2007 Toyota Kluger Reviews

A reputation for build quality and reliability keeps the Kluger at the soft-roader summit New As the long-reigning king of the off-roaders with its LandCruiser, it was only natural that Toyota should also be a leader when the new breed of soft-roaders hit the market. Even if portrayed as vehicles for all climes and

SUVs like the Toyota Kluger have replaced the station wagon as the   favourite transport for many families. Their appeal lies in their flexibility, size and perceived safety. Toyota has been one of the innovators in the SUV market with a number of models to suit all sizes and budgets.The Kluger is the mid-sized model aimed fairly and squarely as the average family. The Kluger was a close relative of the Camry and that's a pretty good way to look at it. Like the Camry it was conservatively styled, but does everything pretty well without being too outstanding in anything.Typically Toyota really. It carried up to seven and still had a bit of space for those things families seem to need to take with them when they hit the road. It had a capable all-wheel drive system, which was able to cope with most rough roads the average family adventurer would encounter. On the upper models there was an array of electronic helpers to keep you out of trouble in the rough stuff. Power came from a smooth 3.3-litre double overhead camshaft V6 with plenty of punch, and all models had a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.While it felt safe and sound it was a little vague on the road and felt disconnected from the driver. Off road the suspension soaked up the bumps with ease, and it was capable on bush tracks that upset other similar cars.Three models made up the Kluger range. The base CV had cloth trim and carpets, the CVX had leather, a sports steering wheel, powered driver's seat, and alloy wheels, while the Grande also had wood grain highlights.IN THE SHOPThere are no serious flaws in the Kluger; any problem will be unique to the individual car. It's important to check for signs of offroad use. Few will have been taken down anything more challenging than a gravel road, but it's best to be safe and check underneath.Look for sand blasting of the underbody, bent or dented brackets and fittings, and torn rubber boots and seals. Check for a service record to confirm the oil and filter have been changed regularly. The Kluger engine has a cam-timing belt that needs changing at around 150,000 km.IN A CRASHThe CV has dual front airbags, but the CVX and Grande had an array of   front and side airbags, plus traction control and stability control. It was enough to win a 4-star stamp from ANCAP. AT THE PUMP Toyota claimed the Kluger would average 12.3 L/100 km. The   recommended fuel was 91-octane regular unleaded, and E10 blend was approved.Toyota Kluger - 2003-2007Price new: $43,990 to $58,990Engine: 3.3-litre V6; 172 kW/328 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 12.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: CV, CVX, GrandeSafety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICTTypically bland Toyota looks hide competent, well-built family wagon.

There can be no doubt that Ford had an enormous impact on the SUV scene when it launched the Territory, so much so that other carmakers, such as Toyota, simply had to respond. One of the features of the Territory that drove sales was the option of two-wheel drive. Once dismissed as a silly idea the success of the two-paw Ford made others sit up and take notice.As a result the new Toyota Kluger unveiled in 2007 came with the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The reality of the market was that the SUV was being used as a replacement for the old station wagon, and all-wheel drive simply came as part of the package rather than a priority.The arrival of the front-wheel drive Kluger was hailed as the birth of a whole new car, at least by Toyota, who seemed to be claiming the idea as their own rather than a rip-off of Ford's.MODEL WATCHThe new Kluger was larger than the previous model, with a larger cabin, which matched or bettered the Territory in some dimensions. It also boasted more luggage space than the old model as well as a bigger third-row seat package.A larger, 3.5-litre V6 provided the power to the tune of 201kW and 337Nm, up 29 kW and 9 Nm. It was hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission; with final drive through either the front wheels or all four in the case of all-wheel drive models.The range kicked off with the KX-R and moved up through the KX-S to the Grande. At the lower end of the range the KX-R came standard with air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, ABS brakes and seven airbags.IN THE SHOPThe Kluger boasts the same quality of engineering and production as all Toyotas do, and despite some recent glitches, it stands up well in all ways. Make the usual checks to confirm routine servicing, which is the key to a long trouble free life on the road. Also check for offroad use, not that many Klugers go beyond the blacktop, but it's worth the check anyway.IN A CRASHANCAP awarded the Kluger five stars in recognition of its comprehensive array of safety gear, which included electronic stability control and ABS brakes, and front, head and side airbags.UNDER THE PUMPToyota claimed the front-wheel drive model would average 11.0L/100km, while the all-wheel drive model would return 11.6L/100km. When tested by CarsGuide the all-wheel drive Grande consumed 12.4L/100km.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $39,990 to $59,990Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 201 kW/337 NmTransmission: 5-speed automatic, front or all-wheel driveEconomy: 11.0 L/100 km (FWD), 11.6 L/100 km (AWD)Body: 5-door wagonVariants: KX-R base model, KX-S, Grande Safety: 5-star ANCAPVERDICTHigh ride and handsome, the Kluger is rightly a firm family favourite.

