2014 Toyota Kluger | new car sales price

Toyota has rationalised the line-up for the new Kluger, with the SUV now available only in a seven-seat version across three trim levels. The Kluger kicks off with the GX for $40,990, followed by the $49,990 GX-L and the $63,990 Grande on the top shelf.

Prices have shifted in both directions, with the entry level dropping $2200 from the previous cheapest seven-seater and the GXL coming down $1500, but the top-spec Grande asking $3355 more than the outgoing model, although Toyota says it gets more than $7000 worth of extra equipment.

All models are powered by the carry-over 3.5-litre petrol V6 that develops 201kW at 6200rpm and 337Nm at 4700rpm, mated to a six-speed auto -- one cog up on the predecessor -- driving the front wheels as standard and all four wheels as a $4000 option across all trim levels.

Toyota is claiming fuel economy of 10.2L/100km for the front-drive versions and 10.6L/100km for the all-paw, which are improvements of 7.2 per cent and 8.0 per cent respectively. Towing capacity remains 2000kg braked and 700kg unbraked.

Toyota Australia had input into the electronic power steering and suspension set-up -- including a new double-wishbone rear, with localised rear spring rates and recalibrated dampers.

DIMENSIONS

The Kluger has grown 80mm longer and 15mm wider, which Toyota says offers more cabin space and easier entry to reach the third row -- where shoulder room has increased by 110mm -- while the luggage area has also expanded 49 litres, to offer 529 litres with the third row folded and 1171 litres with the second row also dropped, pulling back to 195 litres if all seats are up.

FEATURES

The GX standard list includes 6.1-inch screen infotainment system, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a comprehensive safety list with stability and traction control, hill start, and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The GXL gets all that plus leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, premium steering wheel, three-zone climate control airconditioning, and roof rails.

The Grande ups the alloy wheels to 19-inch, the headlights to projector LED clusters with automatic high beam, and the infotainment screen to 8-inch with satnav and digital radio. It also gets a 9-inch rear display with Blu-Ray DVD, moonroof, ventilated front seats and a powered tailgate.

The safety arsenal in the top spec is expanded with active cruise control, blind sport monitoring, lane-keeping assist and a pre-collision system.

2014 Toyota Kluger Australian prices (plus on-road costs)

Kluger GX 2WD - $40,990
Kluger GX AWD - $44,990
Kluger GXL 2WD – $49,990
Kluger GXL AWD - $53,990
Kluger Grande 2WD - $63,990
Kluger Grande AWD - $67,990

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott