leak dust. Continual issues with wheel allingment, no full size spare, poor dealer network and most of all the re-sale was absolute rubbish. Had this car been up to standard i would have definately considered a change up to a Territory (the 2011 model) but with the standard of the XR-6 it never crossed my mind. There is a reason Ford Australia is slowly going down the gurgler and if they dont get these issues ironed out it will be sooner rather than later. This is my first toyota and so far i am very happy with it in all aspects, but time will tell…

Rickoshay

Pity mate, you have gone the wrong way.
Toyota has the runs on the board due to ordinary cars made well and heaps of expensive advertising. But Big T is starting to come unstuck with recall woes.
Ford has been there, and is in fact a better car for Oz but they are not the only ones better than big ‘o what a fooling’.
Talking today with a man who has just traded his Kluger (dumb name) to move up to a Hyundai Santa Fe for less money and far more car. Ask around – is anyone with a Kluger (Klutz) happy with its towing performance?
He said it is good on the road – but that is the end of the praise. For fun, open the Hyundai Australia web site, select Santa Fe Highlander, then compare with Kluger…..
Cheers’
No I do not work for any car group – am retired but am also sick of people being ripped off with ordinary cars at very high prices (Toyota)

Steve

What does KLUGER mean? What a ridiculous sounding name. I suspect that indeed – being a 4WD – it was supposed to be named after KRUGER (KREUGER)NATIONAL PARK but the Japanese confusion of ‘L’ and ‘R’ sounds turned out the current moronic name. Just like MITSUBISHI ages ago when they released the COLT and STARION, the latter should have been ‘STALLION’ – LOL

nickdl

Just like the Cororra, Randcruiser, Charrenger, Outrander, Hirux and Regend then? The Starion may well have been a stuff up but the Kluger name was completely intentional. It was supposed to be called the Highlander (or is that Highrander) as it is in other markets but Hyundai took the trademark here with the Terracan.

Rickoshay

Toyota’s great success in the sales race is due very much to its great advertising. They simply copied General Motors hype, then improved on it, then made a better vehicle that the General can, and look at their sales volumes – BUT there are far far better vehicles around.
1. Ford Territory greatly preferred by caravanners as Kluger is a terrific fuel guzzler when towing. The Territory doesn’t sip, but its greater torque and rear wheel drive means it is simply a far better tow vehicle.
2. Interestingly, my Hyundai Santa Fe eats both Territory and Kluger in fuel frugality stakes. And with more torque that the Territory (vastly more than ‘o what a fooling’) and a brilliant (instantly automatic) four wheel drive, is a great tow vehicle for any caravan up to 2000 KG.
http://Audi Robj

Dull & Duller..they handle like a whale on ice skates.

Barney

Definitley not for doing donuts at Maccas Robj… would not suit you.

Tomy

Kluger vs Territory
Power 201 : 190 Kluger Wins
Technology : Kluger wins has a cd player that supports MP3 unlike the terrory! Reverse camera as standard!
3rd row space kluger wins
2nd row terrory wins can sit 3 people kluger only 2 but more legspace
Safety Kluger wins 7 airbags standard etc list goes on
Petrol Kluger wins 11L ford updated territory in 2010 and changed it from 12L to 11.6L* with a * when you click it its only 11.6L for the 5 seater model what a joke!
Style: Differnt people have differnt views
Name: Kluger ftw territory what the heck is territory
Handling territory wins because its rwd
Towing territory can tow 300kg more than kluger
wheels: Kluger wins alloy standard
Relaibilty: Its a toyota noting can stop it
price: territory wins but kluger is more valuse for money when you look at the technolgy, safety, fuel etc
End of the day Klugers got the asians and curries covered who are upgrading from a 90\’s camry. Fords got the aussies covered upgarding from a old falcon or commordoe.
Both will sell well!
Its upto you what you buy!
Cheers
Raad

I am confused now, some people here talk about the kluger like driving itself without any control from the driver, and keep saying it is ugly and handles poorly and talking highly about the territory
I am in the market now for a new family SUV, My first impression was go for The Kluger which doesn’t lools ugly to me, in fact my wife fell in love with it, so am I,
the terri, doesn’t looks modren car anymore to me,
so, can anybody give honest advice which way I go for our new SUV ( please no sales people promotions)
thanks in advance

Les

Mate, I’d just ignore any replies with ‘passionate’ language above, as there is obviously some bias present in their advice. We are about to buy a vehicle capable of carrying 4 kids, and the thing that won us over is that the Kluger’s centre 2nd row seat is removable, creating a walkway to the back seats, allowing the kids to seat themselves in the back seat. No more sliding / folding seats every time you stop or start the car! We cannot find any other SUV with this feature.

Jess

I cannot believe what I have just been reading here – Territory over the Kluger are you guys serious or Ford Salespersons??? I drove a Territory for a few months before driving a Kluger and just the thought of getting back into one makes me cringe… The handling is terrible you hit a small pot hole or bump and it sends you swerving down the road, and the brakes make it almost impossible to come to a smooth stop, not to mention it lacks the majority of features the Kluger has as standard and in my personal opinion the Kluger has a far better appearance.

Barney

Not to mention the Territory developing rattles faster than you can find them…. The cars are in two different leagues. Kluger is far superior in quality and that is worth consideration.

MJ

I dont understand the issue with the second row of seats in the Kluger. I have an 09 Grande and have 3 big baby seats in the second row. No worries. It was the only suv that could comfertably fit the 3 seats otherwise we would have had to replace the seats we had with compact models & even then would have been very very tight. I love my Kluger and would buy another without a second of hesitation. To those who are comparing Toyota’s to Kia’s….you get what you pay for.

Car Fanatic

Um, no it’s not. I’ve worked for Toyota and Mazda and the CX9 is more accommodating. The Kluger is a nice car but body roll is more pronounced than both CX9 and new Territory.

Many on here will know I’m not a big Ford fan, but we’ve driven the new Diesel Territory and it was so impressive we ordered one. The Golf still gets pride of place in the garage though.