Hill descent control is one of those electronic driver aids, increasingly common on SUVs, designed to take the guesswork out of off-roading. Judicious use of the brakes or low-range gears are needed to stop a vehicle running away dangerously on a steep slope. Hill descent systems do the braking for you.Every four-wheel drive is different, though, and the first time I nudge one to the point of no return on a challenging descent, HDC button pressed, I instinctively hover one foot over the brake pedal just in case.At the launch of the new Toyota Kluger at a 4WD park in Victoria early this week, I need not have worried. The second version for Australia of this mid-size SUV handled the rocky declines just as easily as it climbed the muddy inclines. Philosophically, it's from the soccer mum end of the market, but gizmos engaged, nerves were rapidly calmed.The Ford Territory is another SUV designed very much with school runs in mind and it also offers hill descent control.However, an electronic system isn't much use when you're careering down a sales slope. Since its brief heyday in 2005, the Territory has been suffering. Last year, as rising fuel prices scared buyers away from large vehicles, sales fell 22 per cent. Since then, the mid-size SUV segment has recovered strongly but the Territory has not. To the end of July it's down a further 7 per cent.The Ford SUV has clung onto segment leadership while losing sales to new entrants like the Holden Captiva. But the Kluger, backed by the impressive marketing might of Toyota, it has the potential to accelerate the Territory's descent and steal its crown. This week's presentations were explicit about Toyota's intention to take on the locally built Ford. “We have a very simple goal,” said sales and marketing chief David Buttner, “to maximise sales in the medium SUV market.”At $39,990 the Kluger range begins with a price disadvantage of $2000 against the cheapest Territory, but the Toyota product has been aimed with extreme accuracy at its target market. The Kluger can match the seven-seat capacity of the Territory and has an equipment list calibrated like a telescopic sight.Toyota has done its homework and knows the importance of safety features on the school run, so the Kluger has lots of them, all standard. It even introduces something I was surprised to learn had yet to appear in a Toyota; active headrests to prevent whiplash.Toyota knows that fuel thirst is a Territory weakness and so the Kluger is more economical to run, by more than one litre per 100km. It also comes with three years of fixed-price servicing.Needless to add, the new Kluger is bigger, more powerful and better equipped than the previous model. It lacks a diesel engine in the range, but so does the Ford.If you want one of those, then Toyota has the Prado, a more expensive, traditional mid-size off-roader.But all the sales action these days is in crossovers and the most significant move by Toyota is to borrow Ford's approach in making four-wheel drive an option on an SUV. The standard Kluger, like the standard Territory, puts power to the tarmac via only two of its wheels.Toyota expects the availability of a 2WD version to bring plenty of extra buyers to the badge. One executive forecast volumes at least quadruple the current running rate of 300 a month. At that level, the Kluger is edging into Territory territory. And you know when Toyota is willing to talk numbers, then its expectations are higher. The mid-size SUV segment is one of the few it doesn't lead.Toyota describes the Kluger as effectively an Aurion wagon, referring to the company's locally built large car. Although the two vehicles don't share any sheet metal, they both employ the same platform engineering and 3.5-litre V6 engine. With Toyota's global bodyline production system, the Kluger could be built on the same assembly lines in Melbourne which make Aurion and Camry.Although Toyota denies it, the possibility that the Kluger could be built at its Melbourne plant must figure in its thinking. At the moment, the Kluger is mainly a US market car, built in right-hand drive solely for Australia.Making it here would help fulfil many of Toyota Australia's production goals and its belief it needs a third model to secure its future. Supplying untapped right-hand drive export markets from Australia could make Kluger volumes viable.Right now though, it threatens to take sales from the Ford Territory just when Ford needs them more than ever to keep its Melbourne plant busy. The Territory is struggling at the showroom, but Ford's locally built Falcon, Fairlane and Ute are hurting even more.Success for the Kluger and the chance to build it here could come at the price of yet more pain for Ford.

Toyota has a knack of making drivers feel totally in control of its cars within minutes of taking the wheel. Such is the case with the new Kluger Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) due here in August at an as yet unannounced price.New Kluger replaces a popular model that rang a bell with family buyers. It's forged a place as the practical new family wagon and sold up a storm as a result despite styling that could be described as being rather pedestrian.It's bigger, better, bolder and offers five or seven seats depending on the model. Toyota execs remained tight lipped about the price and model lineup at a US preview of the new Kluger last week but there will probably be three grades and it will be highly unlikely to be a big step up in price compared to the existing model.Here's the big news.It will also be available in two wheel drive (front wheel drive) to counter the popular Ford Territory 2WD, at a price that will reflect a less sophisticated drive train.This alone will make new Kluger a strong contender in the medium SUV segment.All models are built on a Camry-derived platform and run the 3.5-litre, petrol V6 engine from Aurion and Tarago. It features variable valve timing and will kick out about the same amount of power as Aurion – 200kW making Kluger the most powerful medium SUV on the market.The constant all wheel drive system is similar to existing Kluger, refined and enhanced on the new model but there is no low range transfer case. Surprisingly, Kluger is a fairly handy tool off road as long as you don't expect too much.A five speed automatic transmission will be standard across the range offering sequential gear change mode.Built in Japan, new Kluger fits between RAV4 and Prado and boasts some impressive safety credentials, such as seven air bags and Toyota's version of stability control called VSC on all models.The VSC system is not only linked to the brakes and engine but also has an effect on steering in a skid situation.All Aussie models have electric power steering and a rear view camera, 17 inch alloy wheels with optional 19 inch on models that don't have them as standard.The body has ample room for seven thanks to 75mm more wheelbase and a design that features a short bonnet/large passenger compartment.Access to the third row of seats is facilitated by a removable centre second row seat.The spare is full size.As is the case with all Toyota's sold in Australia, significant local input has been used on suspension set-up and engine cooling.It is likely we will also see hill descent control and hill start assist on the local model.On the road, new Kluger is an impressive beast with plenty of performance despite weighing in at around 1800kg.It is smooth and powerful and the new five speed auto is silky smooth.The ride is supple and controlled and it is whisper quiet at highway speed.Some models will be equipped with high-end audio including a sub-woofer which sounds superb. The Kluger is easy to drive and is full of practical features including more drink holders than I could count, multi-adjustable driving position and opening tailgate glass.The interior has a generic Toyota look that's easy on the eye and simple to use.When it arrives, Kluger will be well specced for the money and comes in some striking new colours. 

