Affordable seven-seat SUVs are getting harder to come by after Mazda dumped its CX-9 and CX-8 but Toyota’s Kluger is one of the more appealing options.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Toyota Kluger.
VALUE
Toyota’s Kluger range kicks off at about $56,500 drive-away for the two-wheel drive GX tested here.
This is about $5000 more than entry-level alternatives from Kia and Hyundai.
Prices rise to $66,500 for the mid-tier GXL and $79,000 for the full-fruit Grande.
You can add all-wheel drive grip for $4000 more and fuel-sipping hybrid power for another $2500 across the range.
Toyota recently updated the Kluger and ditched the thirsty non-turbo V6 petrol engine in favour of a grunty 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol.
Hybrid models use the tried and tested 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with three electric motors and a small battery.
Our Kluger GX had a small eight-inch touchscreen while the other grades score a bigger 12.3-inch display. The GX also misses out on a 12.3-inch digital driver display found in the Grande. It has a mix of analog dials and a small low-res information screen.
Toyota backs its vehicles with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and servicing is cheap at $1325 over five years.
Resale is another strong point. The Kluger holds onto its value better than rivals.
COMFORT
The GX’s cabin isn’t swimming in standard equipment but it has everything you are likely to need.
Cloth wrapped seats are comfortable and manually adjustable. You sit high above the traffic and have excellent forward vision.
Toyota has used plenty of hard wearing plastics to keep the price down but there are some nice touches including a faux-leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, a soft-touch dashboard and oodles of storage compartments including cup holders in the third row.
In typical Toyota fashion the layout is practical with easy to reach climate buttons and steering wheel controls that are very user friendly.
The second-row seats fold forward with a single touch to grant access to the third row.
It’s tight in the final pew for adults and taller teens but the second row can slide forward to liberate more leg room.
All three rows have their own airconditioning vents, which will keep the kids happy on longer trips. There are five USB charging ports covering the two front rows.
Soft suspension cushions passengers against bumps and lumps of all sizes making for a comfortable commute. It’s quiet too, with only minimal engine and road noise entering the cabin.
SAFETY
This is a family car and Toyota has made safety a top priority.
It’ll automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with another car and it’ll sound the alarm if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse as well as warn you if a vehicle is in your blind spot.
There are seven airbags and the Kluger performed strongly for adult and child protection in independent crash tests.
DRIVING
The Kluger is no dynamic masterpiece but it’s adept at lugging crowds around in comfort and safety.
The turbo engine has less power than the V6 but more torque delivered lower in the rev range, which makes it feel more responsive.
The soft suspension setup means it handles pockmarked roads with poise but is less convincing through corners, leaning and pitching when asked to change direction quickly.
Steering is well weighted but on the slower side, which can make it feel cumbersome.
You’ll need to pay attention when navigating tight spaces, as it’s a big car.
It’s relatively efficient, drinking a claimed 8.3L/100km compared to the old V6’s 8.7L/100km. It only requires the cheapest unleaded petrol too.
ALTERNATIVES
Kia Sorento S, from $50,790 drive-away
Thirsty V6 engine isn’t as refined but it’s cheaper and has a seven year warranty.
Hyundai Santa Fe, from about $50,500 drive-away
Mechanically identical to the Kia but a new model is on the way so there are deals to be had.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life, from about $51,600
Sharp driving SUV that is smaller but surprisingly roomy. Third row only suitable for part time use.
VERDICT
Three and a half stars
The Kluger shines brightest in its cheapest form and it’s worth going for hybrid power if you can stretch the budget.
TOYOTA KLUGER GX TURBO
PRICE From about $56,500 drive-away
ENGINE 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 198kW and 400Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1325 over five years
SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and radar cruise control
THIRST 8.3L/100km
SPARE Full size
LUGGAGE 552-litres