Buying a used Toyota Kluger (2007-2012)

There are off-roaders and soft-roaders and somewhere in the middle vehicles like the Toyota Kluger. Big and imposing with room for all the family plus Nan and Pop, the Kluger hammered yet another nail into the coffin of large, conventional passenger cars.

For a while after its 2003 release, the Toyota Kluger lacked a genuine competitor but then along came Ford's Territory to threaten sales of the higher-priced Toyota. Threaten? Not when you're a global car-making powerhouse and can just grab a two-wheel drive version (which had been available elsewhere since 2001) to blunt any challenge posed by the upstart Aussie Ford.

The revamped Kluger that reached Australian roads late in 2007 subscribed to the adage 'if it aint broke, just improve it'. Most obvious among the GSU Series' changes was the availability of full-time front-wheel drive in addition to sensor-activated 4WD.

A significantly revised design added 75mm to the wheelbase and was 85mm wider. Revamping the internal structure improved overall torsional strength and contributed to a quieter on-road environment. However it did add around 60kg to the Kluger's already significant weight.

The lowest-spec 4WD model now exceeded 1900kg and in Grande form the updated Toyota easily exceeded two tonnes. Countering the increase in bulk was a 3.5-litre engine replacing the 3.3 and delivering a substantial 29kW power increase.

Revising the range included some renaming as well. The entry-level CV became the KX-R; available in five or seven seat form. GSU40R in the model ID denoted two-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive versions identified by GSU45R. Replacing the previous CVX was a KX-S version but the range-topping Grande retained its prestigious title.

At the bottom of the Kluger price pile was the five-seat, two wheel-drive KX-R. At $39,990 it cost $2000 more than the recently-repriced Ford Territory TX but countered with the more powerful engine and a five-speed transmission. Included were 17-inch alloys, a six CD stacker, reversing camera, stability control and air-bags everywhere.

Increasing the seating capacity to seven tacked $2500 onto the KX-R asking price, or you could jump $10,000 to the loaded and luxurious KX-S 4x4. Inside these were leather-trimmed seats - power adjustable at the front, keyless entry with push-button start, a big sunroof and in-dash display with reversing camera. Strangely, none of the early GSU-series Klugers came with parking sensors.

For 2009 Toyota added some extra value by introducing the first of its Altitude models to the Kluger line-up. At $45,490 for the two-wheel drive and $49,990 with all of the wheels driving it cost more than later Altitudes but extras including 19-inch wheels, six-CD music, an electric sunroof, rear spoiler and dual zone air-conditioning made it a popular choice with buyers.

Updating the Kluger in late 2011 gave Toyota a chance to further improve its market position. The KX-R at $39,990 got a boost to its equipment but the big winner was the KX-S with leather seat trim, a new sound system and dash display all while keeping the cost of a 4x4 below $45,000.

On the road in a used Toyota Kluger

On The Road
The second generation Kluger might have packed on some pork but it certainly isn't lazy. The 2GR-FE engine is shared among a long list of Toyota and Lexus applications and in the form we see here produces 201kW on a diet of 91 octane fuel.  With peak power arriving at 6200rpm and torque at around 4500rpm this is a runner not a slogger though and you need to rev the V6 to ensure it gives its best.

When you do, the Kluger bolts for the horizon in a big way. Road tests revealed the 2WD would hit 100km/h from zero in 7.9 seconds and even the bulky Grange feels racy when you flick the sequential shifter back a couple of notches.

More bulk demanded improvements to the already excellent four-coil suspension and uprated brakes as well. The 28mm thick discs were now 21mm larger in diameter than previously.

Ride quality on bumpy sealed surfaces is good if a little pitchy and all-wheel drive versions are competent on well-groomed gravel . Ground clearance increased but lack of suspension travel and the single-range transmission still limit where these vehicles can safely be taken off-road.

Owners of versions with 19-inch wheels need to be particularly careful as those 55 Series tyres don't cushion the rims especially well and are costly to replace. A full-sized spare is supplied with all Klugers, so you can travel with some confidence to remote regions where replacement tyres are scarce.  Hill-descent assist is standard on 4WD versions.

Unless you need to regularly travel on unsealed roads then front-drive versions which were designed for North American conditions will work just fine.

Leather used in higher-end Klugers is of good quality and looks durable. It is hard to find a recent model on offer with really tatty trim. The front seats were reshaped but still feel flat. They also lack the lateral grip available in cloth-trimmed versions. If you intend travelling a lot on undulating tracks or are exuberant in your cornering style, perhaps avoid a leather-equipped Kluger.

Those using the ‘middle’ bench in seven-seat versions will enjoy decent support and legroom. The ‘occasional’ seat that hides under the luggage area floor is a tight fit for adults but reasonably comfy for younger occupants.  Child-seat mounting points are easy to reach and both rear seats can be folded to provide a huge load-space. The retracting rear window is a useful feature.

Fuel consumption even with around two tonnes to haul isn't especially awful.  Highway driving in optimum conditions will see the tank drain at around 11L/100km and only in stop-start city slogging will it rise above 15L/100km. Light tow loads like a jet-ski or bike trailer won't trouble the V6 or greatly affect fuel use but hook a big van on behind and the engine with its tall torque curve will be asking for frequent fuel stops.

Safety in a vehicle that will most likely be used as family transport is vital and you won't find many this size that provide better crash-avoidance systems or occupant protection. All Klugers have ABS, Stability and Traction Control (plus 4WD if you want) and at least seven air-bags with eight sensors.

WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) technology uses a shock absorber in the seat base linked by cable to move the head-rest so it contacts the occupant's head more snugly the instant an impact is detected.

Auto Inspect, specialists in motor vehicle pre-purchase inspections, have this to say about the Kluger:

"No stand out faults. Inspection comments are mainly noting general wear to interior components, previous panel repairs and normal wear items (brakes, tyres, etc). A couple of notes relate to noisy driver's power windows." Well-maintained Klugers normally display few problems.

Other areas to consider before sending a vehicle for professional evaluation include:
>> Underbody damage, especially the front stone-tray, sills and spare wheel carrier

>> The front drive-shaft boots which may be dry, torn and leaking lubricant. Dirt or sand in the joints can cause rapid wear and failure of the shaft. Look at brake rotors for scoring that will mean imminent replacement and the exhaust for damage due to careless off-roading.

>> Leather trim in early versions can by now be looking shabby unless it has been kept clean and well fed with a quality conditioner. If a car is showing noticeable trim wear you can pretty much guarantee that maintenance in other areas has also been neglected.

Used vehicle grading for a Toyota Kluger
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 15/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 11/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
SCORE: 66/100

Also Consider: Ford Territory, Mazda CX-9, Jeep Grand Cherokee