Toyota has been king of the 4WD market in Australia for decades. Some models, such as the best-selling LandCruiser, are synonymous with offroading in this country and the staple transport of many country folks.In recent years Cruisers have often become part of the suburban scene as well. However, they are truck-like in some respects and many suburban dwellers look for something softer, though still with a degree of toughness in looks and physical makeup.Enter, in late 2003, the Toyota Kluger. Slightly smaller than the traditional LandCruiser but still capable of carrying seven people, provided two of them are child-size, Kluger has more offroad ability than most owners will ever need.Based on the front-drive Toyota Camry, and a close cousin of the recently introduced Lexus RX330, the Kluger is a large, conservatively styled station wagon that performs almost as well as a conventional wagon in on-road conditions but is aimed at those who don't actually want a 4WD but rather the macho looks and practical interior space they provide.Cynics may laugh at vehicles like this but Toyota is merely being pragmatic in providing a tough-looking people-mover. And sales figures confirm Toyota has hit the nail on the head because it has been a winner here since the day it arrived. So there is already a good number on the used-4WD market.The limiting factor of the Kluger by 4WD standards is poor ground clearance. Kluger ride height is about halfway between that of a normal 4WD and a passenger car.However, the 4WD system is a good one that gives the Kluger good grip on slippery dirt roads so you can do some off-the-beaten-track running with little risk of getting stuck.But beach driving should be attempted only if the sand is reasonably firm as deep ruts can get the Toyota bogged down to its belly.Because of the lower ground clearance, ride comfort is good and Kluger's suspension soaks up typical Australian bush roads well.Handling on-road is better than average for the class. Interior noise levels are well suppressed almost to passenger car standards, because there's some Lexus in every Kluger — the two share a fair bit of underbody gear.Kluger can carry four adults and three children in comfort. The rear seat has a 60/40 split and slides backwards and forwards depending on how much passenger/luggage space you require. Rear-seat legroom with it pushed all the way rearwards is impressive.The front seat backrests can be folded back at right angles to make a not-very-comfortable emergency bed.The rearmost seat row is an optional extra that folds completely out of sight. When you buy a Kluger as a five-seater you get handy underfloor luggage spots. Build quality is good and, although relatively new to the Australian market, the Kluger looks set to have a long and trouble-free life.Toyota's dealer network is legendary in Australia for its reach and competence. Though not all outback dealerships will carry spare parts for the Kluger, they can generally get bits freighted to them within a day or so.Spare parts prices are about average for this class and we have heard of no complaints about availability.Underbonnet space is good and the competent home mechanic should be able to do routine servicing and maintenance work.As always, leave safety-related items to experts. And we recommend having a workshop manual on standby before you pick up the first spanner.Insurance costs are reasonable for a vehicle in this class. The fact that Kluger is really regarded as a car by virtually all owners certainly stands it in good stead in this area.UNDER THE BONNETPower comes from a 3.3-litre twin-cam V6 engine with plenty of grunt, even in the low-to-mid-range areas.At this stage the Kluger's engine hasn't been upgraded to the 3.5-litre engine seen in the Lexus RX350, but we expect that will be only a matter of time.The Kluger five-speed automatic is a sophisticated unit that's smooth and intelligent in its operation. It's easy to use it manually, though it's not a full sequential transmission in the modern mode.As befits a relatively upmarket passenger car, there's no option of a manual gearbox.DANGER SIGNSKluger's still quite new on the market, so there's no real history of problems at this stage, nor do we expect any.Be sure the engine starts within a second or so of you turning the key, and that it settles into a steady idle immediately it kicks over.Check that an automatic transmission doesn't hunt up and down through the gears and doesn't hold onto too high a gear when it should change down.Look over the body for signs of crash repairs. Examine the underbody for damage. The most likely areas to suffer are the bumper corners and the door sills. So few are taken into real offroad conditions that it's probably best to pass up on one that has.