Full details: Toyota's next Kluger
New Kluger goes on sale in North America, from where Australia's version will come in early 2014Toyota’s third-generation Kluger has gone on sale in North America, just a few months before Australia’s version arrives here early next year.
As we reported when it was revealed at the New York motor show in April, production of the MkIII Kluger – known as the Highlander in the US – will switch from Japan to Indiana, which will become the sole location for right-hand drive Kluger production.
Left- and right-hand drive production of the MkIII Kluger begins in the US early next month. The redesigned five-door wagon will be available in the US from January with eight seats and a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
Neither of those options will be available in Australia and nor will diesel power, with the top-selling Prado to remain Toyota’s diesel mainstay in the large SUV segment.
Australian specifications are yet to be announced, but in the US the new Highlander will be available in four equipment grades -- LE, LE Plus, XLE and Limited – powered by a carryover 3.5-litre petrol V6 driving all four wheels.
The entry-level LE will also be available with a new 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powering the front wheels and also matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for the latter rises marginally to $US30,215 plus on-road costs, and a similar model could replace the base variant of Australia’s outgoing Kluger range, the 3.5 KX-R auto ($40,490 plus ORCs).
North America’s base LE grade comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, reversing camera, eight seats, air-conditioning, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, an extra-large roll-top centre console and an in-dash shelf with power and USB ports.
LE Plus models add fog lights, an adjustable-height power rear tailgate and flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, three-zone automatic climate-control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshifter.
The XLE grade adds push-button starting, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, roof rails, a tilt/slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, premium audio with navigation, App Suite and an eight-inch touch-screen display. Options include second-row captain’s chairs and a rear-seat Blu-ray DVD entertainment system.
In addition, the Limited flagship grade offers 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat and premium JBL audio.
Limited grade options include a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and heated, perforated leather-trimmed second-row captain’s chairs.
An optional Driver Technology Package includes Safety Connect (including Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and subscription-based Automatic Collision Notification), plus Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beam Headlights.
Standard safety items across the range include eight airbags, traction/stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, a reversing camera and hill-start assist, while WD models come with an AWD LOCK switch.
Significantly larger inside but only marginally bigger overall, the new Kluger measures 4850mm, 1925mm wide, 1730mm wide and rides on a 2790mm wheelbase.
It also features retuned electric power steering and MacPherson strut front suspension, plus extra spot welds to increase body rigidity.
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