Kluger Show's Toyota's SUV Strengths
Toyota's SUV lineup is formidable and in the mid-size market segment the domination is clear with Prado and Kluger models accounting for more than 36 per cent of total sales - ahead of the Holden Captiva and Ford Territory.
While Prado has the reputation for tough off-road ability and provides a slightly greater towing capacity, Kluger delivers for families who love its car-like look and station wagon practicality.
Priced from $47,670, the Kluger's popularity is evident should you visit any school or kindergarten at drop-off/pickup time.
What You Get
Car Showroom secured a range-topping Kluger Grande for our week-long test routine (Grande models are priced from $77,090); we've done lots of miles in various Klugers and it was clear from the get-go the latest second generation model presents a huge advance over its predecessor.
Larger, roomier, more powerful and more refined, the Kluger - five seat or seven seat, two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive - stands out with its massive list of standard specifications, abundant technology and all-round ability.
With seven airbags and a reversing camera standard across the range, Toyota says the Kluger provides the widest range of safety features in the mid-size SUV segment … and that sure is important for family buyers.
Under The Hood
Kluger shares its V6 powerplant with the Tarago and locally built Aurion sedan. The 3.5-litre Quad Cam delivers 201kW of power and 337Nm of torque.
It's a 60-degree V6 with Toyota's VVT-i - intelligent variable valve timing to boost performance in low to mid-range acceleration (where most of us drive most of the time).
Drive is via a five-speed automatic with a sequential manual shift mode. There are different versions of the transmission for two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models.
Kluger runs on 91RON unleaded and consumes 11.0l/100kms.
The Interior
Inside the Kluger Grande is bursting with luxury appointments, high-tech driver aids and entertainment - making it a very pleasant place to be. In fact with so much leather, subtle wood and chrome trim finishes, the satellite navigation screen and rear seat DVD, the name 'Lexus' springs to mind.
Packaging is very smart. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation Kluger is 95mm longer overall and the wheelbase is 75 mm longer - but the interior length has grown by 105mm. Rear seat legroom is significantly better than the previous generation and is amongst the best in the mid-size SUV segment.
The second row seats are clever. They slide for load-carrying versatility and you can remove the center seat to transform that row into two individual 'captain's chairs' with inner armrests.
Junior members of the Car Showroom team were comfortable in their child/booster seats and loved the large format roof-mounted DVD screen with remote control.
With electronic seat adjustment and a steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, the driving position is good and all-round visibility is on par with similar SUVs (the reversing camera is excellent). Kluger was the first Toyota in Australia to feature active front seat head restraints.
Instrumentation is typically Toyota - a traditional layout with nice colour graphics. The audio system is an AVN four-CD changer with Bluetooth compatibility.
Safety features are comprehensive including ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control with steering assist, Traction Control and Hill-Start Assist Control.
Exterior & Styling
While not as heavy duty in appearance as the Prado and 'Cruiser, the Kluger now has a determined on-road presence - much more substantial than the previous generation's somewhat bland styling. This starts at the front with the new Toyota family trademark large SUV grille (chrome on the Grande we tested).
All models now have a two-piece tailgate with the glass opening separately when required. Combined with keyless 'smart entry' on the Grande, we loaded the Kluger in heavy rain without complaint.
Flared fenders over the wheel arches contribute to Kluger's substantial look and the 19-inch alloy wheels on the Grande model add further strength to a contemporary but not intimidating look.
On The Road
Toyota's 201kW/337Nm 3.5-litre V6 gets the job done and is nicely mated to the intelligent five-speed automatic. Certainly not as dynamic as the Europeans (X5, M-Class, Touareg, Q7), the Kluger is still responsive around town and snicks to a lower gear precisely for rapid freeway overtaking.
Driver aids are numerous including Toyota's Vehicle Control Management System (VCMS) and Driver Assist Technology (DAT).
There is also Vehicle Stability Control which, for example, uses yaw sensors to detect understeer and applies the front brakes and inner rear brakes to steady things down.
In slippery or off-road situations, further technological aids such as Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) help in arduous going.
In normal driving the Kluger is a delight - responsive and refined. Female members of the Car Showroom commented on its easy maneuverability and visibility when parking.
Challenges
Over our high-speed mountain test route we did find the Kluger a tad too remote in its feedback (compared to European segment rivals) and the cut-in of the VSC was a little abrupt.
Verdict
With a lineup boasting RAV, Kluger, Prado and LandCruiser you'd think there would be a weak link in the Toyota chain…but there isn't. The Kluger succeeds with its handy entry price ($41,490), extensive standard equipment and spacious, versatile interior.
In the case of the range-topping Grande model we tested you can add substantial luxury features and refinement.
The Competition
Again it's a 'who's who' taking on the Kluger in the ultra-competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Ford Territory and Holden Captiva are staking strong claims - both are handily priced and offer a diesel alternative that the Kluger doesn't. Nissan's Murano is a stylish alternative and Mitsubishi's Outlander just had a face lift worth a look.
The Europeans are the segment's star attractions but, requiring considerably more coin, they do emphasize the Kluger's value-for-money equation.
Likes
Feature-packed; versatile interior; value
Dislikes
High-speed handling a little remote
