Toyota Kluger 2014 Review

Australians love their SUVs, and the Kluger is a prime example of why they’ve become the default choice for many who previously bought family cars like long-discontinued Camry and Falcon wagons.

First, this versatile large crossover offers more interior space and a better view of the road than an equivalently sized and priced sedan or wagon.

Second, because it’s based on a car-style one-piece chassis, there’s a high level of refinement, safety and performance, with a relatively small trade-off in terms of weight and therefore handling and efficiency.

The third-generation Kluger improves on its predecessor in all key areas, even if kerb weight rises a substantial 100kg at base level (now 1935kg), largely because it’s longer, wider and roomier inside – especially in the third-row and cargo area.

Yet it’s between seven and nine per cent more economical, with base models now consuming 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined) and all-wheel drive versions drinking 10.6L/100km (ADR Combined), despite tipping the scales at between 2005 and 2065kg.

The Kluger GXL 2WD we drove fairly spiritedly two-up with luggage over an extended mix of twisty rural and straight highway roads averaged a relatively frugal 12.5L/100km.

Much of the extra efficiency comes from a smarter, smoother new six-speed automatic transmission to replace the old model’s five-speed unit, and a new part-time all-wheel drive system, although the refined 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine remains unchanged.

There’s also a new electric power steering system that, combined with a stiffer body and redesigned trailing-arm/double-wishbone rear suspension (which liberates more boot space and still accommodates an under-floor full-size spare), brings improved ride and handling.

The new Kluger body feels tauter and much more controlled on the road, despite delivering good ride quality on the flagship Grande’s 19-inch wheels and excellent compliance on the 18s fitted to lesser variants.

Similarly, the new steering offers more precision and perhaps more feedback than before, but lacks self-centring, displays some kickback over bumps and, in front-drive models, a degree of torque steer under hard acceleration in lower gears.

However, 2WD models are not only more efficient but, according to official figures, four-tenths quicker to 100km/h (8.3 seconds), while offering the same bold new look and 200mm of ground clearance as AWD models.

All new Klugers take a step up in terms of cabin space, storage, quality, finish and noise suppression, with a more upmarket dashboard design and soft surfaces covering all touch points and the dash.

There’s a handy under-dash tray, large roll-top centre console large enough to store a handbag and more stretching space for all occupants – especially those in the third-row, which is easier to access and offers a more natural seating position but remains a kids-only zone – although the front passenger seat is tall and not adjustable for height.

Boot space increases from 149 to 195 litres (in seven-seat mode), increasing to 529 litres (more than a Camry) with the third-row of seats folded down, and 1171 litres with the centre-row stowed.

Perhaps more importantly is the value equation of the new Kluger, which continues to be available with a single V6 automatic powertrain offered across three equipment grades, each in 2WD and AWD guise.

Unlike the Ford Territory, no diesel option is available (Prado fills that role for Toyota) and the Kluger will not be offered here with a hybrid drivetrain, as will Nissan’s Pathfinder. Both are key rivals – as are Holden’s Captiva 7, Hyundai’s Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento – and continue to be priced from under $40,000.

As we outlined in a more detailed product news story, seven seats are now standard across the range, but base pricing increases by $500 to $40,990 (plus on-road costs, and after a previous $500 price hike from $39,990 plus ORCs last May).

Nevertheless, Toyota says the base Kluger GX 2WD offers $2000 of extra value over the Kluger KX-R 2WD it replaces, including seven seats, rear parking sensors, 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and display audio, yet costs $2200 less.

All models also come with seven airbags, a reversing camera, air-conditioning, cruise control, 3.5-inch mono-screen trip computer, tilting/telescoping multi-function steering wheel, foglights, privacy glass, automatic headlights, six-speaker 6.1-inch colour touch-screen audio with Toyota Link multimedia and AUX/USB inputs, power mirrors/windows and a ‘conversation’ mirror.

Similarly, the mid-range GXL 2WD is said to offer $1000 of extra equipment over the KX-S it replaces, including keyless entry/starting, but is priced $1500 lower than before at $49,990 (plus ORCs). It offers extra features like three-zone climate-control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, leather-accented seats, heated front seats, roof rails and a premium steering wheel and gear shifter.

The top-shelf Kluger Grande 2WD offers a claimed $7700 more value than before – including LED headlights with automatic high-beam – but costs $500 less than before at $63,990 (plus ORCs).

Other exclusive Grande features include 19-inch alloys, a powered tailgate with glass hatch, sunroof, all-auto up/down windows, heated/memory wing mirrors with puddle lamps, two-position driver’s seat memory, eight-inch audio display, satellite-navigation, digital radio, colour 4.2-inch trip computer display, nine-inch rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player, second-row  retractable sunshades, ambient door and instrument lighting, woodgrain dash trim and an electro-chromatic interior mirror.

All-wheel drive adds $4000 to the price of all three model grades, bringing the drive-away price of the full-house Kluger Grande AWD to more than $70,000.

Significantly, the Grande flagship also offers a suite of new driver safety aids, including active cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision preparation.

These features are not available on any other model, nor is navigation, while automatic wipers are likewise AWOL. Oh, and the Kluger persists with a foot-operated parking brake where many in the class have now moved to an electronic arrangement.

Those shortcomings aside, the bigger, roomier, quieter, more efficient, more dynamic and better equipped new Kluger ticks all the boxes, even if it’s still not as accomplished as the Territory when it comes to handling.

Indeed, strong demand in the US – where Australia’s Kluger is now produced – could be the only thing preventing this being the most popular Kluger ever.

2014 Toyota Kluger GXL 2WD pricing and specifications:
Price: $49,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 201kW/337Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 237g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA